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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Lifestyle
Lee Grimsditch

Rare throwback photos of rock café that's welcomed One Direction, Oasis and the Beckhams

It's hard to believe as to what's now become an institution, but Manchester's Hard Rock Cafe first opened in the city more than 20 years ago.

Manchester's long and impressive music history made the city an obvious choice as a home for the Hard Rock Cafe after the very first branch opened in London in 1971. It was launched by two US expats who wanted to create a place that sold the ultimate American burger.

What started as a small venture soon became a popular haunt for musicians including Eric Clapton. One day, Clapton asked one of the owners to hang his guitar over his favourite bar stool to "mark his spot".

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