Staff left uncertain after apparent closure of Hard Rock Café Glasgow

The Hard Rock Café in Glasgow appears to have closed suddenly, leaving staff uncertain about the future of their jobs.

A statement on the music-themed restaurant’s website reads: “Hard Rock Café Glasgow will not be operating today. We apologise for the inconvenience.”

Trade union Unite Hospitality said it was supporting workers after the restaurant closed “with immediate effect” on Tuesday.

It is unclear how many staff members may have lost their jobs.

Bryan Simpson, lead organiser of Unite Hospitality, said: “The way in which workers at Hard Rock Café in Glasgow have been treated is morally reprehensible and almost certainly unlawful.

“For so many workers to be given so little notice is outrageous and a clear breach of well-established employment law.

“We will be doing everything in our power to support our members at Hard Rock to ensure they are paid everything they are entitled to.”

An agency which organises live music shows at the Hard Rock Café Glasgow said anyone who had tickets to events at the restaurant would be offered a refund.

In a post on Facebook, Shock City Productions said: “Obviously it looks like the Hard Rock Café Glasgow has closed. All shows as much as possible will be moved where we can to other venues.

“As stated before our hearts go out to all the great staff we worked with at the venue. Please help by bearing with us to sort this out.”

The first Hard Rock Café, which is decorated with rock ‘n’ roll memorabilia, opened in London near Hyde Park in 1971. The brand has expanded to seven UK locations across Manchester, Newcastle, York, and Glasgow and more than 60 locations worldwide.

Hard Rock Café Glasgow opened in 2013 in the historic Athenaeum Theatre building, which dates to 1893.

London’s only Hard Rock Hotel near Marble Arch closed down in 2023 after four years of trading and the property relaunched as the Cumberland hotel.

Hard Rock International said in a statement: "We regret the Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow, located at 179 Buchanan Street, will not be operating at this time, but we continue to welcome our valued guests at the Hard Rock Cafe Edinburgh, located at 20 George Street in Edinburgh, Edinburgh EH2, 2PF."

Image: helloijan / Shutterstock