Hard Rock Cafe Teams Up with Pete Tong DJ Academy for Exclusive DJ Sessions
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Hard Rock Cafe is starting 2025 with a bang through an exciting partnership with the Pete Tong DJ Academy, bringing exclusive DJ sessions to its iconic Piccadilly Circus and London locations.
Beginning this February, Hard Rock Cafe’s across Europe will feature some of the most talented DJs from the Academy, offering guests a unique opportunity to enjoy world-class music alongside Hard Rock’s signature food and drinks.
Pete Tong DJ Sessions will take place at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus on Thursday February 13 from 7.30pm to 10pm with Floyo, featuring an exclusive set of tracks for the lovers in the lead up to St. Valentine’s Day. The sessions will continue every Thursday evening with performances by up-and-coming DJs and are free entry.
A new series of DJ nights are set to take place on the last Friday of every month at the Back Room Bar, located behind Hard Rock Cafe London on Old Park Lane. Kicking off on February 28, with DJ Alexander, these free entry sessions will run from 7pm to 10pm and promise an unforgettable evening of cutting-edge music.
“We're excited to join forces with the Pete Tong DJ Academy for this innovative collaboration," said Stefano Pandin, VP of Operations UK & Europe at Hard Rock International. "This initiative celebrates emerging musical talent, blending exceptional performances with the iconic Hard Rock experience. Hard Rock Cafe has been all about celebrating music since the beginning, and we’re thrilled to continue being at the forefront of supporting new musical talent. It’s a fantastic opportunity to unite music lovers and showcase the next generation of DJs in a truly dynamic atmosphere.”
Pete Tong shared his excitement about the partnership, saying: "This partnership with Hard Rock Cafe is a testament to what the Pete Tong DJ Academy is all about—creating meaningful opportunities for our students to showcase their skills and passion for music. It’s exciting to see our Talent Pool graduates breaking boundaries, performing at iconic venues, and contributing to the global music scene. Hard Rock Cafe’s commitment to supporting emerging talent aligns perfectly with our vision, and I couldn’t be prouder to see this come to life."
This collaboration presents a wonderful opportunity to spotlight the next generation of DJ talent nurtured by Pete Tong, a respected figure in electronic music. The sessions at Hard Rock Cafe provide a platform for these rising stars to perform at the city’s most renowned venues.
View upcoming DJ & live music sessions here:
While soaking up the electrifying DJ sessions, indulge in creative twists on classic American bites with Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus' After Hours Menu making it the place to be for live entertainment, handcrafted cocktails, and comfort food. Whether winding down from an evening out, or gearing up for a night on the town, Hard Rock Cafe has the recipe for a memorable late-night vibe. The ‘After Hours’ menu showcases an irresistible lineup of specially curated cocktails, including, Second Wind, where sweet meets spicy with a tantalising mix of Patrón Tequila, peach, jalapeño, fresh lime, and agave. Last Dance of black cherry with Hendrick’s Gin, Cointreau Orange Liqueur, and a burst of fresh lime, or the All Nighter in which Grey Goose Vodka and Kahlúa Coffee Liqueur join forces with freshly brewed espresso to deliver a kick of caffeine to keep you rockin’.
Alongside these are an array of American-inspired bites and late-night favourites. These delectable dishes are set to satisfy any craving, with classics like Nachos, and Wings, alongside Jumbo Pretzels, Loaded Tater Tots, All-American Sliders, Smash Burger Tacos and more.
The After Hours menu is available at Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus, from Tuesday to Thursday, 9pm to 11.30pm (last entry at 11pm), and 9pm to 12.30am on Friday and Saturday (last entry at midnight).
For reservations, to view the After Hours menu or for more information, visit: Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus or Hard Rock Cafe London
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About Hard Rock®
Hard Rock International (HRI) is one of the most globally recognized companies with venues in over 74 countries spanning 313 locations that include owned/licensed or managed Hotels, Casinos, Rock Shops®, Live Performance Venues and Cafes. Its Unity by Hard Rock™ global loyalty program rewards members for doing the things they love across participating properties around the world. HRI also launched a joint venture named Hard Rock Digital in 2020, an online sportsbook, retail sportsbook and internet gaming platform. Beginning with an Eric Clapton guitar, Hard Rock owns the world's largest and most valuable collection of authentic music memorabilia at more than 88,000 pieces, which are displayed at its locations around the globe. HRI became the first privately-owned gaming company designated a U.S. Best Managed Company by Deloitte Private and The Wall Street Journal in 2021 and has since been honored fourfold. Hard Rock was also honored by Forbes among the World's Best Employers, as well as Best Employers for Women, Diversity and New Grads and a Top Large Employer in the Travel & Leisure, Gaming and Entertainment Industry. In the 2022 Global Gaming Awards, Hard Rock was named Land-Based Operator of the Year for the second time in four years. Hard Rock International currently holds investment grades from primary investment-grade rating agencies: S&P Global Ratings (BBB-) and Fitch Ratings (BBB). For more information on Hard Rock International, visit www.hardrock.com or shop.hardrock.com.
About the Original Cafe: Hard Rock Cafe London, Est 1971
Discover the place known for its authentic dining and world class entertainment when you visit the original Cafe® . Standing proudly on London’s Old Park Lane since 1971, Hard Rock Cafe® London is the founding Cafe® that started the legend that is Hard Rock. Ready to cater for groups and families of all sizes, expect excellence in everything we serve. Walk in and be wowed by walls adorned with authentic, one-of-a-kind memorabilia from decades of rock history, including Hard Rock’s very first piece of memorabilia – the iconic red guitar given to Hard Rock Cafe® London by Eric Clapton.
About Hard Rock Cafe Piccadilly Circus, Est. 2019
Combining the eclectic vibe of Piccadilly Circus with the rock and roll lifestyle of the Hard Rock Cafe® Brand, Hard Rock Cafe® Piccadilly Circus, as Hard Rock’s Flagship Property, pays tribute to the building’s prestigious heritage and unbeatable West End location. Step in and be captivated by walls adorned with authentic, one-of-a-kind memorabilia from decades of music history, featuring items from British music legends and international starts alike. Hard Rock Cafe® Piccadilly Circus is also home to the world’s largest Rock Shop!
About the Pete Tong DJ Academy
With decades of experience in the electronic music scene, Pete Tong envisioned a platform where aspiring DJs and producers could receive top-tier education and mentorship. In April 2022, this vision became a reality with the founding of the Pete Tong DJ Academy (PTDJA). Since its inception, PTDJA has welcomed thousands of students from over 150 countries, quickly becoming a global hub for DJ education.
The Academy was inspired by Pete Tong’s passionate vision to create a definitive destination for both seasoned DJs and aspiring talents. PTDJA aims to be one of the world’s leading educational references in the realm of DJing, serving as a home for emerging talent while fostering innovation and creativity within the industry.
At its core, PTDJA's mission is to empower the next generation of electronic music artists. The Academy provides world-class education, access to industry expertise, and a supportive global community. Its goal is to nurture talent, break boundaries, and transcend cultural barriers through the creativity of its graduates.
Recognizing the need for a genuine point of reference, PTDJA brings together individuals from different generations to enhance their artistry in DJing. It is proud to have some of the most renowned names in electronic music as instructors, including Pete Tong, Carl Cox, Nicole Moudaber, Adam Beyer, Jamie Jones, and TSHA. Their wealth of experience and expertise ensures that students receive unparalleled guidance and inspiration. The Academy emphasizes not only technical skills but also the rich cultural heritage of this vibrant art form. Its graduates are trained to become well-rounded DJs capable of delivering unforgettable performances that resonate deeply with audiences.
PTDJA aspires to be more than just an educational institution. It serves as a dynamic hub for individuals who are passionate about music, creativity, and the transformative power of DJing. The Academy’s ultimate goal is to shape the future of DJ culture by nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and providing an environment where tradition and progress thrive.
A standout feature of PTDJA is its Talent Pool, a prestigious program designed to identify and support the most exceptional DJs from among its student body. This initiative highlights the Academy’s commitment to offering fresh talent incredible opportunities to thrive within the DJing community. For more information, visit: www.petetong-djacademy.com.
UK & EU Session Locations
Commencing in February 2025, the Pete Tong DJ Academy Sessions will take place across the UK & Europe, in 10 Hard Rock locations – Athens, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Brussels, Lisbon, London – Old Park Lane & Piccadilly Circus, Munich and Rome. For more details, visit: www.hardrockcafe.com.
