After we had handed over the Hard Rock Café in Florence, we thought we had seen the most historically sensitive site of our careers, But no. Along came a former merchant’s house in the corner of the UNESCO protected Grande Place in the heart of Brussels. Originally constructed in the 17th century, this structure had the same preservation status as the Pyramids of Giza. Comprising basement, ground and four upper floors, the building had been badly damaged by previous adaptions and the local authorities were not going to allow that to happen again.

With the help of local architect partners, we began a very delicate negotiation with the Royal Commission for Historic Monuments and Sites (the CRMS) and the regional planning authority.

There were many challenges. Finding a means of providing filtered kitchen extract ventilation and cooling for the cold rooms and freezers which could not be seen from any neighbouring streets or buildings was almost, but not quite, impossible.

Eventually, we solved the many problems. The ground floor houses the Rock Shop and main bar. The double storey main space already existed and was adapted for dining. At second floor a ‘gallery’ space was created. This displays original artwork by famous Rock Stars including John Lennon. The third and fourth floors contain the offices and staff areas.