IT is famous across the world for its legendary American diner-style meals and collection of music memorabilia.

And the Hard Rock Cafe chain has now cemented itself firmly in the heart of Glasgow.

Today, the restaurant, in Buchanan Street, and its 96 staff are celebrating the Hard Rock Cafe Glasgow's first birthday.

Since it opened its doors on Tuesday November 19 last year, a staggering 160,000 people have visited the venue.

Chefs at the restaurant have served a whopping 60,000 burgers - and the cafe has hosted 48 live music nights.

The cafe has also hosted live performances from KT Tunstall, the LaFontaines and the Fratellis.

A free gig starring Scots rockers Little Eye and new Glasgow band Memory Man will take place tonight as part of the birthday celebrations.

Allie Barr, sales and marketing manager at the eatery, said Hard Rock had "become a part of Glasgow."

She added: "We're a year down the line and we're fully embedded.

"We are really looking forward to the next few weeks, and 2015. We've got so many gigs happening."

Marc Carey, the chain's European Marketing Director, said it was city residents who had made the eatery a hit.

He said: "Glasgow is such a fantastic city with a vibrant culture and music scene that Hard Rock is thrilled to now be a part of.

"Since the cafe opened, the wonderful people of the city have made it such a huge success and we look forward to many more years serving Glasgow's residents and visitors the best American food in town, alongside some great live music performances and events."

The city's Hard Rock journey began months before the opening day.

When bosses confirmed in April 2013 that they wanted to transform the A-listed former Athenauem Theatre into a licenced restaurant it left music fans in a frenzy.

We reported how, in just 24 hours, thousands of people applied for jobs at the new cafe.

The restaurant chain received more than 4000 applications in one day after a recruitment drive to find 80 staff was launched.

In August last year the Glasgow public was given its first taste of the famous Hard Rock vibe when an exhibition, sponsored by the cafe, arrived in the city, featuring famous stage costumes worn by top pop and rock stars.

Glasgow Royal Concert Hall was one of only three venues in Britain to host the, free. Hard Rock Couture event.

Among the exhibits on display was the red leather jacket Michael Jackson wore in his Beat It video, the gold corset created for Madonna by French designer Jean Paul Gaultier, the monochrome catsuit worn by Freddie Mercury on Queen's 1978 Jazz tour and Lady Gaga's Oscar Lima black dress

There were also items worn by Elton John, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, The Who and Katy Perry.

The cafe has also seen unforgettable live music performances, including from the Fab Four.

Earlier this year cast members from Let It Be, a musical based on the Beatles which was running at the King's Theatre, performed at the cafe.

Staff and diners at the Hard Rock have also done their bit for charity. They took part in a fundraising month in October to raise awareness of breast cancer, which included a rock'n'roll fashion night.

Allie added: "There have been too many highlights this year to pick the best one."

rachel.loxton@eveningtimes.co.uk