Nestling where you’d least expect it, on part of an industrial estate near a little village in South Derbyshire is the 50’s American Diner. The actual diner started off life as a bona fide 50’s American Diner in Cambridge Massachusetts, before being shipped across to the UK. The decor and the menu are set out to mirror the classic American establishment to a tee, and they do it really really well. With booths down the side, stools all along the bar and memorabilia everywhere such as a neon cola sign and USA license plates it really is a throwback to the 1950’s. Waiting staff come dressed in bright vintage clothing and with perfectly quaffed hair and super smiles on their faces. All there is left do to is sit back and imagine you’re an extra in Grease!
We chose to drink a couple of shakes from the extensive menu – a nutella for me, and a caramel for Lee. Both were delicious, but we agreed they were probably better off as puddings next time as they were so super thick and naughty!
We chose some Sticky BBQ Wings to share to start, which were tangy and delicious. We also rather like the sound of the Statue of Liberty Onion Ring Stack, but even to share, it scared us a little!
They have a list of Burgers and ‘Hot Diggity’ Dogs as long as your arm, as well as various fish dishes, and other bits and bobs. Lee Decided to go for a Marylin Monroe Burger (they’re all named after famous Americans…) which came with added Beef Chilli, because why not add more beef when you’re already having a beef burger eh?! A special shout out from Lee for the burger bun on his burger which he said was one of the best he’s had for a while. I went for a Philly Dog – which came with fried onions, cheese and hot sauce. The cheese was cheese slices and the portions gigantic, but hey, thats America right?
The food was very typical American, and while it didn’t blow my socks off, and I must admit I was hoping for slightly more retro presentation with the food – chips in baskets etc, I think the concept is awesome, and what these guys are doing in this little village in Derbyshire is funky and very very fun.
http://theamericandiner.wix.com/the-50s-american
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Disclosure: We paid in full for our meal and the Diner was not aware that we may be blogging about the meal.