Discover 1950’s Style Diners Around London

In recent years, a plethora of 1950’s style diners have popped up left, right and centre across London. Not ones to turn down a generous helping of chilli cheese fries and a strawberry thick shake, we headed in search of the best American diners in London.

The Diner

Source: Good Life Diner

Source: Good Life Diner

Scattered across six London locations including the trendy Shoreditch area, The Diner has been serving up burgers, shakes and hot dogs since 2005. A go-to diner which ticks all the boxes, think neon signs, postbox-red seating booths, vintage menus and Elvis Presley rocking the jukebox. We went for a stack of blueberry pancakes washed down with a coke float (remember those?) - delicious!

Dinerbility Rating: 8/10. A fail-safe favourite

All Star Lanes 

Source: Flickr All Star Lanes

A visit to All Star Lanes inspired us to dress for the occasion, and so, we decided to channel our inner Sandy from Grease with a rockabilly swing dress, satchel and pin tuck curls. 

When you step into this bowling alley/diner it’s difficult not to be transported back to the fabulous Fifties. From collegiate style baseball jackets to slicked back hairstyles, people really get into the spirit and dress for the occasion, you feel as though you've entered into a time warp!

We made a night of it and sipped Moscow mule cocktails, bowled to our heart’s content before ending the night with a hearty portion of mac and cheese.

Dinerbility Rating: 10/10. Like stepping into a time machine

The Breakfast Club 

Source: Flickr The Breakfast Club 

This is one of those eateries you simply can’t fail to notice as you strut past its sun-yellow exterior – there are always queues outside, - for one thing! Taking inspiration from the 1980’s cult film, The Breakfast Club offers an extensive breakfast menu that covers all the greats, from Huevos Rancheros to The Full Monty.

Decked out with film projectors, vintage bicycles, 50’s kitchenware and cheery mantras, the six central London locations always manage to bring a smile to tired morning eyes. We recommend the breakfast burrito.

Dinerbility Rating: 9/10 – Making mornings bearable since 2005.

What do you think of these places? Have you found any American diner gems around London or the rest of the UK?