London Eating

[~landgirl~]

Hey everyone

Yes I know I should know my own capital city a little better than I do, but as embarrassing as it may sound lol, can anyone recommend to me a good 'American Diner' style Restaurant in Central London?

It's a last minute thing and we are looking to go tomorrow! I've had a look online and there seems to be a few dotted around, but a recommendation would be better (and I know there are a few other UK'er lurking on this site!)

Thanks everyone.

 

[Salv]

There used to be three original 40s and 50s diners in London, but only one is left now - Fatboy's near Canary Wharf:

I took some photos of the interior, which you can see here. If you've seen the Gwyneth Paltrow film Sliding Doors you might recognise this place, as it featured in a few scenes, although in a previous location near Livepool Street station.

Unfortunately it's not open on Sunday...

One of the other original diners ended up in Ashford, Kent - the Riverview at the Bybrook Garden Centre. It's a bit of a trek out of town, but it's a gorgeous diner:

Interior photos here.

Apart from those two there's Starvin' Marvin's on the A40 at Greenford in west London, a new diner built in the classic style:

Then there are the branches of Ed's Easy Diner which are 50's style interiors stuck in standard London buildings:

These are probably your best bet, as they are central locations - 632 King's Road, Chelsea (at World's End), Old Compton Street, Soho; 19 Rupert Street, Soho (part of the Trocadero Centre); and 15 Great Newport Street, Covent Garden. The food's pretty good, basic diner stuff: burgers, hot dogs (the chilli dog is very good) etc. large portions, excellent fat chips, and cheap. I'm pretty sure they're licensed as well so you can have a cold beer with your burger.

If you want British caff grub then the only choice is the New Picadilly in Denman Street, Soho, just behind Picadilly Circus:

This opened in the '50s and is virtually unchanged - a fantastic time warp, and they do a great sausage and mash, with perfect caff tea.