American diners

1 min read

SPOTLIGHT

A BELOVED INSTITUTION ACROSS THE US, DINERS HAVE BEEN SERVING CLASSIC COMFORT FOOD SINCE THE EARLY 1900S. WE PICK FIVE UK OPTIONS FOR A TASTE OF AMERICANA

Electric Diner
The City Cafe
Billy Bob’s Parlour
IMAGES: FINN DUDANIEC; SOHO HOUSE ELECTRIC DINER

1 Billy Bob’s Parlour, Skipton

This cheery diner might be located deep in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales, but it’s immensely popular, particularly with families. It’s both child- and dogfriendly, and there’s an enormous play area out front. Once you’ve finished snapping photos of the kitsch interiors, sink your teeth into a mushroom Swiss burger or enjoy a refreshing glass of sarsaparilla from the restored 1940s soda fountain. billybobsparlour.com

2 The City Cafe, Edinburgh

By day, this buzzy spot just off the Royal Mile fashions itself as an old-school US diner, complete with vintage posters, neon signs, jukeboxes and a life-size statue of Elvis. It’s especially popular for its hearty all-day breakfast offerings, including vanilla pancakes and eggs florentine. Come nightfall, it’s a lively bar with DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays. thecitycafe.co.uk

3 Camden Diner, London

This venue’s neon-lit frontage looks like something you’d spot while on a Vegas highway — not a busy street in Camden. Inside the recently revamped space, discover the hallmarks of a quintessential American diner: think glossy leatherette booths, colourful posters and a menu featuring plenty of burgers and hot dogs. Save space for the indulgent Snicker