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| Photo: Hot Rod Diner |
Looking for a dose of Americana in the south-east of England? These Kent diners are serving it up by the bucketful, alongside fries, milkshakes, and retro jukebox tunes. The tackier the better, as far as we're concerned. Go Grease lightning!
7 Hotel Diner, Sevenoaks
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| Photo: 7 Hotel Diner |
Inside, the restaurant is split in two. The bulk of the floor space is taken up by the main diner, where you can tuck into a decent burger choice (we'll take the Big Hahuna) with almost 30 additional toppings and sauces available. Throw in fries and sides, and we've never left the place not waddling.
However, head right on entry and you'll find yourself in the dessert parlour, a candy-coloured area where towering sundaes, stacks of waffles and American classics such as Key Lime Pie are the order of the day. Going out just for dessert is not only allowed - it's encouraged.
As with all self-respecting diners, it's located out of town so you'll need a car to get there - but that does mean it never gets too busy. There's also a hotel attached, if you need somewhere to sleep off that onion loaf.
7 Hotel Diner, London Road, Halstead, Kent, TN14 7AA.
Hot Rod Diner, Gravesend / Northfleet
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| Photo: Hot Rod Diner |
Being located on the High Street, parking is limited to 14 cars at Hot Rod Diner, so get there early, or be prepared to park away and walk (it's only a couple of minutes' walk from Northfleet train station, if that's more your bag).
While we can't verify its claims to be "the best diner outside of the States", it commits hard to the 1950s theme. The building itself looks like somewhere the T-Birds would be found, with vintage vehicles often parked outside, and neon lights guiding you towards the grub.
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| Photo: Hot Rod Diner |
And what grub it is. The menu is a slow wander through the American greats, beginning with chicken wings and loaded skins, taking a detour through an impressive burger choice, and wandering through steak, ribs, hot dogs, pasta and salads. A separate, two-page dessert menu features waffles, pancakes and sundaes, but to be honest, our mind wandered when we got to the deep fried cookie dough.
Shakes, frozen cocktails, soft and alcoholic drinks are available to wash it all down.
Hot Rod Diner, 79-84 High Street, Northfleet, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 9HJ.
Shakes, frozen cocktails, soft and alcoholic drinks are available to wash it all down.
Hot Rod Diner, 79-84 High Street, Northfleet, Gravesend, Kent, DA11 9HJ.
Lily's American Diner, Folkestone
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| Photo: Lily's American Diner |
The '50s also rule at Lily's American Diner, set a couple of streets back from the seafront in central Folkestone. The stars and stripes exterior lures customers into a small but satisfying restaurant. Those chequerboard floors and red leather seats make another appearance, with renderings of the Statue of Liberty and Cadillac cars on the wall, while a standalone jukebox looks on nearby.
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| Photo: Lily's American Diner |
As befits its smaller size compared to other venues we've mentioned, the menu is more select, but still offers everything you'd expect from an American diner - breakfasts, burgers, hot dogs, waffles and pancakes. At time of writing, Lily's has only been open for a few months, but we hope it sticks around, as it's firmly on our must-visit list.
Lily's American Diner, 71 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 2AF.
Lily's American Diner, 71 Sandgate Road, Folkestone, CT20 2AF.
Misha's Diner, Chatham
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| Image: Misha's Diner |
An unexpected presence in a small parade of shops in a residential area, Misha's Diner is larger than its shopfront belies. Its wooden booth seating gives it a fast food feel, and while it does cater to American food fans with burgers and hot dogs, it also serves a range of other cuisines, including pizzas, lasagne, and panko prawns. It's reasonably priced too, making it a good option for a family meal out.
Misha's Diner, 2 Admirals Walk, Chatham, ME5 8NL.
Richie's American Diner, Dartford
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| Photo: Richie's Diner |
Located in the quiet village of Green Street Green, Richie's Diner is so small, you'd be forgiven for driving past it without realising. Although parking is limited, seating is plentiful once you get inside, with an upstairs mezzanine area providing additional capacity.
Though it's not got the honky tonk vibe of some of Kent's other diners, it's got the American dishes - think Louisiana wings, Texas ribs and the towering Empire state burger, made with no less than three patties. Somewhere to go if you're after a dose of American comfort food without the in-your-face decor.
Take away is available, as it delivery within a 5-mile radius.
Though it's not got the honky tonk vibe of some of Kent's other diners, it's got the American dishes - think Louisiana wings, Texas ribs and the towering Empire state burger, made with no less than three patties. Somewhere to go if you're after a dose of American comfort food without the in-your-face decor.
Take away is available, as it delivery within a 5-mile radius.
Richie's American Diner, Green Street Green Road, Dartford, DA2 8DP.
RJ's American Diner, Ashford
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| Photo: RJ's American Diner |
RJ's American Diner began life in an Airstream trailer, moving to this permanent bricks and mortar venue in 2019 when it lost its original site. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served in central Ashford, from towering pancake stacks to hot dogs laden with fillings.
RJ's American Diner, 38 Bank Street, Ashford, TN23
Special mentions:
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| Photo: A21 Diner |
- A21 Diner, Hurst Green: This one is technically just over the border into East Sussex, but we'll allow it. As its name suggests, it's located on the A21, the main road running through Kent between London and the coast, so it's easy for us Kent folk to hop over the border and get our fill.
- Big Boys Burger Co., Folkestone: Although it doesn't identify as a diner, this burger restaurant is one to hit up if you find yourself on the coast in need of meat and carbs, with burgers, milkshakes, nachos, hot dogs and oodles of fries featuring heavily on the menu.
- Raindell's, Broadstairs: More of a grill restaurant than a diner. American, but a bit fancy.
Know somewhere great that we've missed? Let us know on Twitter or Instagram.
Please note, this article was originally written and published during the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. Please check opening times and service availability with venues before travelling, as these are currently likely to change at short notice.
Please note, this article was originally written and published during the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic. Please check opening times and service availability with venues before travelling, as these are currently likely to change at short notice.
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