I'm so excited to be taking part in my first. ever. blog tour - how exciting! When I started blogging, I never really thought that anybody would be interested in what I had to say, but apparently I was wrong. There are a few people out there who actually like reading what I have to say - who knew?
Enter the Starlight Diner... This hilarious ebook is by the lovely Helen Cox, published by Avon 4th July. I've never read a story like this - from the minute I started it, I couldn't put it down! As part of the blog tour for 'Starlight Diner', Helen has put together a guest post - a list of her favourite diners around the UK. Hopefully you might find a new favourite place to eat, or you may have already been to one! Let me know what you think...
Restaurants in the UK have become increasingly diverse in the past twenty years or so and this is great news! It means you don’t have to travel across the Atlantic in order to eat American Diner food. Below, I’ve suggested five diners on British soil you might like to visit. Some of them I’ve already experienced and some are on my wish-list because well, I’m writing a book series here so my research is sort of ongoing. Is that a convincing enough excuse to continue eating diner food? Yes it is! Don’t be mean.
1. In London, there’s a small chain of Good Life Diners (they had about nine branches on my last count) but my favourite branch is in Islington. I spent perhaps more time than I should have in there when I first met my husband as he rented a room nearby and I’m not a woman known for my will power. These diners all boast traditional booths and neon lighting, and have an extensive menu that includes everything from pancakes and hotdogs to cheesecakes and banana splits. Not one to miss if you find yourself in the capital.
2. The Smoke Haus in Swansea, as you might glean from the name, has a lot to offer people who are big fans of barbequed food. That said, the menu is pretty extensive and offers options for both vegetarians and vegans who also want to join in the diner-inspired fun. The Smoke Haus chain has two other branches in Cardiff and Birmingham and in each branch there’s an impressive liquor menu to work your way through.
3. If you’re in Edinburgh and enjoy American culture, the New York Steam Packet offers a twist on the American diner format. The restaurant is not set out with booths and has a ‘Bring Your Own Booze’ policy, but it also has a range of American-inspired decorations adorning the walls and offers an American menu with some Scottish dishes mixed in. Is this sounding a little odd? Well, it is but we prefer the term ‘original’ and it’s a little foodie adventure that’s well worth a look.
4. Pixie’s Diner on Linthorpe Road in Middlesbrough is, without a doubt, one of the most vibrant diners you’ll ever set foot in. Lined with bright red and turquoise booths, and complete with a traditional counter area, this is definitely one to visit if you find yourself in the North East.
In true American style, there’s even a food challenge set by the staff. Can you finish everything on your plate in less than 30 minutes? No drink. No help! Sounds a little bit daunting…
5. The last diner on the list is one I discovered only a few weeks ago while on the bus to Scarborough, as you do. Situated about two miles outside York, Huckleberry’s diner promises traditional American meals, Fifties-inspired decor and excellent service. The chain have two other branches on the outskirts of Leeds and Darlington and their restaurants have been featured in films and TV programmes. Seems about time I paid them a visit and found out what all of the fuss is about…
You can buy Milkshakes and Heartbreaks at the Starlight Diner here. Also, you can follow Helen on Twitter - make sure you say hello!
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