Lost in Piccadilly? Why not step into the neon time machine they call Eds Easy Diner and whizz back to the fifties for some good ole American fast food.

The Venue
In the heart of Piccadilly, under the showbiz shadow of Planet Hollywood, sits the cheeky neon of Eds Easy Diner. The UK's first chain of American diners has not changed one iota over the last twenty years and why should it? It’s a perfect example of a ‘50s diner. The fresh, bright interiors are filled with foxy red leatherette banquettes and matching Formica tables. Cute and cosy booths reflect in the neon-lit windows and the polished chrome bar just screams Happy Days. For entertainment each table is fitted with a Seeburg 100 Wallomatic jukebox which will play you Buddy Holly and the gang for 20p a go.

The Atmosphere
The Trocadero branch is by no means huge, but the quick service and short menu means you don't have to wait long for a table. This is a great place to take the kids, the bright neon lights and durable jukebox will keep them occupied and also slightly in awe when you tell them that this is what it was like when you were young! The clientele at the restaurant is a mix of geek chic teens in for malt shakes and Atomic fries, American tourists after a taste of home and loyal Ed's fans who want a decent burger without the fuss. It’s apparent by the restaurant’s buzzing Saturday lunches that Ed's supplies the perfect hangover food.

The Food
The food at Ed's Diner is not for the calorie conscious. The menu consists of burgers, dogs, some chicken and a whole load of fried stuff. The burgers are made from top quality ground steak and come in five simple ways. The Original, with lettuce, tomato, onion, pickle and all the drippy sauces is a big favourite, with the smoky taste of the meat really coming through. The Big Bubba is as the Original but with crispy bacon and melted American cheese on top. Ed's Rarebit proves to be a mucky number, with melted Swiss cheese and an egg, fried sunny side up for extra messiness.

The extras include the fabulous and highly addictive cheesy fries, a big bowl of proper chips soaked in a mild and deliciously synthetic cheese sauce. Atomic fries are also a must try, served with dipping pots of sour cream, guacamole, cheese sauce, salsa and chilli beef, it's all heart-stoppingly fattening but fantastic all the same.

If you can possibly face it, the warm pecan pie for dessert is a fine example, served with creamy vanilla ice cream and whipped cream, it will finally finish you off with a complete calorie overload.

The Drink
Eds Easy Diner is famous for its huge thick milkshakes in weird and wonderful combinations. Try the banana and peanut butter or the creamy Oreo cookie flavours. For something a bit different, the Malts offer a real taste of the ‘50s.

It's quite refreshing to eat in a place where the emphasis is not on alcohol, but saying, that bottles of Sol, Amstel and Bud are all available well chilled and even the famous milkshake has a dark side, in the form of alco-shakes.

The Last Word
Ed's doesn't promise gourmet food but for good burgers, creamy milkshakes and most of all, rock and roll, it really is Happy Days.

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