18 Ganton Street,
Soho,
London,
W1F 7BU
0872 148 0949
The ViewLondon Review
Classic but not overly gaudy American diner located just off Carnaby Street with a food and drinks menu that would please any homesick American.The VenueDon’t expect a kitsch neon palace with waiters and waitresses dressed like movie icons. This is a much more relaxed approach to American dining with darker interiors and more stylish furnishings, although some factors have remained such as booth seating, framed movie posters and an impressive backlit sign above the bar advertising cocktails with temporary lettering as if they were the names of films being displayed outside an old-style movie house.
The AtmosphereThe location of The Diner off Carnaby Street in Ganton Street means that during lunchtimes and evenings, the venue is suitably busy and lively but it’s also deceptively large so there should be no problem finding a spot. A jukebox plays a selection of classic US folk, rock and pop, some of the tracks noticeably different to the usual piped fare. Sociable waiting staff buzz from table to table looking happy to serve.
The FoodNaturally, the favourites are all here, there has been no post-modern twist to any classics; what you see is what you get. The presentation reflects this authenticity with burgers and fries arriving in those marvellous small plastic baskets. The bacon cheeseburger is tasty and juicy, certainly a cut above the usual fast food burger, although the meat itself is too large for the bun which means in order to taste the whole thing, you need to take a larger and – at the risk of being discriminatory - more American bite out of it in order to savour the fresh salad, tomato and other trimmings.
There are also varieties of different fries on the menu: The Diner Fries in particular are sprinkled with Cajun seasoning which gives them an exciting kick. For dessert, the New York Cheesecake is luscious and satisfying with a delightfully light and soft biscuit base, refreshingly lacking those accompanying fruits which sometimes just get in the way of a sinfully good cheesecake.
The DrinkThe milkshakes are thick and fantastic and – given the amount you receive in the large cocktail shaker – value for money. The friendly bar staff can make a variety of cocktails and will even make them to your requirements if you’re particularly demanding. The cocktail menu is quite amusing and you may find yourself plumping for such options as A Cocktail Named Sue (Reyka vodka and passion fruit) or the Golddigger (Johnnie Walker Gold Label mixed with champagne) a drink that men should supposedly take after they’ve found out their woman is only with them for their money.
The Last WordJuicy burgers, thick shakes and little plastic food baskets – everything you need from an American diner. All it lacks is an appearance from a waiter dressed as The King. Pop in there, mid-shop.
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