If it’s a milkshake you’re after, it’s a milkshake you’ll get and with over fifty different flavours you’ll be more than spoilt for choice when you head down to Hampstead’s notorious Tinseltown.

The Venue
Tinseltown is located up the road from Hampstead tube station on the far less busy half of Heath Street. Head towards White Stone Pond and you’ll find the popular American diner. In the evenings the venue is surrounded by cars with their hazards flashing as troops of young party-goers stop off to fuel themselves for the night ahead. Parking is an absolute nightmare thanks to the resident permit holder bays so if you schedule your meal in for the evening be sure to arrive after 6.30pm when those spaces are free of charge. Otherwise it is highly recommended that you take the tube.

The Atmosphere
Unless you get there early you could very well find yourself locked outside standing next to a big burly doorman because the venue is actually quite small. When you’re on the outside you’re part of a mob of people all fighting for their chance to sample that classic-American taste. Once inside, however, you can exhale a sigh of relief as you walk past the milkshake bar and collapse in your seat at one of the standard tables with pull-out chairs or, even better, take to your throne in one of the classic lime green leather booths. The atmosphere is energetic as everyone lines their stomach and raves about the night ahead, and with bright lighting you can easily scan the walls lined with framed photos of Hollywood A-listers when you’re not watching the flat screen tuned into MTV.

The Food
This is what it’s all about, classic American good wholesome food. We’re talking burgers, chips and in case you haven’t already noticed, milkshakes. For those who don’t mind piling on the calories a three course meal and a milkshake will set you back between £20 and £30 and should keep you full for approximately the rest of your life.

Typical starters include breaded mushrooms, chicken wings and potato wedges amongst other things whilst the main course serves up an enormous selection of burgers, several sandwich baguettes, an assortment of salads and a choice of grills. For those looking for a more worldly flavour, Chinese, Mexican and Italian dishes are on offer as well.

The final leg of the food consumption tour brings you to the dessert menu and with names like the Oreo Sundae, the Birthday Surprise and the classic Banana Split you’ll have to possess a will of iron not to indulge. The Titanic, in particular, goes down well every time.

The Drink
Served in a chunky glass resembling the small vase your mum keeps her lilies in, the American theme continues as the milkshake arrives at your table complete with a straw laced in blue and white stripes. The infamous milkshakes are in fact made up of chocolate bars which comprise of a strange taste when you take that first slurp but that initial reaction quickly transforms into a ‘where have you been all my life?’ moment. Sweet they may be but there can be no denying that they will certainly fill that void that has been plaguing you all day. The Oreo milkshake does exactly what it says on the tin and tastes like a soggy Oreo biscuit – sounds odd but tastes nice. With prices ranging from £3.50 to £4.99 they make a very popular and filling snack after a long hard day’s graft. For those interested in something lighter you’re typical range of soft drinks are available as well as a small selection of juices.

The Last Word
The food is great and the atmosphere is lively if you can put up with the possibility of a wait outside the front door. What separates this venue from any other is its huge selection of milkshakes. It’ll simply change the way you look at every chocolate bar you consume for the rest of your life.

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