‘The décor looked like something out of Back to the Future’

It’s been a couple of years since I last visited America and, over the summer, I’ve been pining for my last holiday to the Sunshine State. Sadly, another trip to the USA isn’t on the cards anytime soon so, to keep me going, I decided to visit Kent’s themed American diner in the hopes that I could close my eyes and pretend I was spending some time across the pond. Hot Rod Diner in Northfleet is a family-run restaurant on the roadside that would be incredibly easy to drive past if you didn’t know it was there.

We arrived for breakfast and, thanks to our early booking, we were the first people there and had a good chance to look around. From the front door, which is made out of checkerboard metal with a steering wheel for a handle, to the old-fashioned Shell petrol pumps next to the tables, every inch of the restaurant is decorated to look like something out of Back to the Future. We spent a moment admiring the vintage road signs on the wall before taking our seats in a booth and perusing the menu.



Our server, who was prompt and friendly, informed us that the menu was brand new and now included more vegetarian and vegan options. Last time I was in the States I had blueberry pancakes that I still think about at least once a week so I was initially tempted when I saw a similar offering on the menu here. However, when I noticed the vegan brunch (£11.

95), a meat-free sweet-and-savoury combo that the Americans have absolutely nailed, I couldn’t resist. In fact, it sounded so good that three out of the four of us at the table ended up plummeting for it. We got a round of orange juices and coffee to keep us going while we waited for the food.

Within about 20 minutes at least half the tables were taken, so it’s obviously a popular breakfast spot. It didn’t take too long before our food arrived and when it was all laid out on the table, we shared murmurs of how we were pleasantly surprised and rather impressed by the presentation. I wouldn’t expect ‘diner food’ to look particularly pretty, but our vegan brunches - which included two small waffles, a veggie sausage, a few rashers of veggie bacon, a hash brown, a pot of syrup and a sprinkling of fresh fruit - looked very appetising.

We also had the All-American breakfast (£14.95) on the table and, in true USA fashion, the portion was suitably large. The stack of pancakes was piled high and topped with plenty of streaky bacon.

It also came with a fried egg, sausage, fruit, syrup and a large bowl of tater tots on the side. We all tucked in with gusto and I’ve got to say, I enjoyed every bite. The waffles were crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside and deliciously sweet.

I topped them with the syrup, which tipped them over the edge of being a little too sugary for me, but the savoury food on the plate helped to offset that sweetness. The vegetarian sausage was fantastic, the bacon was a little overdone but, as someone who has cooked this at home several times, I can confirm that it’s actually quite tricky to get right. As always, the hash browns were perfect and you just can’t beat them; they are the king of breakfast food.

Not everyone likes mixing sweet and savoury flavours on the same dish - we’re all aware of the ongoing pineapple on pizza debate - but I love it and I don’t think we do it enough here in England. However, if you don’t fancy confusing your tastebuds quite so early in the day, the menu also has plenty of other options, from pancakes with fruit or chocolate to egg dishes like omelettes and eggs Benedict. And, of course, there’s always the full English and a cup of tea if you feel like keeping your feet planted firmly on this side of the Atlantic.

Out of five: Food : We all enjoyed our breakfasts, they looked great and tasted even better. I’d definitely go back to try some more dishes from the menu **** Drink : We weren’t too adventurous with the drinks, but the orange juice was a decent size and the coffee went down well. I liked the look of the milkshakes for next time.

**** Decor : It’s themed from top to bottom, complete with Elvis and Chuck Berry playing over the speakers. It’s like being in a 1950s movie and is a lot of fun. ***** Staff : No issues - the staff were friendly, efficient and professional *** Price : It’s more expensive than a bacon butty and black coffee at the local caff, but you pay more for the quirky theming and unique menu.

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