A new yankee-doodle-dandy American-style diner has opened its doors on Castle Road and we have not one, but two reviews for you to feast your eyes on!
The All Stars American Diner is on the site of the former organic veg shop (something of an irony it would appear), right at the heart of the Castle Road area and two vintage-mad Clanger fans have already made the pilgrimage and sent us their thoughts. Pia-Maria Meyer is a 50s fanatic with a young son who lives off Castle Road while Sarah Dunn is a vintage hair-stylist and something of a Clanger foodie veteran who lives in Black Tom.
First up, here’s what Sarah thought:
Diners are one of my favourite things, as a lover of all things 1950s who spends a lot of time dashing from one place to another and often at all hours of the day and night, they are often a port in a storm! So I was excited to see one was opening just walking distance away on Castle Road in Bedford making it the perfect place for grabbing a quick lunch with friends, so that’s exactly what I did.
We started with a traditional milkshake, of which there is a big list. I went with my favourite banana flavour, however if they aren’t for you, you can always opt for the smoothie option as one of my friends did. We all went for the hotdog option with my partner going for his favourite ‘Chilli Dog’ and the rest of us choosing the ‘Smokey Joe’ which was a cheese & bacon topped dog which I have to say was pretty yummy. We ordered a few sides of thin fries to share too and dug in.
The place looks AMAZING! It’s beautifully done and they have clearly spent a lot of time getting the decor just right, I particularly liked the separate colour schemes with the front part in the traditional diner red with black and white flooring and the back area done in a kitsch turquoise with a big Las Vegas signage. It all certainly makes an impact!
The food is the usual diner menu of burgers, hotdogs and fries so although not gourmet fair it is filling, reasonably priced and a lot of fun. We certainly enjoyed our visit as I think you can tell from the pictures!
Thank you Sarah!
Now, over to Pia-Maria who, I think it is safe to say, really, really, really loves the bar stools!
Obsessed with the 50s and Americana themed objects I am a (self-proclaimed) Diner expert. A Diner connoisseur so to say. Wherever I go I check out the local American Diners so naturally I was giddy with excitement when word on the street hit me that the former Health Shop on Castle Road was going to be an American Diner. I only live a few footsteps away so passing it daily filled me with anticipation as I could watch it taking shape.
The day the All-Stars American Diner opened I was there. 40 minutes after they opened their door to the public I walked in with my little boy and we were instantly smitten with the stunning furniture. All imported from the US it is truly amazing 50s kitsch style, all retro themed red and turquoise furniture. It’s so beautiful and shiny! I felt like a kitten wanting to purr sitting on these bar stools. The ambience does, however, lack a little in personality, the décor on the walls could be more creative. Don’t get me wrong I love Elvis, Marilyn and Audrey as much as any other vintage enthusiast but there’s so much more to the 50s than the usual stereotypical images you can buy at Ikea. I do love the playful metal plaques and wall murals in the Diner but Bedford has a thriving vintage community; it’s full of talented people who know their stuff. Some retro themed art work or photos from local artists and photographers or some (more) unique treasures from the era would give the Diner it’s very own stamp. The walls are still quite bare – so there is definitely room for improvement and yes I appreciate that it has just opened so who knows what they still plan to do!
During our very first visit the staff seemed a little like headless chicken, friendly but surprised by the customers. They could have been expected, just saying. But do bear in mind we were there less than an hour after the grand opening and to cut them some slack – it takes a little while longer to run like a well-oiled machine. Within a few days we had returned a couple of times and service had picked up. We were remembered, we were welcomed warmly and we were served much quicker. The waitress made sure that there is no dairy in the smoothies, as we are what you might call difficult customers (one vegan, one slightly intolerant). That way, however, we saw first-hand that nothing out of their kitchen is fresh. Even the smoothies are pre-packaged bags of frozen fruit. They were yummy nevertheless and my son could not get over the deliciousness of his Marshmallow milkshake. He is an expert when it comes to sugary milkyness so you can take his word – it was apparently delectable and he exclaimed his delight very loudly – a lot of 6-year old OMGs were muttered, no actually they were squealed. Repeatedly.
The prices are ok. It’s not pricey, but then it’s not homemade so it better not. It’s not cheap either though. The menu is very basic; it’s essentially kid’s party food with the odd avocado thrown in to provide a little variety of the guacamole kind. The food is what you expect of a diner – burgers, hot dogs, ribs, waffles and sundaes. It’s not imaginative but quite possibly they plan to expand their menu at one point if they are successful. That is just my guess though. Or my hope. It would be great to have more veggie options, and one can only fantasize about having those pesky vegans and gluten free people catered for.
So ready-made burgers, processed hot dogs and frozen food aside – what does make it special are the imported American sodas and the variety of milkshakes. Let’s face it, children love this stuff and the All-Stars American Diner is placed in the heart of Bedford’s kid central. I expect lots of Castle Lower kiddos enjoying their milkshakes and sundaes as after school treats. And the furniture makes it very special. Did I mention how red and shiny it is?
So that’s my verdict. It won’t win a gourmet prize; I do hope they’ll rethink the menu again or rather where they source their food from and how they prepare it. I also hope that they spruce up the wall décor, can’t stare at the shiny new chairs every time I go there, even I’ll have enough of this one day. And it’s a shame the All-Stars Diner doesn’t open for breakfast because they could make a killing with families at the weekend and let’s not forget the ladies who brunch in the Castle Village. But no matter what it’s a winner for me, we are already regulars after all – and there was also mention of a few planned Elvis theme nights by one of the waitresses. I can’t wait!
My final suggestion will stay just a suggestion, I know it. I have not yet found my dream diner where Marilyn takes up my order, Lucille brings over my drinks and Elvis serves me – singing – my burger. Maybe I’ve watched Pulp Fiction too often, I definitely watched Monica Geller working at the Moondance Diner too often but to this day I’ve been obsessed with finding a diner bustling with dressed up staff. It will stay a dream, my very own weird little dream. But they could at least wear diner wear. Sans wigs. Not too much to ask for, is it?
All-Stars American Diner is open daily from 12pm till 10pm, you’ll find it on Castle Road opposite the Gordon’s Arms. There’s no telephone number or internet presence as of yet but watch this space!
