Kingsclere Service Station, A339 Newbury Road, Kingsclere, RG20 4TA   (View on map)

Nelson’s Diner is an American style diner, bizarrely situated next to a petrol station on an ‘A’ road in Hampshire. I say bizarrely, but now I think about it every American style diner I can remember seeing has been at the side of an ‘A’ road. Did anyone else ever go to ‘AJ’s Diner’ on the A1? Strange.

I had been chatting to J about wanting to go somewhere that served milkshakes in those steel tumblers and tall glasses as I always saw them on Neighbours. J said she knew just the place and a few weeks later we were having lunch at the small but perfectly American Nelson’s Diner.

We had a milkshake each and I also ordered a pot of tea as I wanted to see what it would be like. One of us had a strawberry milkshake and one of us had a ginger one, but I can’t honestly remember who had what. They were both really really good though – thick and in the right tumbler and glass combination. Also extrememly large – enough for two glasses full. Tea came in a pot so that was all okay.

The portions of food were large too and just thinking about the visit makes me feel a bit queasy. I admit that I ate far too much – hot dog and chips and milkshake and tea and pancakes and ice cream. I over indulged and felt sick for the rest of the day, but I would go back – just order less food.

Teapot? Yes.
Leaf tea? No, teabags.
Milk jug? Yes.
Price? £1.70 for the tea, £2.70 for the strawberry shake, £3.85 for the ginger shake, £7 for cheesy hot dog, £9.50 for a ‘Houston’ burger, £2.95 for onion rings and £4.85 for some very tasty pancakes.
Cake? Not really, more desert and American food. And lots of milkshakes.
Go again? Yes.