Fatboy's Diner

Dine out in 40’s America for a night. That’s the claim from London’s realest of the real American diners that’s set up in Canada Water to put the soul back in the Docklands. If you can find it, and that’s no easy task, then you’ll agree that this is just as you imagine those truck-stop mobiles stuck out on roadsides still look. Seeing as there seems to be a relentless love affair with the past, Fatboy’s Diner gives the vintage Americana chasers somewhere to stop by.

It is only a mobile diner, so don’t expect roller skating waitresses and swing dancing because actually the authenticity is in the fact that it keeps it simple to the truth- no alcohol, early closing and seats bolted to the floor against the counter. There are a few booths but there’s probably only space for about thirty people in amongst the Pepsi-Cola signs, varsity tat and framed rock ‘n’ roll history on the walls. But, people like to pretend and what better era to try and recreate than post war USA- here, there may be few who match the décor sartorially and the staff don’t seem to make much effort but I’m sure everyone has a little daydream when they stop by, which makes it all worthwhile.

The food’s nothing on an up-market burger bar but then prices are cheap and portions large and it’s worth coming for the names on the menu alone, as well as the Fifties slang education that comes with every order. Get a Hillbilly burger along with Fat chilli fries before applying the following: The Jones Boys (salt and pepper) and Red and Yellow Paint (ketchup and mustard). Now go find an American and impress them with your awesome new vocabulary.