Dillingers American Diner is situated on Hayes Street in the charming village backdrop of Old Hayes, opposite The George. It has been a firm favourite with those nearby since 1970, gaining a fan base in excess of tens of thousands. Their novel idea was to provide customers with the quintessential American eating experience in a setting befitting the atmosphere and look of the traditional diner.

More than thirty years down the line, Dillingers is enjoying a new wave of popularity, and rightly so. Still to this day it is providing its customers with mouthwatering dishes full to the brim with succulent meats, sauces that will have you running back for more and sweets close to heaven. Despite its age, this restaurant is looking and feeling very fresh, irrevocably maintaining the American feel-good, eat-well, live-well character. Dillingers is always full of vitality.

The three chefs have between them 80 years varied experience in internationally recognised hotels such as the Hilton. Following their most recent acquisition, a Rational Combi Oven, the business will now be able to provide an ever larger range of dishes, cooked to perfection in a fraction of the time, catering for even bigger parties than previously imagined. The machine steams and bakes, individually or jointly, and has a programme that will cook meat until its medium, rare, well done or even burnt, consistently to the same standard with the same great taste.

The menu strikes a balance between food for gourmands and prices more suited to those working on a budget. Their slogan reads “Great Food you can’t refuse�, and meat connoisseurs certainly won’t be disappointed by the wide selection of juicy cuts. There are also some appealing vegetarian alternatives available, such as the Char Grilled Tuna Steak served with a most generous portion of wedges, fries or jacket potatoes.

The piece de resistance is undoubtedly the rack of tender B.B.Q. Pork ribs. A half serving will only set up back by seven pounds, but you certainly won’t regret going full tilt – the BBQ sauce, handed down from generation to generation, is utterly addictive! Those with a lust for desserts will have a lot of fun choosing from the wide selection of sweets. Bold and beautiful like the Empire State, D’s Knickerbocker Glory stands out as a firm favourite. It’s rich but utterly delicious, complete with chocolate fudgesauce nuts, whipped cream and maple syrup with nuts at the base. Alternatively, why not savour the selection of award-winning ice creams, the most popular being the Alaskan Mint Choc Chip. If you’re a regular and fancy a change, the Dillingers team always have a candy-coated surprise up their sleeve; their last ambush was the decadent Oreo Cookie Bash served with more of their fine Italian ice cream.

The Dillingers experience just wouldn’t be complete without dipping into their extensive bar menu. Composed of over 40 cocktails, a mix of traditional and newfangled, you’ll no longer need to pop over the road to the pub! With a range of “John H Junior Cocktails� on offer, children needn’t feel left out. Light beers and lagers are also available, as well a good choice of Old and New World wines.

As a unique addition to this pleasant neighbourhood, Dillingers American Diner is an absolute gem. The restaurant has a good reputation in the trade, and the food certainly lives up to this. Great service, friendly owners and an upbeat ambiance make this a fun eating experience each and every time.

Dillingers can accommodate for parties of up to 62 of all ages, including children. If you have questions about any aspect of their services, or wish to make a reservation, please feel free to contact Kelly, Dillingers Team Leader, on 0208 462 8952.

DILLINGERS AMERICAN DINER, 31 Hayes Street, Hayes, Kent, BR2 7LD