5 Reasons to experience an American-style motel-diner in the UK
BY READERS DIGEST
24th Apr 2024 Places To Visit
3 min read
A classic American-style motel-diner experience brought up to date, Mollie’s
provides the opportunity to stay and eat this unique way in multiple locations
in the UK
Picture
the scene—you’ve pulled in off the main road to a neon “Motel” sign to get a
room for the night and rest your weary bones. You check in and drop your bags,
then stroll across the car park to another building underneath the neon “Diner”
sign for a burger and shake, with live music in the background, before you turn
in.
"This isn’t Middle America though, this is leafy, rural Oxfordshire"
This isn’t Middle America though, this is leafy, rural Oxfordshire (on the A420
at Buckland), 30 minutes from the centre of Oxford. Mollie’s is bringing the
classic American motel-diner experience to the UK, while bringing it up to date
and adding a fresh style to the equation. It's a different way to enjoy a stay.
Here are
five highlights that make the Mollie’s experience such a must-visit.
1. Updated Americana in Oxfordshire
The Americana feel of Mollie's Motel & Diner is really fun and combines retro and modern elements. Credit: Ian Chaddock
If
you’ve ever been to the US (or watched any Hollywood films really!), you’ve
probably stayed or come across the cultural classic that is the motel. There’s
not really anything quite like it in the UK really… until now. It’s a great
concept, brought up to date.
From
the large neon signs marking Mollie’s as an exciting Americana-influenced
destination to the counter at the diner, where you can sit and drink coffee if
you’d like, the easy-going vibe with a dash of vintage will bring a smile to
your face.
2. Delicious diner food
Everything from burgers and shakes to cheesecake and eggs is available at Mollie's Diner. Credit: Ian Chaddock
Whether
you want to sit in and enjoy burgers, fries and milkshakes (all amazing,
including one of the best milkshakes I’ve ever had in the UK!) or just go
through their drive-thru to pick up some food for on the go, Mollie’s has you
covered.
"The open kitchen, Cadillac booths and Friday night live jazz music make it an essential pit-stop"
Mollie’s
Diner Oxfordshire has an affordable and delectable all-day menu, breakfast menu
and kid’s menu, there’s truly something for everyone. The open kitchen with
chrome, Cadillac booths and Friday night live music (Molly Green playing modern jazz versions of favourites “Hit the Road Jack” and “What’s Love Got to
Do With It” when I was there) make it an essential pit-stop, whether you’re
staying at the motel or not. There’s some tasty veggie options too, like
frickles, plant burgers, as well as eggs all day that are a perfect brunch
treat.
There’s even an outdoor heated terrace where dogs are welcome!
3. High-spec contemporary rooms
The rooms at Mollie's Motel are contemporary and hi-spec, providing a relaxing and stylish place to rest for a night. Credit: Mollie's Motel & Diner Oxfordshire
With
79 rooms designed by Soho House, Mollie’s Oxfordshire offers rooms that are
comfortable and modern, with Conran furniture, natural oak and slate finishes,
rainshowers and dreamy beds.
With rooms starting at £70 per night, you can choose from a double, twin, bunk,
connecting or accessible options. The Cotswold countryside is just on the
doorstep and in this relaxing setting you’re sure to get the restful night’s
sleep you need.
There’s also friendly workspaces in the lobby with free coffee that’s Mollie’s
own blend and a general store with any additional products you might need (such
as sleep kits and cleaning kits).
4. Apps the way you do it
The app can be used for everything from paying for food at Mollie's Diner to accessing your room at Mollie's Motel. Credit: Ian Chaddock
The modern element shines through on the Mollie’s app. Download it before your
stay and/or diner visit in order to access a number of features from your phone
to make life even easier.
"You can check-in, access your room, cast to the TV, talk to the team and order food, all from the app"
You can check-in, access your room, cast to the TV, chat to the Mollie’s team
and order food, all from the app. Living is easy.
5. Rapid charging points for EVs
Another
thing that you can do from your Mollie’s app on your phone is charge your EV.
There’s ultra-rapid charging points while you dine so you can hit the road
again fully charged.
If you’re
staying overnight, you can reserve EV parking space when you book your room
(via the app or website) so you can pull up, plug in and start charging.
Simple.
Bristol and Manchester locations
As well
the Oxfordshire Mollie’s, there’s another Mollie’s Motel & Diner location
in Bristol, just off the M5 and a short distance from the city centre.
Mollie’s Manchester Motel & Diner will be opening in Q3 2024—the brand’s
first city centre Mollie’s in the former Granada TV studios. This is sure to be
special and well worth a visit!
Banner: Mollie's Motel & Diner Oxfordshire (credit: Ian Chaddock)
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