5 Reasons to experience an American-style motel-diner 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 (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.

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.

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.

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!

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).

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, chat to the Mollie’s team and order food, all from the app. Living is easy.

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.

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!