A slice of 50’s Americana- right here in Newham
There is a small corner of Newham that looks and feels vey much like the US of A and its called Big Moe’sDiner.
It used to be a Burger King. Now, if you go to the diner, especially on the second Saturday of the month, you’ll find yourself in 1950s America.
The concept is the brainchild of partnership which includes Sheraz Ahmed and Aqib Hanif who launched it in December last year after refurbishing the premises.
Inside it has the feel of a genuine American diner - complete with chevrolet booth seating, a jukebox that belts out Elvis Presley, the Beach Boys and other hits from the 50s and 60s. The walls are covered in US number plates and the famous Route 66 sign. The colour theme of red, black and white gives it classic, clean lines reminiscent of the diner made famous in Happy Days, the hit TV show of the 70s and 80s.
Such is its appeal that it has become a magnet for the 100 plus cars of the UK American car club that gather on the second Saturday of every month.
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They come from a variety of small clubs who have a love of beautiful cars including Cadillacs, Mustangs and Chevvies and attract large crowds at Beckton Retail Park in Jenkins Lane, Beckton.
That happy relationship began by accident rather than design as a Cadillac drove by the site while work was being done. So impressed was the owner that he continued with the visits and others, independently, also followed suit.
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Sheraz said: “We have even had American customers coming in telling us that it is more authentic than what they have in the States.
“We wanted to create a family dining experience like no other and realised that the setting of 1950s was perfect for this. 1950s America is known for its family orientated society but it is also known for being outgoing and fun with the music, fashion and cars. We thought this would be a fantastic setting in which to have some fantastic food. Hence our motto is “good food and good times at Big Moe’s – The family Diner”.
Sheraz is sure there is nothing like it in the UK. Although it is a pilot, if it proves successful they hope to replicate it across the country.
And in case you are wondering, the portions are American-size too so if you’re planning to eat as well as soaking up the atmosphere - don’t have breakfast or lunch if you’re going to be having dinner at this diner.
