Nelsons Diner

Went for breakfast this morning and was extremely disappointed. Where to start:
* Scrambled eggs were made in the microwave…
* Pancakes must have been frozen and then reheated in the microwave as they were so tough on the outside that we actually had a hard time cutting through them
* The «hash browns» we’re still cold in the middle
* The bacon (which was only streaky after I commented to the chef that it was a bit weird to be served «back bacon» in an American restaurant) was undercooked and just slimy
Good points:
* Service was friendly
* Atmosphere was good
We are from the US and were really hoping for «a Taste of the USA», I guess it was a taste, just not one that I think would make anyone want to go to the US

We happened to pass this diner during the week a few weeks ago and as we very hungry popped in around 8:00pm, with our daughter. The Waitress said the grill had just closed and we could only order drinks! The chef was still cooking at this time for two other customers but the waitress was adamant that we could not have any food not even a portion of chips! At this point we should of realized that the diner was not interested in customers at all! Anyway decided today to revisit on the off chance that the food may be worth the trip. Arrived at 8:00pm (Friday evening) not too busy, was seated by the same waitress not too smiley, but OK! Anyway given menus and waited ten minutes for order of drinks. Ordered drinks waited (two milkshakes and 1 beer) waited waited, finally came after another 10 minutes. Tried to give her the order for the food at the same time as the drinks but she said no she would come back. We should of realized then that service severely lacking! Anyway then waited another 35 minutes before I got quite cross and after the waiter and waitress avoiding all eye contact with us she finally came over. I said it was ridiculous to wait this long to be served and she explained that she was not allowed to take food orders off us yet as the Chef could only deal with 3 (yes I said 3) orders at one time. Unbelievable!!! She said that the food would then not come for another 30 minutes after ordering. Now correct me if Im wrong here, buts is a BURGER AND CHIPS diner, not a four star restaurant. AT this point I told her to give me the bill and that we were leaving. She did take 10% of the bill but to be honest im annoyed I even paid anything as I could of made the Milkshakes better myself for 50pence! Anyway end result, Ione very hungry child, £10 lighter in the wallet, waste of petrol driving there and waste of half an hour getting there.
Only advice avoid at all costs.
Note to Nelsons owner get more staff find a chef that can cook more than 3 orders at once, And lastly from the sound of the food quality, I think we were lucky that we didn’t get to eat as it sounds like the food is awful

Been here several times hoping it would improve but it doesn’t. Milkshakes are great but very slow with getting them. You normally finish it before the meal then comes out which is over priced for what it is. Some of the staff are nice but they are quite slow but most of the time they are left on their own and there is no manager about. Even the owner can not even put a smile on when serving which is disappointing.
Last time I went there several of us had upset stomachs which we can only gather was from the milkshakes as was only thing in common with all of us. Gave them feedback and never got a response. Was not expecting any free meals or anything, but felt the owners should know and still nothing.
I know they buy everything in bulk and are selling at high prices. If they maybe brought the pricing down a little, were friendlier and quicker maybe they would get better reviews.
Sad to see so many negative reviews was really hopefully this would be a great place. I have tried it several times now so no more chances. Never going back.

Sorry but latest reviews on here are really way off the mark. I have been eating at Nelsons Diner ever since it first opened. I still dine there two to three times a week, and I have to say the food and the service are excellent. I am always asked if everything is ok with my meal, and the friendly family atmosphere is second to none. It is always clean and tidy, and you can see the chefs cooking right there in front of you. I find these other reviews very hard to believe.
As for the price, its not McDonalds!

We found an earwig in the vinegar bottle nicely pickled! Handed it in and they put the bottle in the cooking area. Waitress picked up another bottle of a different table, looked at it closely and placed it next to the first one, in the cooking area. Then a third bottle was picked up, looked at closely and bought to our table.
Menu described meal as coming with chips. We were offered plain chips or twisty chips. The children chose twisty chips and we were charge 80p extra each for those.
Food not fab and price is extreme.
Will not be going there again.
Only given it one star as I can’t give it no stars on the review.

Have to agree with recent reviews. Very overpriced for the quality of the food — don’t remember much about the service.
Great concept, that’s about the only good thing about the place.
Beter off going to Rios in Newbury and having an eat out in your car with the radio on.

Just read these reviews and cannot believe I am talking about the same place! Pluses — good music and authentic diner feel to the place, oh and the milk shakes were good. Minuses — poor food and very pricey for what it is. I ordered omelette and chips (not very dinerish I know!) the omelette was still runny in the middle and the chips were pretty basic. Hubby had a burger which I have to say could have been from absolutely any supermarket cheap end range and was just a plain old double burger (meal was around £10!!!) Kids meals were again just plain hot dog and burger with chips — in my opinion could have got better from McDonalds for half the price. It just seemed to us that they had bought in the absolutely cheapest and poorest quality food available and stuck a whopping big price tag on it. Wasn’t a complete washout as the kids really enjoyed the atmosphere. We paid £35 for a very mediochre meal at best and definitely wouldn’t go again!

Fantastic place — different to anywhere we’ve ever been before. Staff were friendly and professional. American breakfasts very filling, and love the top up coffees.
We go there when we can on our way to the south west and hope that such a customer-​orientated place lasts the recession.

Authentic but very expensive for what you get, you can feed your family for the same in a nearby Gastropub! Given that it’s something different for the area and my Chillidog was great, staff friendly too. Worth ONE visit for the novelty value especially if your a fan of Happy Days.