Native Hoveites know that George Street is the place to shop, grab coffee, food or a drink. From one end to the other, this community hub offers everything you’re looking for, from fruit and vegetables, to toothpaste and beauty products.
The latest addition to the street is JB’s Diner, situated at the beginning, or the end depending on your perspective. The venue sports a traditional retro American 1950s diner aesthetic, complete with shiny red booths, a black and white tiled chessboard floor and authentic artwork. There’s even an Elvis style guitar on the wall. The place gave me immediate ‘Grease’ vibes, fit for an after school burger or milkshake. (Note to owner – please buy a jukebox.)
Burgers weren’t on my radar seeing that it was a Sunday and slightly too early for lunch, so I opted for the Breakfast and a fruit smoothie. Without delay an enormous plate of food arrived featuring that all American classic, fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon with a side of maple syrup. I adore this salty sweet combination of flavours. Also present were two fried eggs (sunny side up), two sausages, two hash browns, mushrooms and roasted cherry tomatoes. An English/American hybrid if you will. Everything was cooked to perfection and I’m not ashamed to say I polished off the lot.
The fresh fruit smoothie was served in a huge bowl glass, garnished with a strawberry and tasted amazing, a much needed health injection to balance out the hearty breakfast I inhaled.
Afterwards I sat outside in the sunshine watching the world go by and perused the menu for my next visit. The USA theme continues. Sharing platters loaded with panko crumbed chicken strips, ribs and beer battered onion rings with blue cheese and BBQ dips. Three cheese nachos topped with guacamole and sour cream. The diner also has hot dogs, all topped with caramalised onions, fries and a side of slaw. JBs signature dog caught my eye the most; homemade chilli con carne, cheese, tomato and cilantro salsa and jalapenos. Yum.
I’m also definitely having a milkshake on my next visit, they’re all made with ice cream and are served in traditional shake glasses. You can also bag yourself a bottomless soda for £3.45 (only with food).
The verdict? This is the perfect place to come and live your best Sandy and Danny life. Kids will absolutely love it too. The prices are reasonable, the menu is varied but not overbearing and the service was friendly and efficient. Also this is an independent business so it’s always nice to support the locals.
