IF you are heading down the A420 between Oxford and Faringdon this weekend, you can’t help but notice a new addition to the rural landscape.
Sitting beside the carriageway, a splash of neon, glass and cool stonework, is a little piece of 1950s Americana – a motel, diner and drive-thru which, in large red letters, proclaims itself as Mollie’s.
Occupying the site of a former Little Chef, Mollie’s Motel and Diner could not be more different to the standard roadside service areas we have been previously forced to endure.
Fun, hip, cheerful and very good value, this new concept restaurant and hotel is set to shake up the grimy world of roadside eating and sleeping.
Mollie’s is the latest venture by the people behind the Soho House group of private members clubs, including the high-end Soho Farmhouse at the other end of the county, near Great Tew. But while the Farmhouse – whose guests include Kate Moss, Wayne Rooney, the Beckhams and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex (Harry and Meghan, to us) – is reassuringly exclusive, Mollie’s could not be more different.
For while some familiar faces – Jeremy Clarkson, Paloma Faith, Dec Donelly, Richard Bacon and Ronni Ancona – brought a sparkle of stardust to its opening party on Tuesday, founder Nick Jones insists it is open to all.
That doesn’t mean it has skimped on style though. Mollie’s Motel has been styled by Soho House Design and is achingly cool with a 1970s accent. It features 79 bedrooms – for as little as £50 a night – including interconnecting family and bunk rooms, all with king-size beds, Egyptian cotton sheets, high-pressure rainforest showers and Cowshed products in bathrooms.
A general store offers complimentary tea and filter coffee, a lounge and high speed Wi-Fi.
Mollie’s Diner is pure 50s Americana, with stainless steel counter and cosy booths evoking the golden age of Route 66. Along with such American classics as burgers, shakes, waffles and pancakes, there are all-day full and half-English breakfasts, smoked salmon baps, cheesy nachos, corn on the cob and healthy veggie, vegan and gluten-free choices. And classic cocktails.
Read more: Stars shine at Mollie's for motel and diner's opening party + Picture gallery
Guests are encouraged to book and order through Mollie’s smart phone app.
“It’s been a long-standing passion project of mine to have a go at reinventing the British roadside experience,” says Nick Jones who plans to open branches across the country.
“I like looking at how we can change the way things are done and improve them for the customer. My aim with the first Mollie’s Motel and Diner is to offer affordable style for everyone to eat, drink and sleep over.”
Mollie’s Motel & Diner is at Shrivenham Road Buckland. molliesmotel.com.
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