Detour Pit Stop #132: Mollie’s Motel & Diner, Bristol, UK

Photo: Nik Berg

The Mollie’s recipe of an American-inspired diner and motel with a dash of modern sophistication is replicated at its Bristol venue.

If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. With the success of their first Oxfordshire location which opened in 2019, the founders of Mollie’s simply cloned it on the outskirts of Bristol.

The site isn’t especially salubrious, but it is ideally positioned for access to the M5 motorway and about 15 minutes from the city centre. The views from the very chic modern motel rooms are therefore not worth opening the net curtains for. Instead, better to close them up and stream your favourite movie or show to the TV or tune in to Mollie’s own curated music station. The rooms are basic, but make the most of the limited space and are both very stylishly appointed and remarkably good value.

A short stroll across the car park takes you to the diner, where you’d be well advised to book a table in advance as it’s extremely popular. And for good reason. Mollie’s take on American roadside cuisine is to use quality ingredients and a bit of extra imagination to create truly memorable meals. This time we went for the flat iron steak and apple pie, followed the next morning by smoked salmon and scrambled eggs and avocado toast. To say that we left sated is quite the understatement.

Mollie’s third spot is opening in December at the former Granada Television studios in Manchester. We’ll report back soon.

Words Nik Berg Twitter/X | Instagram
Photography Nik Berg / Mollie’s

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ROADBOOK

CLASS: MOTEL & DINER

NAME: Mollie’s

ROUTE: A4018 Cribbs Causeway, Patchway, Bristol BS10 7TL

COUNTRY: UK

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