Diners have come a long way from being quintessentially American, horse-drawn wagons serving hot food - today, they have become a part of urban culture, along with bars and nightclubs. Ed's Easy Diner founded in London's Soho in 1987, is one such place that recreates that classic 1950s diner experience.

If you're someone whose definition of indulgence includes a meaty burger, with a portion of cheesy fries and a milkshake, then go to Ed's and enjoy the food. The setting is casual and lively, the ambience bright and colourful. For those of you who love jukeboxes, a tabletop Seeburg 100 Wallomatic plays fifties rock and roll.

Once in, you cannot help but take notice of the quick service provided by the energetic and cheerful staff. Your desire to sink your teeth into a burger is met with immediate enthusiasm - load it with a filling of your choice, cheese, bacon, egg, guacamole or sautéed onion. The meat used is lean, ground steak and made from named cattle herds.

The original burger is served with lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, mayonnaise and mild American mustard, the cheeseburger comes with everything the original has along with low fat cheddar, Emmental or American cheese. The heavier big bubba is stacked with smoked crispy bacon. You could beef it up with a double patty and upgrade to a king bubba for an extra charge. Don't fret if you're vegetarian, for the bean spice served with lettuce, tomato, onion, dill pickle, mayonnaise and mild American mustard will more than please you. The all day big breakfast with a burger, egg, bacon, cheese and steak sauce is substantial and keeps you going all day.

The atomic American fries with salsa, chilli, sour cream and guacamole or the onion rings can be had with the mains. Beef hotdogs and meat and vegetable salads are other options worth exploring. Shakes like the banana peanut butter and mint chocolate, as well as soft drinks and juices help wash down a meal. And if you're above sixteen, you could choose a beer. To make sure children have a good time, Ed's has a junior bites menu too - three-ounce burgers, pork frankfurters and crispy chicken fillets, served with fries. The small size milkshakes, baby sundaes and milk glasses are other thoughtful additions.

Finally, if you're wondering where the desserts are, the creamy cheesecake, pecan pie and the American malt waffle seem just perfect to end a memorable meal at Ed's.