We were drawn into Dean’s Diner, opposite the new Odeon cinema, by the children, tempted by balloons floating merrily in the breeze and ketchup bottles shaped like tomatoes.

The interior was a lot smarter than I had anticipated. The word diner conjured up images of unsavoury greasy spoon cafés, but I could not have been more wide of the mark.

It is a snapshot of 1950s and 1960s America, complete with jukebox blaring Rock ’n’ Roll classics, Route 66 memorabilia and delicious milkshakes.

Although it was ridiculously early for dinner, there were a handful of couples and families already seated in the booths and more gradually arrived.

The menu offers variations on the burger and fries theme, with the addition of a lengthy range of breakfast options, including US favourite pancakes and maple syrup. There are also hot dogs, ribs and chicken combos, wraps, salads and vegetarian options.

We opted for the kids’ meal deal of a burger or hot dog with fries and ice cream (£4.95), plus a milkshake (£1.50 extra) for our smaller diners. The adults chose the Deep South burger combo (Monterey Jack cheese, bacon, beer batter onion rings and barbecue sauce) (£11.25) and the Sunshine State burger combo (spicy avocado guacamole and Monterey Jack cheese) (£9.95) with a chocolate milkshake (£4.10) and a capuccino (£2.20). You can order burgers without fries, onion rings and coleslaw.

The food arrived without too much of a wait and looked impressive, with chunky burgers in fresh buns served in little baskets for an authentic look.

My son very much enjoyed his hot dog and it disappeared in double-quick time, but my pickier eater daughter was less impressed with her dry burger and only ate the bun. This could have been due to the lack of ketchup, however, which she detests.

The burgers were hearty, but I could not taste much cheese or guacamole in my Sunshine State and the fries could have done with a bit longer in the fryer.

The bill came to a touch over £38, which is not bad for a family of four.

The milkshakes were a triumph, however, and with the range of flavours available, including alcoholic options, they could be a big draw.

The diner is perfect for a pre or post cinema treat and for a trip back in time.

*Open Mon-Thur & Sun: 9am to 9.30pm; Fri and Sat: 9am to 10pm.
* Disabled access.
* Baby changing.
* Kids’ menu.
* Meal deals Monday to Thursday.