"8 Ball Diner" grand opening 19th Feb '11

[Manky Monkey]

http://www.8balldiner.com/

The 8 Ball Diner
A12 Northbound
Near Witham/Rivenhall
Essex
CM8 3HB
Phone: +44 (0)1376 573403
http://www.8balldiner.com

Long time VW enthusiasts Brett Hawksbee, Brian Burrows and Pete Fearn launch their latest venture next weekend as Saturday 19th February sees the Grand Opening of the newly refurbished 8 Ball Diner in Essex.

The guys have created The 8 Ball Diner with the vision of providing the best facility in the UK for any car or bike enthusiast club or group. The Diner reflects its owners’ passions for cars and bikes both new and old, 50s lifestyle, Bikes, Drags, Vintage and Kustom Kulture - but their ‘take’ on this still manages to offer the style and comfort of a truly 21st century restaurant and bar. They care about the food, their customers, and the facilities, just like they always have done when promoting VW events. They are currently building a calendar of events for 2011 and onwards, with clubs ‘hosting’ a regular night, breakfast meet, or day meeting at the 8 Ball.

The Grand Opening, on February 19th 2011, is an opportunity to drop by to check out the diner, and find out what Brett, Brian and Pete have planned for the future. The diner will be open throughout the day, as well as through the evening, in a preview of what a club night at the 8 Ball has to offer. Club secretaries might want to use this event to pop down and make arrangements for their own club nights etc.

Situated on the A12 Northbound at Rivenhall, Essex, between Chelmsford and Colchester. The Southbound ‘detour’ is just a couple of minutes. Parking is available for 200+ bikes, or 70+ cars. The venue offers restaurant and bar facilities, as well as comfortable seating, pool, pinball, and an interior fusing retro imagery and contemporary styling. There is no question that the 8 Ball is all about a love of cars and bikes, but other areas have not been overlooked. The sound system, plasma TVs and air conditioning help create a ‘club’ atmosphere, but that’s not a reason to not indulge in the extensive British and American styled food menu.

Following hot on the heels of the Grand Opening, Sunday 20th February, from 8am sees the first 8 Ball Diner ‘Big Biker Breakfast’. It’s a big introduction for all bike enthusiasts to see what is on offer at the 8 Ball. Also expect to see a few car and VW bus guys who will have stayed over from the previous night’s party. From stepthroughs to superbikes, it’s a rideout not to miss. It’s for street bikes, cruisers, tourers, choppers, mopeds, and everything else. Drag bikes, vintage bikes… all are welcome to spend the day, and even the evening at the 8 Ball.

More details: http://www.8balldiner.com
Menu: http://www.8balldiner.com/menu/
Merchandise: http://www.8balldiner.com/8-ball-merchandise/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/8balldiner?v=wall

[JayJay]

Called here today after leaving the NSRA swapmeet at Essex Arena and was very disappointed. We added 70 odd miles to our journey which wouldn't have been so bad if it had lived up to expectations. Basically it is a refurbished Little Chef with some 50s artwork on the walls. There were no diner seating booths (just wooden tables), no juke box, no burgers on the menu, no neon lighting, the bar stools that were there were the modern variety and overall it was just so disappointing. We didn't even have any food in the end as we sat there for about 30 mins and the one out front waitress just couldn't keep track of the order people had come in. We weren't the only punters who walked out without being served.

What a waste of time and fuel.

JayJay 

[Manky Monkey]

That's a shame JJ. We'd thought about doing the same, but weren't as organised as you. It's popular with the V Dub crowd apparently.

[Chevy Rick]

I think everything has been said by JJ about our thoughts of this place, would have took some photos inside but you would have been mistaken them for a little chef, i will say no more. 

"8 Ball Diner" grand opening 19th Feb '11

"8 Ball Diner" grand opening 19th Feb '11

[wizzkitt]

That's probably because it used to be a Little Chef! It was another cafe after the Little Chef closed - can't remember the name, but Harrods threatened to take them to court for plagiarism over their signage. When I've been back, I've been passing this place on a regular basis, and it's been signed up but not opened for a good 4 or 5 months. Not had a chance to stop there yet.

[Cabman77]

Not heard a good report from around the Essex area yet I`m afraid. Such a shame as they`ve obviously put a lot into it.  Time will tell though.

[Chevy Rick]

Such a shame as they`ve obviously put a lot into it.

Sorry but i don't see a few signs outside and some hotrod prints inside alot. The owners need to take a trip down to Portsmouth and get some insperation from Big Ernies Diner, this chap has realy gone all out to get the Diner theme right, in as much as he had spent all the money he had on the place come opening day. 119 Elm Grove, Southsea, Portsmouth POS 1LH.

[RODeo]

Hmmmmm! Not been yet ,even tho' it is only a few miles from me . Met a guy who had been who said the car park was jammed with Hot Rods,but the food was VERY pricey,and he didnt eat there.