STARS from the world of sport and entertainment joined revellers to celebrate the opening of the country’s hippest roadside service area.

Television personalities Jeremy Clarkson, Dec Donnelly and Richard Bacon, comedian Ronni Ancona, England rugby captain Dylan Hartley, touring car champion Jason Plato and pop star Paloma Faith were among the familiar faces at the launch of Mollie’s Motel & Diner, beside the A420 at Buckland, near Faringdon.

The American themed venue is the latest venture by the team behind Soho House – which runs the famous Soho Farmhouse near Chipping Norton and a string of exclusive private members clubs around the world. Its boss Nick Jones, who lives in nearby Bampton Manor, was leading the celebrations.

The diner has a vintage 1950s American style and offers high quality comfort food, such as all-day breakfasts, waffles, burgers, shakes and healthy vegan and gluten-free choices. There is also a drive-thru.

The 79-room motel features classic Americana and 1970s British design, with rooms for as little as £50.

Guests are encouraged to book rooms, reserve tables order food and even access their rooms using a Mollie's smart phone app.

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Richard Bacon and Jeremy Clarkson

Mr Jones said: “There has been nothing fun on the roadside in Britain, and I have always thought it could be better. My obsession is the customer and I want to give them the best experience.

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“It is completely different to Soho House but I have been able to work with everything I have learnt from Soho House and with its design team, to make something for everyone.”

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He said more Mollies would follow, with branches for Manchester and Bristol already in the pipeline and potentially more roadside diners and motels for the rest of the country. “Let’s see how it works out,” he smiled.

Ronni Ancona said: “It’s just amazing. Everything Nick does is magic.

"He has such a wonderful touch.”

  • Mollie's Motel & Diner, Shivenham Road, A420, Buckland, Faringdon,
  • molliesmotel.com