Big Shot Diner: From US-vibe dishes in Margate to a pimped up ex-ambulance food truck
They’re bringing A-grade coffee, some serious toastie game and loaded waffles as you’ve never seen them before, writes Marijke Hall
It’s been just a minute since Big Shot Diner (@bigshotdiner) opened its doors on Margate’s seafront and already they’re bringing their A-game.
They’re serious about coffee - and they know their stuff - and, as promised, they’ve brought an outrageous menu to the mix. They also serve Floc beer and other boozy favourites. Bloody Mary, anyone?
Co-founders Simon Hutchison and Jeff Scott - the latter is half American hence the US diner vibe - got the keys to the premises on Marine Drive at the end of last year and opened in January.
“It was all very quick and we just got the doors open quietly,” explains Hutchison, who has always worked in the coffee industry.
“But we’re already getting quite a lot of regulars and we’re busy.”
It’s no surprise really when you look at the tempting menu, which focuses on loaded waffles and toasties.
The waffles, which are made with yeast to make them extra crispy and light, include the taco-inspired bacon jam waffle with elotes and chimichurri, or a smoked mozzarella waffle with pesto and parmesan.
Toasties include the Colonel Mustard packed with dill pickles, gherkins, mustard and cheese, or the house bacon jam with coffee and bourbon, gruyere and smoked applewood.
“There’s a bit of a toasty game around here and we’re glad to be part of it,” says Hutchison, who previously worked with speciality coffee at corporate events, and then ran his own coffee cart next to a foodbank, which received his rent.
“Because Jeff is half American we’ve done a play on the diner vibe. We’re a boozy diner.”
Hutchison, who grew up in Canterbury, says they had initially found a place in Ramsgate but problems with a leak meant it didn’t happen. Meanwhile, the spot on Marine Drive came up.
But while they had waited on the Ramsgate premises, they had decided to start looking into getting a food and coffee truck.
“We got this old ambulance,” he explains. “It had been all the way to Hungary to get fitted out and and come back again. The owner had two and realised he didn’t need both so we bought it from him.
“It’s fitted to a really high standard and we’ve painted it matt black.”
He says the plan is to serve toasties and filtered coffee from the truck at events but they’d also like to find a local site to be based from.
“There’s lots going on and we’re really pleased with the place in Margate,” he adds.
“We’re continuing to work on things and we’re slowly building up to opening later into the evening.
“On Fridays and Saturdays we’re open until sunset and in the summer we’ll stay open later.”
For more see www.bigshotcoffee.co.uk
