THE latest addition to Bude's already delightful array of eateries, 'Mimi's Vintage Diner' looks set to provide a truly unique experience when it opens around Easter.

The authentic American diner has, after over 60 years serving customers in both the US and UK, arrived in Bude thanks to a local man enthused by providing a new and exciting environment to eat and socialise in.

RELOCATION

The diner is as big an item you are allowed to transport on the road. When it was moved to Bude in October last year, it required two escort and three police vehicles in attendance. To lift it into place, two 100 tonne cranes were required.

It is now located at West Grove Farm, just off the A39, and is one of four 'real' diner cars currently based in the UK. The rest are all new buildings, or replicas housed within other buildings or cafés.

SENTIMENT

The owners of Mimi's Vintage Diner are Ben and Samantha Whitehouse. Ben is originally from the Midlands, and fell in love with Bude when considering places to relocate his family in line with his work.

A stroll along Summerleaze Beach with Samantha and two children one day was enough to convince him, having had the choice of many a town along the North Devon and Cornwall coast, that Bude was the place they wanted to be.

Having been here just under three years now, the couple are looking to give something back. They hopes Mimi's Vintage Diner will be that something.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, please see this week's edition of the 'Post'.