End of the road for diner

TUCKED in a lay-by on the side of the busy A48 sits a tiny slice of America.

A world away from the greasy spoon it once was, Route 66 signs plaster the walls and a jukebox plays classic tunes at Hannah’s Diner.

For 29-year-old Hannah Smith the theme for her first business venture was an obvious one thanks to a family obsession with classic American hot rod cars.

But now, after only five years, her diner is facing its final days before it closes, and the land it sits on is turned into a cesspit. After years of pouring her heart and soul into the small cafe, her future is uncertain.

“This was my first venture on my own. I was 24 and suffering from back problems so everywhere else I was working thought I was a liability. They wouldn’t give me any hours so I thought I would do something myself,” Hannah, from Llanharan, said.

“It took me a week to get it where I wanted it - there was a lot of paint.

“I’m really lucky I have such supportive parents who help me a lot, so if I have a bad day they come and take over and look after it.”

Sat on the Cowbridge by-pass, Hannah’s Diner came to life thanks to help from family and her grandfather’s inheritance.

For her, the American lifestyle was already second nature after countless trips over the pond.

She said: “I’ve always loved hot rod shows, my parents drilled it into me. We’ve been going for years.

“Since I was born I used to travel around in the back of a Pilot with the camping stuff. In the old pictures I look like Maggie from the Simpsons all wrapped up.

“Now me and mum share a hot rod and dad has his. Mine and mum’s is a girl’s car, I had it for my birthday but I’ve been upgrading it. If I’ve got a bad back, mum will use it.”

While the idea of an American diner might seem out of place in the heart of south Wales, the response to Hannah’s diner has been incredible.

Over the years the decor of Hannah’s Diner has reflected her close relationship with her customers. Photos, signs and memorabilia have all made their way to the diner’s walls from thousands of miles away.

Hannah said: “I have customers who come from America for four months of the year and they bring me bits and pieces over. They say it reminds them of home.

“The support I’ve had I can’t put into words, I never thought I would have such a community in the cafe.”

After a last shift on Sunday, Hannah’s Diner will close for good. A sign tacked sadly on the door thanks customers for their friendship over the years but states that the landlord has not decided to renew the lease, and will instead the demolish the property and install a cesspit on the site.

Hannah said: “People have been crying. I’ve had people ask if they can come to my house for pancakes. The customers are trying to keep me here.

There’s nothing I can do, but I really appreciate it.”

Attempts were made to contact the owners of the land for comment.