Mollie’s Motel and Diner is one of those places that manages to balance style with comfort, whether you’re popping in for a meal, picking up a takeaway, or staying overnight.

It’s about a 15 – 20 minute drive from Oxford (or half an hour by bus), and while this time we were kindly invited, I’ll 100000% be going back very soon. They often have deals running, so it’s worth checking ahead.

We started with cocktails, obvs.

The English Garden was fruity, refreshing and just the thing to ease into the evening. A Negroni followed, lighter and less punchy than usual but still enjoyable. The surprise star was the Peach and Mint Julep, recommended by our waiter, who said it rarely gets ordered. It really deserves more love, each sip shifted between fruity, sharp and punchy, and it was one of the most interesting drinks of the night.

For food, the hot honey cheese croquetas were the perfect start: crisp, smoky, just the right touch of spice, and hard to resist.

Midway through, we spotted milkshakes arriving at the table next to us and couldn’t hold back. We ordered a chocolate Oreo version to share and it was outstanding – thick, fresh, with generous chunks of Oreo and, crucially, a proper straw that didn’t collapse halfway through.

We ordered a few mains to share – a classic move from a pair of unable-to-deciders

The double cheeseburger was served in a pillowy soft potato bun… simple, not over-stacked, and exactly what a burger should be. I’m not usually that much of a burger person, but this really hit the spot. I bloody love a gherkin, and this burger had them sliced inside, as well as a larget one as a side bite.

The chicken and waffles stole the show: perfectly cooked crispy chicken, smoky bacon and maple syrup that was dangerously moreish.

A small side of mac and cheese turned out to be just right, rich and creamy with a bit of crunch, while the slaw added freshness to cut through the indulgence.

Desserts tested our limits, but we soldiered on (someone’s gotta do it, eh?)

The banana cream pie was creamy, silky and a clever twist for anyone who loves banoffee, while the freshly baked chocolate cookie with ice cream felt like a treat, even if I only managed a bite. My friend more than made up for my lack of enthusiasm at that point, happily polishing it off.

Breakfast the next morning was equally as drool-worthy

Honestly, we were still full from the night before, which is our own fault, we just couldn’t say no… to anything. But, we put on our big girl pants (that were much tighter than when we first arrived) and shared a full English, where everything was well executed, from smoky bacon and juicy sausages to perfectly scrambled eggs and thick toast. The pancake stack with berries looked almost too pretty to touch but was balanced, fresh and impossible not to finish. Fresh juices rounded everything off beautifully.

The motel itself is sleek but not showy, with details that make a real difference.

Unlimited tea and coffee are available both in your room and the communal areas, water taps in the hallways mean no midnight thirst emergencies, and Dyson hair dryers, straighteners and Cowshed products bring an extra touch of comfort. The beds are cosy, the atmosphere chic but relaxed, and the staff are warm, helpful and genuinely welcoming. For anyone wanting to explore the area at a slower pace, bikes are available too.

Mollie’s manages to pull together delicious and comforting food, friendly service and a stay that feels special without being over the top. Whether you go for the diner alone or make a night of it, it’s 100% worth the trip and you best believe I will be going back ASAP for those waffles.

Mollie’s Motel & Diner
Shrivenham Rd, A420, Buckland, Faringdon SN7 8PY

Bitten were invited as guests, all views are our own