IT is hoped there will be many ‘Happy Days’ at Winchester’s first 1950s style American diner, that is due to open on Monday, December 1.

Buddy's Diner, based in Jewry Street, replaces Café de Paris and was the brainchild of owner David Birmingham.

Girls from the Team Phoenix cheerleading team, based in Redbridge in Southampton, were at the restaurant today, Saturday November 29, to help generate some 1950s American sparkle.

A vintage 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air added some style to the proceedings and raised a few eyebrows and smiles from passers by.

Mr Birmingham said: “We went to the States in October and while we were out there we met Sylvester Stallone in a hotel. We were chatting to him and he loved the idea of the diner and sent us a signed photo that will take pride of place in the restaurant. He called everybody Buddy so we thought that was as good a name as any for the diner.

“I love all that retro stuff and I think a lot of people like that kind of American retro like Happy Days and Grease. It does make people smile when they walk past. I want to put a smile on the faces of the people of Winchester in these difficult times.”

Mr Birmingham’s wife Christine added: “The problem with Café de Paris was there were too many French bistros in town so we thought we would do something different. Because of the credit crunch we wanted to do something that was value for money because if people want to go out to eat they want something cheaper. Also we wanted to focus on the family because there are so many places in Winchester where you can’t eat out with children.”

Izzy Ross, 16, from Chandler’s Ford, will be working in the diner as a waitress and is also a member of the Phoenix Cheerleaders, said: “I am really excited about the diner opening because there is nothing like it around here. It is like a cooler version of TGI Friday’s.”

Buddy's will be open seven days a week from 9am – 11pm.