Route 2 Diner — Restaurant in Hazel Grove

We always drove by this diner and commented, “we must try that place”. We finally did. We were attracted by the turkey dinner special and Burger Love mention on the road sign. We both chose the turkey dinner. But…back to the beginning, if I may? There is lots of parking. Take caution when pulling out: you’re jumping onto the Trans-Canada Hwy, at highway speeds. This structure looks like a home from the exterior. Simple white bungalow-type structure. But, when you step inside you’ll be greeted like family, with a warm smile and a lovely British accent. This was Surprise #1: the welcome. Then, with simple furnishings and some sweet sentiments on wall hangings, Surprise #2: ambiance. Without the dark panelling, we were struck by the hum: the noise level and happy banter exude, “British Pub”. Surprise #3: price. Dining out has become out of reach for families - but not here - prices are very good. Surprise #4: serving size. I mean, just have a peek at the photos below! The turkey slices were 1/2” thick! Where do you EVER see that for a “daily” special? I know. You just don’t. Unless you pull up a chair at Route 2 Diner. Give it a try. We loved our turkey dinner, but also saw many order the Burger Love plates - and it looked delicious too. Maybe next time....

My girlfriend Caroline and I visited the restaurant for a second time this past Sunday, and she had the burger while I ordered the English breakfast with a cuppa tea, and extra English bacon.

It was lovely, and the bacon was the best part. He brines, cures and smokes it himself and the result is a lovely bit of bacon reminiscent of a pea meal Canadian bacon, but with a wonderful hint of smoke that you can smell and taste. Caroline enjoyed her burger, and I liked the bite she let me take of it while sharing my sausage and a strip of bacon with her.

What you don’t see in the photo are the grilled tomato and mushrooms underneath the toast.

We will be back again, and looking forward to sampling another item off of their menu.

Update: 2022-08 Caroline and I dropped in to the Diner with my brother Rich and his wife, three orders of fish n chips, and I was the odd one out and ordered the roast beef and onion grilled cheese. I also had my gf order an extra piece of fish, so I had the best of both worlds! We had three milkshakes delivered to the table, and I can speak for my strawberry milkshake, it was a pleaser and I'd order it again in a heartbeat. I love the food and the...

Good food but not accommodating, we had one more person than table had seating and asked to pull up another chair. Were told we could not so one of our party had to sit at a table by themselves.

I was sitting where I could see the kitchen door. The place was busy and the owner would often open the kitchen door enough to roll his eyes at the waitress or snap at her. The one waitress was doing her best running food to tables and ringing in payments. She found herself between an angry owner (father?) and annoyed customers who were not getting coffee refills quick enough or waiting to pay. I ended up giving a 100% tip to the waitress for remaining pleasant and professional under difficult circumstances BUT will not be back due to the owner being unprofessional, not supporting his staff, and non-accomdating on...