HOLYROOD pupils are getting a taste of Hollywood... as catering bosses open an American diner in the playground.

With red faux seats, booths, stainless steel double-doors and an original counter, Holyrood Secondary youngsters will have a real taste of 1950s Americana.

The scheme is designed to keep high school pupils on school grounds at break time and away from fast food outlets.

So, while the diner serves up BBQ chicken buns, quesadillas, chilli dogs, mac and cheese and burritos, they all fit strict Scottish Government nutritional legislation.

Glasgow Times:

Photo: Kirsty Anderson 

Julia McCreadie, Cordia’s Head of Encore and Facilities Management, said: “This is probably one of the most ambitious catering projects we’ve undertaken but the end result is fantastic.

“The diner looks brilliant and is an excellent addition to Holyrood’s infrastructure.

"Pupils can visit it during break times, getting the true 50s experience with a contemporary menu of exciting dishes.

“We’re really pleased with how it looks and feels, but most importantly, it fulfils our overall objectives of encouraging young people to eat healthy during the day and avoid fast-food.

“We will continue to look at new and innovative ideas for schools across Glasgow - working with pupils, teachers and parents to drive forward these concepts.”

Installed by Cordia, the arm's-length council company in charge of school lunches, the diner features a vintage exterior with black and white tiled floor.

The concept was the brainchild of Cordia’s project manager Helena Hailstone and was specially commissioned and built based on her idea.

Built over a period of six months by a two-man team, the structure is formed around a solid steel box frame with a hardwood roof covered in fibreglass.

Glasgow Times:

Photo: Kirsty Anderson 

Pupils will be able to dine in over lunch or purchase food through an external service window to reduce queues.

The school can also use the space as a meeting place for clubs and societies.

Liz Cameron, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Lifelong Learning, said: “I love the fact that our schools are always working with our Cordia colleagues to look at innovative ways in which to promote our nutritious an value for money school meals to pupils.

“We know that there will always be a bit of a battle for pupils to be enticed to the local fast food outlet at lunchtime so by providing a unique and alternative space to have lunch is hopefully an attractive prospect for Holyrood young people.”

As previously told in the Evening Times, Cordia has taken various approaches to encourage school meal uptake across the city.

It has rolled out novel catering facilities including an art café and external huts as well as cafes serving cappuccino and lattes.