Billy Bob's Myerscough, a family-run American-style diner on the A6 near Preston, has become a popular destination for families seeking a unique day out. The venue, set at North Planks Farm, includes a full-size Coca-Cola Freightliner truck converted into a dining area, along with an ice cream parlour, play areas, and other attractions.
A Dream Born from Road Trips
Owners Mandy and Gary Rogers, who originally from Ilkley and Bolton respectively, were inspired by their family travels across the USA. They would take their children out of school each September to explore the country, visiting small towns and collecting signs and neon lights. Their love for these 'nowheresville' places led to the idea of creating an ice cream parlour on their farm, which soon expanded into a much larger venture.
Despite initial skepticism from Gary's brother and their bank, Billy Bob's opened in Skipton in 2013 and has since grown into a beloved attraction. The Myerscough site, which opened later, adds another chapter to the story.
Unique Dining Experiences
Inside the diner, guests can dine in a genuine yellow school bus brought from Ohio, also converted into a dining space. The menu features burgers, hot dogs, ribs, and American breakfasts, with most items prepared in-house, including pulled pork smoked for 12 hours and handmade burger patties. The ice cream parlour offers sundaes, pancakes, waffles, and milkshakes, with ice cream made on the family farm at Skipton.
For children, there are extensive outdoor play areas with wooden climbing structures, indoor play barns with rope swings, racing slides, and zip lines. During summer holidays, a Bounce House attraction provides additional fun.
Family-Run at Heart
The venue has developed a loyal following, with families travelling from across the North West. Mandy and Gary are heavily involved, with Gary handling the practical and financial side, while Mandy works on menus, merchandise, and events. Their children also contribute: son Scott runs the ice cream van, and daughters Lucy and Amelie work at Myerscough.
Mandy said: "For us, Billy Bob's has always been about hospitality. The buildings, vehicles and attractions may be what first catch people's attention, but it is the way people are looked after that we hope they remember most."
She added: "Did we ever imagine Billy Bob's would become as popular as it is today? Honestly, no. We hoped people would enjoy it, of course, but we never expected families to travel such distances to visit or for so many people to make it part of their own family traditions."
Plan Your Visit
Billy Bob's Myerscough is located on the A6 between Preston and Garstang. Restaurant tables can be booked in advance, while play areas and seasonal attractions vary throughout the year. Visitors are advised to check the website before travelling, especially during school holidays and special events.
