The History of Welcome Break Newport Pagnell
On Friday 15th August, Welcome Break Newport Pagnell turns 65!
Join us from 13th – 15th August for celebrations, including face painting, balloon modelling and our ‘spin to win’ wheel.
The History of Welcome Break Newport Pagnell
Newport Pagnell Services holds a special place in British motorway history as one of the first service areas to open on the M1. In 1959, Motorway Service Ltd (a union consisting of Fortes and Blue Star), won the bid to build and operate the services with work starting straight away on the build. Designed by Sydney Clough, Son & Partners, and contracted to J Laing, the site was to be operational by April 1960.
Its story began in urgency, just days before the motorway's launch in 1959, the Ministry of Transport asked Blue Star to set up a temporary petrol station. On 2 November 1959, a modest setup opened at Newport Pagnell with fuel from Shell, Esso, Mobil, Regent, and Fina, alongside a recovery truck and a temporary toilet block.
The permanent amenity buildings were delayed due to car park readiness, but progress continued. A footbridge was installed in April 1960 during one of the first weekend motorway closures. Finally, on 15th August 1960, the northbound café opened, followed by The Grill & Griddle restaurant on 17 August 1960. The footbridge and southbound area opened later on 30th September.
The service area was a bustling hub, employing 200 local staff. The restaurant soon became a destination for the wealthy to dine at, enjoying table service with a view of the new motorway. Fortes even attempted to introduce alcohol with meals, but their application was rejected, contributing to the creation of a de-alcoholised wine.
Rebranding
In 1988 Forte acquired the Welcome Break name and rebranded its 16 existing service areas (including the original Newport Pagnell site) under the Welcome Break brand, expanding the brand.
Changing With The Times
As demand shifted, fine dining gave way to more convenient offerings. Beans on toast sold for the equivalent of £2, and slot machines lined the entrance. By the 1990s, the northbound side had grown larger, featuring a Little Chef and a Thorntons shop. Plans for refurbishments and new forecourts were underway.
The Welcome Break Brands
In the early 1990s, Burger King and KFC were introduced to the brand, becoming a staple offering across Welcome Break sites.
In 2006 a new partnership began, making Welcome Break the first motorway operator to offer Starbucks, with the first one opening at Corley. The partnership reflected a shift to a premium coffee culture, with the first drive-thru opening in 2013 at Fleet north.
2007 saw WHSmith begin to replace its own shop, with the high street favourite opening its trial store at Newport Pagnell. Selected stores have now seen the exciting addition of Toys “R” Us concessions added on a trial basis in 2025.
In 2013, Subway outlets began appearing across Welcome Break sites, offering healthier fast-food options.
Most recently, in 2024, Welcome Break introduced Taco Bell to the motorway. Opening the first store in South Mimms. The partnership has continued to grow, with eight stores now across Welcome Break sites, including Newport Pagnell.
Celebrating 30 Years
In September 1990, Fortes planned a grand celebration to mark 30 years of motorway service areas. As part of these celebrations, a time capsule was buried in the northbound service area, although no record of its precise location was noted and it remains a mystery to this day.
Quick Fun Facts
- Newport Pagnell offered the first restaurant on the motorway.
- The original restaurant was table service.
- The café featured in the 1969 film Charlie Bubbles.
- The site is referenced in The Smiths’ song ‘Is It Really So Strange?’ with the line, “I lost my bag at Newport Pagnell”.