Welcome Break Burtonwood
Burtonwood celebrates 50 years
Join the party on August 19th!
On Monday 19th August, Welcome Break Burtonwood turns 50!
Join us on the big day from 9am to 2pm for celebrations. From coffee tasting and a goodie bag giveaway to a 70s themed quiz and 70's costumes, we're making sure to mark the occasion and would love to see you there alongside our team members from the present and past.
The history of Welcome Break Burtonwood
Take a trip down memory lane...
After opening in 1974 on the M62, Burtonwood was originally two sites designed by Patrick Gwynne. In 2008, the westbound half of Burtonwood was closed, with the land later being developed into retail space and offices.
Originally developers wanted the roof to be painted red, but landed on copper tiles which would turn green over time. The buildings, with their iconic tepee shaped roofs, soon became a landmark for travellers on the motorway. Gwynne was known primarily for his designing of modernist luxury houses but did also design several well-known restaurants in desirable locations such as London’s Hyde Park.
Haunted Tales
There have been numerous stories of ghost sightings at Welcome Break Burtonwood over the years! One story is that shortly after the site opened in 1974, a team member was working alone at around 11:30pm when they were disturbed by a noise of falling pans in the kitchen. They looked through the serving hatch and saw nothing, but then when they went back in the kitchen and turned a corner, they saw a figure with no head walking through a wall.
Cheryl, (who has just celebrated 34 years with Welcome Break!) has never seen a ghost herself, but has said over the years there has been plenty of talk about the ghost of an RAF airman.
The site was built on part of the former RAF Burtonwood, which was used by US Air Force during World War II. The ghost of a US airman was spotted by a bus driver whilst eating his breakfast at the site! He walked towards the kitchen and just went through the door without opening it and disappeared. Team members at the time were familiar, and said "It's our resident ghost, he's a World War II pilot, we see him a lot".
Celeb spotting
Through the years Welcome Break Burtonwood had been a hot spot for celebrities! Who can you spot in our hall of fame?
Don't forget to join us at Welcome Break Burtonwood's 50th birthday party on the 19th August from 9am until 2pm. We can't wait to see you there for the celebrations!