Opened: 1972
Original owner: Taverna (Esso)
Later owned by: Granada (mid 1980’s?)
Current Owner: Moto
Then:
Trivia:
Birch Services on the M62 are designed in a similar way (both have a distinctive roof structure from the outside)
Orginally had a huge bank of Vending machines including microwaves to self-serve food
Has a secret exit. It is possible to switch between the northbound and southbound sites by using nearby Bramley Lane. Users of the lodge need to do this to access the building, which is on the northbound only. The exit is controlled by a automatic bollard + intercom to prevent regular access
The southbound site had a lodge built in 2001
Current:
I usually stop off on the southbound services (the first on the M1 for me after turning off from the M62). Its was always small service station although recently enlarged, but the small size does offer it a intimacy (if you can have intimacy in a MSA!) and a spectacular view north. Recently converted to typical Quick Service Multiple Vendor type cafeteria. I found the service outstanding, and great attention to detail (the duty manager out and about checking everything from the restaurant to the toilets!)
Thanks:
Nigel Moore for information about the exit + hotel
Andrew M C Brodie – Lodge information