Watford Gap Services.

[melv16]

The above must be the worst in the country!

[Cloverjo]

Why, melv?
I've never been to that one, but have been to a couple that were quite dire.

[dzug2]

Is that a question or a statement? Saying why might be helpful either way

[Canary42]

So many contenders for that title

[Buenchico]

Worth a read:
http://www.motorwayservices.info/watford_gap_services_m1/comments

According to the ratings here, there are far worse motorway service areas!
http://www.motorwayservices.info/list/name

[Cloverjo]

Well, I suppose it's all subjective. My local ones only scored 2 stars out of 5 on Buenchico's link, but I've always found them perfectly ok.
I went to one - can't remember where - in which we ordered tomatoes on toast. The tomatoes were raw and the toast burnt. When we got to the till to pay, we were asked for a ridiculous amount. OH told the cashier "I'm not paying that for that food." The guy took the tray off OH saying "I don't blame you, mate", put it to one side and carried on with the next customer. We left still hungry.

[Jackdaw33]

My funniest story about service stations goes back to 1972, when I went up to Durham University. Friend and I had been on the pop then suddenly discovered we were starving. As it was after ten at night every outlet was closed. Said friend had a car, a rarity for students then, and suggested we go to the Washington service station on the A1(M). This we did; had a very indifferent and expensive meal of sausage, peas and chips. Friend then said he was out of fags and went to the vending machine. He came back with tears in his eyes. When I asked what the matter was, he showed me his purchase. He had gone to the wrong machine, and instead of getting 20 Embassy he came back with a packet of multi-coloured condoms, exclaiming,"...and that was my last ten bob bit!"

[tonyav]

I think Gordano services (M5) are the worst that I have been in.

[EDDIE51]

I believe it was the first motorway service area in the UK , so the design has been improved since it was built. (1962 ish?)

[Answerprancer]

I think pretty much all motorway service stations are a rip off.

[Bathsheba]

Rhod Gilbert did a brilliant sketch about a motorway service station,...am busy cooking at moment or else I'd look on Youtube :)

Baths
x x x

[EDDIE51]

I was right but it was earlier than I thought, 1959.
http://motorwayarchive.ihtservices.co.uk/en/statistics/the-first-motorway-service-area.cfm
So coming up to 46 years old.
( I hear they still have some of the original sandwiches left !)

[tonyav]

It isn't really on the motorway, EDDIE.

[Jackdaw33]

57 years, Eddie.

[tonyav]

Sorry EDDIE, I mean't Gordano.

[Bathsheba]

This is the one I mean, I think ;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aIp8-vGVZgI

[EDDIE51]

Jackdaw33 Yes you are correct, celebrating getting my first old age pension payment this week has gone to my head!

[Old_Geezer]

...last ten bob bit. And this chewing gum tastes funny !

[Jackdaw33]

Can anyone else remember the expression, 'ten bob bit'? It was in use for a few years after 1969, when the ten shilling note was replaced by a coin. The coin was also referred to as a Wilson, after the then PM, because it was two-faced and seven-sided.

[EDDIE51]

I remember the Ten Shilling note being replaced by the 50p coin. I was working after school delivering fruit and veg on an old fashioned 'trade bike'.
My boss told me to go to the bank, gave me a £20 note and told me to change it for 'Ten bob notes'. He was not happy when I came back with two bags of coins. He had heard that a Ten Shilling Note was worth £5 to a collector!

[Cloverjo]

That was brilliant, Bathsheba :)