September 6th 2024.
As you zoom down the M6, you may catch a glimpse of a peculiar structure towering 90 feet above the bustling motorway. This futuristic building, known as the Pennine Tower, was originally built in 1965 as part of the Forton motorway services. Its hexagonal shape and sleek design were intended to capture the attention of passing motorists, offering them a unique dining experience with views of Morecambe Bay from its observation platform.
Although it may seem like something out of a sci-fi movie, the Pennine Tower was actually a 150-seat restaurant serving up high-end dishes such as lobster and steak. It was one of the first motorway services in the UK, a result of the increasing number of car owners and the development of the motorway network. The construction of the tower alone cost a staggering £885,000, which would equate to about £14.2 million in today's money.
Along with the tower, the Forton services also featured an enclosed bridge, allowing visitors to access facilities on both sides of the motorway. There were also two self-service cafeterias and amenities for lorry drivers. In fact, the memories of a former waitress, Noreen Blackburn, reveal just how busy and bustling the services were back in the day.
Noreen recalls starting work at the services in 1966, stocking shelves with sandwiches and cakes in the separate cafeteria. She then moved on to serving tea and coffee, jokingly referred to as the "tea and pee brigade" due to the constant flow of coaches. But Noreen's dream was to become a waitress in the iconic tower, with its chic mid-green uniform and shiny chrome buttons. However, despite its grand ambitions, the restaurant's food did not live up to expectations.
In 1978, renowned food critic Egon Ronay harshly criticized the restaurant, calling the food "an insult to one's taste buds" and rating the overall experience as "appalling". Despite this, the Pennine Tower continued to operate as a trucker's lounge until it eventually closed its doors in 1989. Over the years, the services changed ownership multiple times, and the tower was eventually left abandoned.
In 2012, the tower was awarded Grade II listed status, recognized for its unique architectural design and its role in the development of motorway services. However, the tower itself remains closed off to the public and has been used as an office and storage space for years. Photos taken a decade ago show the sad state of the interior, with outdated furniture and worn-out green carpet.
Although it may no longer serve its original purpose, the Pennine Tower still holds a special place in the hearts of those who remember it. Its unusual appearance and history as a fine dining restaurant on a motorway continue to intrigue and fascinate passersby. So next time you're on the M6, take a moment to admire the towering structure and its unique place in British history.
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