May 10th 2024.
As you drive down the M6 motorway, you can't miss the towering structure that looms above the road. It's the Pennine Tower, a unique and futuristic building that has become a familiar sight for those who frequent this popular stretch of highway.
This impressive tower was constructed in 1965 as part of the Forton motorway services. Standing at a height of 90 feet, it overlooks the Lancaster and Preston bypasses and offers stunning views of Morecambe Bay from its observation platform. Its hexagonal shape and modern design make it a standout among the surrounding landscape.
For first-time travelers on the M6, the Pennine Tower can be quite a surprise. Its unconventional appearance and grandeur may cause you to do a double-take. Originally, it was intended to be a high-end restaurant serving up delicious lobster and steak dishes. With a seating capacity of 150, it was the highest motorway restaurant in the country.
The Forton motorway services, where the tower is located, was one of the first to be built in the UK. This was in response to the growing number of car owners and the need for better infrastructure to support the increasing traffic on our roads. The construction of the tower alone reportedly cost £885,000, which would amount to approximately £14.2 million in today's currency.
Unfortunately, the Pennine Tower is no longer in use. Along with the restaurant, the services also featured a bridge that connected both sides of the motorway, two self-service cafeterias, and amenities for lorry drivers. Noreen Blackburn, a former waitress at the tower, reminisced about her time there in an archived interview. She fondly recalled starting her career at the services in 1966, serving tea and coffee to the busy "tea and pee brigade."
Noreen's ultimate goal was to become a waitress at the tower, and she worked hard to make it happen. She described the chic uniform she wore, complete with a Top Rank emblem, and the thrill of serving customers in such a unique setting.
Despite its grand ambitions, the restaurant received harsh criticism from renowned food critic Egon Ronay in 1978. He deemed the food at the Pennine Tower as "appalling" and an "insult to one's taste buds." As a result, the restaurant's popularity dwindled, and it was eventually converted into a trucker's lounge before closing down completely in 1989.
Over the years, Forton services changed hands multiple times and is now owned by Moto. The tower, however, remains closed to the public. In 2012, it was awarded Grade II listed status by Historic England for its architectural significance. They described the tower's purpose as both a beacon for passing motorists and a glamorous vantage point for enjoying the surrounding countryside.
Although the tower is no longer in use, it still holds a special place in the hearts of many. Photos from a decade ago showcase the tower's current state, with outdated furniture piled up and worn-out green carpeting. But its unique appearance and history continue to evoke fondness and nostalgia for the strange, UFO-like building that once stood tall above the M6 motorway.
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