This month marks the 65th anniversary of the opening of Britain's very first motorway service area, in Newport Pagnell.
Welcome Break decided to celebrate in typical style, with a birthday cake, but this was no ordinary sponge – it was in the shape of a car!
The edible creation was based on the Austin/Morris 1100, which was the nation's best-selling motor back in 1960.
When the Newport Pagnell service station first opened its doors to travellers, it offered only petrol, toilets and a cafe.
Today, it is open 24 hours a day with seven restaurants and dining opportunities, 28 fuel pumps and 52 EV chargers.
“I wonder if the first people who stopped at Newport Pagnell way back in 1960 would have thought that in 65 years there would be electric cars, a variety of different food from across the globe at the roadside and the opportunity to listen to your favourite tunes via your mobile phone, not just relying on the radio!" said Gary Steele, Operations Director at Welcome Break.
“So much has changed in the last 65 years, and we’re grateful we’ve been able to help travellers in this century and the last on their journeys across the UK, making their trips easier. What better way to celebrate than with a slice of car cake!”
Food artist Michelle Wibowo spent 150 hours bringing the design to life, and used 50kg of fondant.
The cake was served up to staff at Welcome Break, and with the sweet treat measuring 2.4 metres long, and weighing a whopping 90kg, there was plenty to go around!
