Subway outlet at Fleet Northbound, located within the food court, next to KFC. It’s a takeaway unit without its own designated seating area as there’s a communal seating area opposite. Subway was part of Welcome Break’s food court makeover beginning 2013 where they exchanged large, sit-down dining restaurants, such as Eat In, with food courts, sporting individual takeaway units, such as Subway and at the time, Harry Ramsden’s. Subway was a brand new concept at motorway services whereby customers can customise their orders significantly. Subway also provides sandwiches, contrasting from the large quantities of either fast food/coffee made available by the 2000s/2010s at services. Subway being an extremely recognisable brand, globally, it means Welcome Break get to take more trade from the M3 as Subway “fans” will know what to expect and may be more likely to stop. Own-brands, like Good Breakfast, won’t have this advantage. It appears this Subway hasn’t been refurbished since opening and obtains the 2002-2016 logo, unlike the new store at Southbound with the most recent logo. All Subway restaurants are franchised, and their low barriers to entry mean that Subway has become one of the most prolific food brands in the UK, however, at motorway services, they can only be found at Welcome Break sites. Subway tend to keep their prices relatively low, even on the motorways, again contrasting from most other brands Welcome Break use, which frequently inflate. This makes Subway more appealing from a money saving point of view. Subway was actually quite quiet during my visit, with lots of customers walking past. Unsure why, likely all going for KFC and Burger King instead. Subway was signposted from the M3 North during my visit, however, Pret opening may change this. Subway is frequently advertised around the site.

Photo taken on 22/07/2023 by Tom Moon.

Assigned to galleries: Fleet, Subway, M3, Welcome Break