Gateway: Difference between revisions
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|type = primary | |type = primary | ||
|operator = | |operator = | ||
|image = Shell Gateway | |image = Shell Gateway 2025.jpg | ||
|road = [[A55]] {{dir|W}} between J33A and J33B | |||
|road = [[A55]] between J33A and J33B | |||
|postcode = CH7 6HB | |postcode = CH7 6HB | ||
|signposted = Yes | |signposted = Yes | ||
|stype = Two sites staggered between junctions, with no public connection between them | |stype = Two sites staggered between junctions, with no public connection between them | ||
|coords = 53. | |coords = 53.192951, -3.0820392 | ||
|briefroad = A55 between J33A and J33B | |briefroad = A55 westbound between J33A and J33B | ||
|gallery = Gateway (A55) | |gallery = Gateway (A55) | ||
|rating = Gateway | |||
|markerpost = 0150 }} | |markerpost = 0150 }} | ||
''This is the | ''This is the service area on the A55 in Wales. For the one on the M1 near London, see [[London Gateway]]. For the one on the A16 at Lincs Gateway, see [[Spalding]]. For the one on the A82 near Glasgow, see [[Dumbarton Gateway]].'' | ||
A welcome to Wales for westbound motorists, with a variety of facilities spread out over a hill. | |||
==Facilities== | ==Facilities== | ||
{{facilities| Catering | {{McDonald's|drivethru=yes|W|s}}, {{OK Diner|W|s}}, {{Starbucks|W|drivethru=yes|s}} |primary }} | |||
{{facilities| | {{facilities| Amenities | {{Holiday Inn|W|s}} |primary }} | ||
{{facilities| | {{facilities| Outdoor Space | Grass bank around OK Diner; Picnic Area at McDonald's |primary }} | ||
{{facilities| Forecourt | {{Shell}}, | {{facilities| Charging Points | InstaVolt 120kW CCS & 60kW CHAdeMO |primary }} | ||
{{facilities| Forecourt | {{Shell|W|s}}, {{Select|W|s}}, {{deli by Shell|W|s}}, {{Costa Express|W|s}}, Free Cash Machine |primary }} | |||
== | ==Parking Prices== | ||
Short stay customer parking is available for cars at all facilities whilst short stay HGV parking is only available in a lay-by on the exit slip. A dedicated coach parking area is also available next to McDonald's. | |||
OK Diner customers and Holiday Inn guests must enter the vehicle registration number into the tablet inside the restaurant or at reception to receive free parking during their visit as these parking areas are strictly monitored by [[Smart Parking]]. | |||
{{Parking Disclaimer}} | |||
==Contact Details== | ==Contact Details== | ||
{{Contact Details | {{Contact Details | ||
|address = A55 Expressway{{newline}} | |address = Westbound A55 Expressway{{newline}} | ||
Northop Hall{{newline}} | Northop Hall{{newline}} | ||
Mold{{newline}} | Mold{{newline}} | ||
Flintshire{{newline}} | Flintshire{{newline}} | ||
CH7 6HB | CH7 6HB | ||
| | |3words = redeeming.drumbeat.spearing | ||
|websites = | |websites = | ||
* [https://www. | * [https://www.mcdonalds.com/gb/en-gb/location/8260519.html Official McDonald's website] | ||
* [https://www. | * [https://okdiners.com/northop-hall Official OK Diner website] | ||
* [https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/chester/cheuk/hoteldetail | * [https://www.starbucks.co.uk/store-locator/82994 Official Starbucks website] | ||
* [https:// | * [https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotels/gb/en/chester/cheuk/hoteldetail Official IHG/Holiday Inn website] | ||
* [https://find.shell.com/gb/fuel/10019227 Official Shell website] | |||
}} | }} | ||
==Trivia and Design== | ==Trivia and Design== | ||
[[File: | [[File:OK Diner Gateway 2023.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The OK Diner, set on top of a hill.|alt=OK Diner Northop.]] | ||
Shell call this service area 'Northop', as opposed to [[Northop Hall]] on the other side of the road. However the road signs are clear that it is called 'Gateway services', and this is the name that has been used ever since it was developed. | |||
There are a number of facilities spread out across the hill, with the former [[Costa]] and [[Subway]] building previously claiming to be the main public facility (the one meeting the contractual obligation to provide free toilets). This is no longer the case following the closure of the Costa store in early 2023. | |||
Despite being part of the service area, the OK Diner has always distanced itself from this responsibility, instead taking issue with people using their car park and toilets. On 1 May 2024, they began instructing 'Smart Parking' to charge anybody who uses their car park without leaving their vehicle registration in the restaurant. This policy attracted considerable criticism from customers who forgot or weren't aware of this. | |||
===History=== | ===History=== | ||
The service area was developed by Autolodge Hotels Limited in the late 1980s, with construction commencing in Spring 1990 on a [[Shell]] forecourt and an Autolodge hotel, leaving space in the middle of the site for more restaurants. The hotel and forecourt opened in October 1990 and was branded '''Northop Hall Autolodge''', later becoming a partner of [[Pavilion|Pavilion Lodge]]. A [[Little Chef]] was envisaged, so it could be a partner to Northop Hall, but this didn't happen. | |||
The | The gap in the middle of the site was soon filled a few years later, with a [[McDonald's Drive Thru]] restaurant opening on 17 December 1993. [[OK Diner]] then added a diner here in around 1995. | ||
The final parcel of land behind the hotel was used in 2007 to construct a new unit, opening as Subway and Costa in 2008, with space in the middle for a Visit Wales tourist information centre that was never used. This building was built by '''Mold Developments Ltd''', who took over from Autolodge. The Subway unit closed in 2018, with the Costa store following in early 2023. | |||
Two InstaVolt chargers were installed in the westbound McDonald's car park in summer 2022. | |||
Works later commenced in May 2024 on converting the former Subway unit into a [[Starbucks]] store, with a drive-thru lane being added around the back of the building. The store later opened in June 2024, with the former Costa unit now up [https://bacommercial.com/property-search/property-details?id=2446 to let]. | |||
Fastned are currently proposing to build a new electric vehicle charging hub on land between the OK Diner and Shell filling station. These plans are currently {{current|under consideration}}. | |||
==Alternatives== | ==Alternatives== | ||
{{Succession start}} | {{Succession start}} | ||
{{Succession|1|A55| [[Kinmel Park]] (21 miles) | | {{Succession|1|A55| [[Northop Hall]] (eastbound only, ½ mile){{newline}}[[Kinmel Park]] (21 miles) | | ||
[[Saughall]] (A494, 7 miles) }} | [[Saughall]] (A494, 7 miles) }} | ||
</table> | </table> | ||
{{bottomnav}} | |||
[[Category:A-roads (no motorway)]][[Category:A55]] | |||
Latest revision as of 15:09, 20 February 2025
A55 westbound between J33A and J33B
Signposted from the road.
CH7 6HB
map and directions
Two sites staggered between junctions, with no public connection between them.
This is the service area on the A55 in Wales. For the one on the M1 near London, see London Gateway. For the one on the A16 at Lincs Gateway, see Spalding. For the one on the A82 near Glasgow, see Dumbarton Gateway.
A welcome to Wales for westbound motorists, with a variety of facilities spread out over a hill.
Facilities
Catering: McDonald's Drive Thru, OK Diner, Starbucks Drive Thru Amenities: Holiday Inn Outdoor Space: Grass bank around OK Diner; Picnic Area at McDonald's Charging Points: InstaVolt 120kW CCS & 60kW CHAdeMO Forecourt: Shell, Select, Deli by Shell, Costa Express, Free Cash Machine
Parking Prices
Short stay customer parking is available for cars at all facilities whilst short stay HGV parking is only available in a lay-by on the exit slip. A dedicated coach parking area is also available next to McDonald's.
OK Diner customers and Holiday Inn guests must enter the vehicle registration number into the tablet inside the restaurant or at reception to receive free parking during their visit as these parking areas are strictly monitored by Smart Parking.
This information is provided to us by third parties. You should always check with staff on site.
Contact Details
🏢 Address:
Westbound A55 Expressway
Northop Hall
Mold
Flintshire
CH7 6HB
Trivia and Design
Shell call this service area 'Northop', as opposed to Northop Hall on the other side of the road. However the road signs are clear that it is called 'Gateway services', and this is the name that has been used ever since it was developed.
There are a number of facilities spread out across the hill, with the former Costa and Subway building previously claiming to be the main public facility (the one meeting the contractual obligation to provide free toilets). This is no longer the case following the closure of the Costa store in early 2023.
Despite being part of the service area, the OK Diner has always distanced itself from this responsibility, instead taking issue with people using their car park and toilets. On 1 May 2024, they began instructing 'Smart Parking' to charge anybody who uses their car park without leaving their vehicle registration in the restaurant. This policy attracted considerable criticism from customers who forgot or weren't aware of this.
History
The service area was developed by Autolodge Hotels Limited in the late 1980s, with construction commencing in Spring 1990 on a Shell forecourt and an Autolodge hotel, leaving space in the middle of the site for more restaurants. The hotel and forecourt opened in October 1990 and was branded Northop Hall Autolodge, later becoming a partner of Pavilion Lodge. A Little Chef was envisaged, so it could be a partner to Northop Hall, but this didn't happen.
The gap in the middle of the site was soon filled a few years later, with a McDonald's Drive Thru restaurant opening on 17 December 1993. OK Diner then added a diner here in around 1995.
The final parcel of land behind the hotel was used in 2007 to construct a new unit, opening as Subway and Costa in 2008, with space in the middle for a Visit Wales tourist information centre that was never used. This building was built by Mold Developments Ltd, who took over from Autolodge. The Subway unit closed in 2018, with the Costa store following in early 2023.
Two InstaVolt chargers were installed in the westbound McDonald's car park in summer 2022.
Works later commenced in May 2024 on converting the former Subway unit into a Starbucks store, with a drive-thru lane being added around the back of the building. The store later opened in June 2024, with the former Costa unit now up to let.
Fastned are currently proposing to build a new electric vehicle charging hub on land between the OK Diner and Shell filling station. These plans are currently under consideration.
Alternatives
| Previous: | Next: | |
| Northop Hall (eastbound only, ½ mile) Kinmel Park (21 miles) | Services on the A55 | Saughall (A494, 7 miles) |
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