Northop Hall: Difference between revisions
Rich (message wall | contribs) m →Trivia and History: Shop rebuild pending... |
Rich (message wall | contribs) →Trivia and History: Updates |
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==Trivia and History== | ==Trivia and History== | ||
[[File:Shell Northop Hall 2025.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Shell forecourt.|alt=A Shell forecourt in the distance, with a grass verge next to it.]] | [[File:Shell Northop Hall 2025.jpg|250px|thumb|right|The Shell forecourt.|alt=A Shell forecourt in the distance, with a grass verge next to it.]] | ||
The service area opened in 1990 with a [[Happy Eater]], a [[Travelodge]] and a | The service area opened in 1990 with a [[Happy Eater]], a [[Travelodge]] and a Fina forecourt operated by Punch Service Stations. It had been envisaged as a Little Chef to go with its [[Gateway|westbound partner]], but neither of these happened. Fina knew it as 'Expressway services'. | ||
Forte changed the Happy Eater to the more profitable {{Little Chef|Northop Hall}} brand in 1996, and this branch received additional attention with a thorough refurbishment providing air conditioning, new furniture and a blue colour scheme, in order to attract more evening diners. It was known as the 'Northop Hall' branch. | Forte changed the Happy Eater to the more profitable {{Little Chef|Northop Hall}} brand in 1996, and this branch received additional attention with a thorough refurbishment providing air conditioning, new furniture and a blue colour scheme, in order to attract more evening diners. It was known as the 'Northop Hall' branch. | ||
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The restaurant was closed by [[EG Group]] in April 2017. The building re-opened two months later on 9 June 2017 as a [[Starbucks]]. A Greggs store then joined the Starbucks in late 2018. | The restaurant was closed by [[EG Group]] in April 2017. The building re-opened two months later on 9 June 2017 as a [[Starbucks]]. A Greggs store then joined the Starbucks in late 2018. | ||
The forecourt became [[Shell]] in 2012, | The forecourt became a [[Total]] site around 2000 before the being bought by [[Shell]] in 2012, following Total's nationwide shutdown. The site was redeveloped in Summer 2016 receiving new pumps and tanks. Shell know it as their 'Northop Hall' site, with 'Expressway' being its address. | ||
Four Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging points were added to their forecourt in 2021, but these didn't go live until early 2025 due to power supply issues. | |||
Shell are {{current|currently}} seeking permission to demolish the sales building here, adding a much larger offering in its place. | Shell are {{current|currently}} seeking permission to demolish the sales building here, adding a much larger offering in its place. | ||
Revision as of 17:16, 28 March 2025
A55 eastbound between J33A and J33B
Signposted from the road.
CH7 6HF
map and directions
Two sites staggered between junctions, with no public connection between them.
The smaller and more organised of the two Northop services. This is the eastbound side; for the westbound side, see Gateway.
Facilities
Catering: Greggs, Starbucks Amenities: Travelodge Outdoor Space: Small grass areas around site Charging Points: Shell Recharge 175kW CCS & 70kW CHAdeMO Forecourt: Shell, Select, Deli by Shell, Costa Express
Parking Prices
Short stay customer parking is available for cars. No HGV parking is available.
This information is provided to us by third parties. You should always check with staff on site.
Contact Details
🏢 Address:
Expressway Service Station
Eastbound A55 Expressway
Northop Hall
Mold
Flintshire
CH7 6HF
Trivia and History
The service area opened in 1990 with a Happy Eater, a Travelodge and a Fina forecourt operated by Punch Service Stations. It had been envisaged as a Little Chef to go with its westbound partner, but neither of these happened. Fina knew it as 'Expressway services'.
Forte changed the Happy Eater to the more profitable Little ChefHistory brand in 1996, and this branch received additional attention with a thorough refurbishment providing air conditioning, new furniture and a blue colour scheme, in order to attract more evening diners. It was known as the 'Northop Hall' branch.
Under Granada, a Burger King was opened, but the 'blue' changes were later undone and the Burger King itself closed. That unit became a Coffee Tempo! and later Little Chef Express.
The restaurant was closed by EG Group in April 2017. The building re-opened two months later on 9 June 2017 as a Starbucks. A Greggs store then joined the Starbucks in late 2018.
The forecourt became a Total site around 2000 before the being bought by Shell in 2012, following Total's nationwide shutdown. The site was redeveloped in Summer 2016 receiving new pumps and tanks. Shell know it as their 'Northop Hall' site, with 'Expressway' being its address.
Four Shell Recharge electric vehicle charging points were added to their forecourt in 2021, but these didn't go live until early 2025 due to power supply issues.
Shell are currently seeking permission to demolish the sales building here, adding a much larger offering in its place.
Alternatives
| Previous: | Next: | |
| Kinmel Park (21 miles) | Services on the A55 | Gateway (westbound only, ½ mile) Saughall (A494, 7 miles) |