Goodbye to the 'iconic' Watford Gap M1 services

Members of the Rolling Stones used Watford Gap - known then as the Blue Boar - in the 1960s

Watford Gap, one of the UK's first motorway service stations, is to be demolished to make way for a new travel hub.

The M1 rest stop, described as "iconic" by owner Roadchef, welcomed its first motorists as the Blue Boar near Watford, Northamptonshire, in 1959.

It gained cultural cachet in the 1960s, with the Rolling Stones and the Beatles among the bands who stopped by.

Roadchef said it wanted to provide a better experience to motorists.

The Blue Boar became a glamorous destination in its early years

Its plans include increasing the capacity for electric vehicle charging points, while celebrating "the heritage of this iconic location".

The Blue Boar opened on the same day as Newport Pagnell Services, with the latter being the first to fully open to all motorists in 1960.

Unlike its cousin a few miles south on the M1, Watford Gap has become synonymous with the North-South dividing line, with the phrase "north of the Watford Gap" entering the English language.

Hendrix heard about the Blue Boar from other musicians

During research for Watford Gap: The Musical for its 50th anniversary, BBC Northamptonshire heard stories of people making special trips to the Blue Boar for its fine dining experience.

Hostesses in smart uniforms waited on tables and, in the 1960s, it became a mecca for fans hoping to catch a glimpse of their idols.

Dozens of artists, including Dusty Springfield, the Beatles and the Rolling Stones stopped at the 24-hour restaurant while on the road.

Legendary Jimi Hendrix was said to have mistaken the rest stop for a nightclub, having heard about the hotspot from other musicians.

A former employee's autograph book, signed by the likes of the Hollies, the Kinks, Shirley Bassey and Cilla Black "on a piece of toilet paper", sold for £1,300 at auction in 2021.

Watford Gap, now a modern service station, is "not a museum piece", an enthusiast said

Long after the days of the Blue Boar, Watford Gap has changed beyond recognition with its Costa, KFC and other High Street names offering a quick break rather than a destination.

Motorway Services Online, which has researched the development of service stations, said it was ready for an upgrade.

"Watford Gap holds a special place in the hearts of many people, who remember when it was a major social venue for a wide range of people from musicians to lorry drivers," said John Randall from the site.

"However, it's not a museum piece, it's an important facility that has already changed beyond all recognition as it tries to adapt to modern demands.

"It's fitting that one of the UK's first motorway service areas now wants to be a pioneer of a new generation of service station, and it will be interesting to see what they turn it into."

A service area will continue to be available at Watford Gap

Roadchef, which has run the site since 1995, said it was in talks with the Department for Transport about extending its lease, before moving forward with its plans.

"We recognise that the site needs to evolve to meet the growing and changing needs of Britain's road users, and ensure it's fit for the future of road travel," it added.

"We will continue to celebrate the heritage of this iconic location as we update the facilities through significant investment to ensure that Watford Gap remains as popular as it has been since opening in 1959."