Wondered where Margaret Thatcher enjoyed a break? It might have been South Mimms Services. This isn’t just a place to refuel. South Mimms Services is a slice of motorway history.
South Mimms Services sits at Junction 23 of the M25. It is also Junction 1 of the A1. This makes it a vital stop for drivers. Welcome Break operates it today. It was the very first service area on the M25. South Mimms Services was built in 1986.
Before the M25 existed this area was Bignell’s Corner. Bignell and Cutbush garden center gave the area its name. The Middlesex Arms pub and an Esso Motor Hotel were also nearby. A truck stop and the Beacon Cafe became notorious here.
Let’s jump back to July 30 1984. Plans for four M25 service areas were revealed. South Mimms was among them. The design was developed with BP Oil and Welcome Break. Forte bought Welcome Break in July 1986. Fuel services opened in December 1986. BP claimed it was Europe’s largest petrol station.
South Mimms Services officially opened on May 24 1987. It cost £7 million. It boasted conference facilities and 27 fuel pumps. There were spaces for 700 cars and 35 coaches. 250 staff members worked here. Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher officially opened South Mimms Services. She visited on June 6 1987 with her husband.
May 1988 saw the unveiling of Welcome Break’s new look at South Mimms. Disaster struck in August 1998. A fire destroyed the building. It started in a deep fryer without a fire suppression system.
South Mimms Services has seen its share of crime. In 2013 thieves stole 2900 dresses. All the dresses had the same design. The loot was valued at £17000.
But South Mimms Services also receives accolades. The 2019 Motorway Services User Survey ranked it among the top five for customer satisfaction.
Today South Mimms Services offers many facilities. You will find Burger King KFC and PizzaExpress. Pret A Manger Starbucks Subway and Taco Bell are also here. Shops include Little Waitrose and WHSmith. Amenities include Ramada and Game Zone. Electric vehicle charging points are available. BP operates the forecourt.
South Mimms Truckstop caters to HGVs. It provides separate amenities. Parking is free for the first two hours. After that cars pay £15 for 24 hours. HGVs coaches and caravans pay £38.
The location of South Mimms Services is unique. It’s the only service area where a link road runs through it to a village. The main complex is owned by Newcore Capital. Welcome Break pays £1.6 million per year for these 11 acres. The lease runs until 2036. National Highways owns the forecourt and truck stop.
South Mimms Services holds a place in pop culture too. The music video for ‘3 Lions ’98’ was partly filmed here. It played the role of a French service area.
South Mimms Services is more than just a rest stop. It’s a place with history crime and even a bit of fame. Next time you stop take a moment to appreciate its story.