Grahams about ad2000, Much the same in 2009
The Hollies Circa 1933.
N. Petherton,
Bridgewater TA6 6PR
Phone 01278 663052
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M5 Motorway A38 Bridgewater Grahams Transport Stop Cafe This Truck Stop Transport cafe is called "Graham's Transport Stop", but its a Transport Cafe in truth, even the black and white photo below shows that, it is situated 1/2 mile from junction 24 M5 (Bridgwater). The black and white photos are from world war II.
Harvey..one of the family who own this Cafe says,,,,, The people in the picture I think are the original owner Graham woods and some American GI's that were stationed locally. The a38 used to be just a dirt lane in those days as you can see. I think it was in the 1950's that they built the a38 and also the present cafe and petrol station, hence the garage is called woods and the cafe called grahams.
The following comment came in from a reader, I agree with the comment, they were Britts in battle dress, also looks like an officer in the background,,, often the best place for them,,, but not always of course (smile). COMMENT:-
Not GI,s in photo but Brits in battle dress with forage caps and military Austin ambulance in back ground.
Turning off the M5 at junction 24 both north and south exits take you to a roundabout where the A38 goes north and south bound parallel with the motorway.
Take the south or left turn towards North Petherton or Taunton.
It is located about half a mile down the road. Sorry I do not know which side yet.
They have a large lorry park, seating for about 65 and open until 8.30pm except Friday. The owners write as follows....
We aim to give a friendly service with good meals at a reasonable price. It was really nice to view a website showing some proper cafs, If there's any possibility of putting us on your site or if you would like any further information please e-mail me. Thanks for your support, Rebekah.
I asked for some further details and received as follows.....
The cafe was established in the 1940's. It is situated approximately 1/2 mile from junction 24 of the M5 on the A38 heading towards Taunton, North Petherton, Somerset.
There is ample parking for at least 40 - 50 lorries and key fuels diesel direct 24 hours on site.
There is no charge for day time parking but overnight parking is £5 allowing you a discount of £2 on a meal.
All our meals are freshly cooked to order and along with your normal menus such as sausages, egg & chips, ham, egg & chips etc we offer a variety of daily specials including roast dinners, home-made pies, lasagne, curries, steaks, gammon, mix grills and many more. We also have a good reputation for breakfasts, of which there are 5 set breakfasts and various others to choose from or make up yourselves, then omelettes, made by us, not any of this packet rubbish, and we also offer a vegetarian menu! We also provide meals to take away. We have showers but the toilet facilities are not 24 hour due to vandalism. It is a family run business and we pride ourselves on offering value for money and a friendly atmosphere.
Our opening hours are
Monday 7am - 8.30pm
Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday 6.30am - 8.30pm
Friday 6.30am - 5pm
Saturday 7am - 11am
No mention of Sunday which I assume is a closed day.
Any 1940,s Transport Cafe deserves to be Written in Stone.
Try this old timer and write to me.
1940's Golden Oldie Transport Cafe, written in stone.
Hello there,
I stayed at Grahams yesterday afternoon/evening. Not much to look at, but 24 hour fuel facilities (card only, so you’ll need your PIN no.), cracking food, good value for money.
Nice pub 100 yards away, open all day for those whose day finishes early, and have got 9 hours to fill, with some leisure.
Regards
Chris Mickley
07752-794764
Rochdale
More mail on this Transport cafe.
Hello! Re.Graham's Transport Stop-North Petherton. Formerly known as Woods Transport Cafe. In 1976 the said premises were for sale by Pace Petroleum-as we hadcontacts with transport driversfrom our business in Lewdown-Devon we decided to purchase the business.Our intention was to turn the area into a modern Truck Stop with facilities - sensibly priced good food & small motel units for overnight stay. We understand that in the past there was accommodation on the site in a very old house which was to the side of the wooden building in the 'photo that you have. We had this old house demolished to make was for more parking & modernised the existing cafe building. We changed the fuel supplier to Shell as most lorry drivers has Agency account with Shell. Due to difficulties with planning etc. & other interferences we sold the business after two years. We were disappointed to leave as the business was successful & we are pleased to see that it has survived. Graham Merry.
Woods Transport Cafe was here in the 1940's, it looks as if it was before 1945. The Hollies Transport Cafe Truck Stop on the A5 or M6 junction 12 was operating in the 1930,s and seems the top Golden Oldie in Britain, there were others in this period but, the Super Sausage again on the A5 near Towcester plus Jacks Hill Cafe north of Towcester, these are all Golden Oldies from the 1940's. There are two photographs here, both are quite wonderful pictures of the past, OH..... it is different now, but its still serving grub....
Woods Transport Cafe in the 1940's, some would call it a Truck Stop today, but its a wonderful fully fledged 100% pucker Transport Cafe even if some give it a modern Americanised Name.
