300,000 tonnes of earth were moved, to put the service area 20 feet above the motorway.

The construction of a tunnel under the English Channel had been mooted; this had attracted the Rank Organisation to the site.

[4] There was no transport cafe for truck drivers, so truck drivers were expected to eat in the cafeteria, as the south side Channel Buffet was open 24 hours, and it served egg, bacon and chips.

Fruit pies were imported from Canada - blueberry, boysenberry and pecan.

Apple pies, obviously, came from nearby Kent orchards; these were largely next door.

Catering equipment was provided by Gardiner & Gulland of Hither Green in London, owned by Smith & Wellstood.