Long before McDonald's and Starbucks sprung up in Manchester, there was the Little Chef

Long before fast food giants like McDonald's and Starbucks came onto the scene, a rare treat was a stop off at the nearest Little Chef. If you're of a certain age, you'll be sure to remember the excitement of pulling off the motorway and into a Little Chef restaurant.

The relief and excitement felt as a child at getting out of the back of a hot car, stretching your legs and heading into the classic diner is indescribable. Inspired by US diners, the very first Little Chef opened in 1958 on Oxford Road in Reading and had just 11 seats.

The 1970s became a decade of massive expansion for the restaurant chain and around Greater Manchester, Little Chefs popped up in Astley on the East Lancs Road, Knutsford, Adlington, Disley, Burtonwood and even in Piccadilly Station.

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The restaurant chain became famous for their Olympic Breakfasts, which was their take on a full English, as well as its Early Starter and Jubilee Pancakes. Other popular options on the extensive menu included sirloin steak, toasted sandwiches, and even a dedicated children's menu with choices like crispy fish fingers and French fried potatoes.

The restaurant's classic menu is still fondly remembered, as is its tradition of providing complimentary newspapers to guests. In 2021, a thread appeared on social news website Reddit asking for people's memories of Little Chef.

Blaw_Weary said: "It was a huge, huge treat that only happened on birthdays or when we drove down south to Pontins." Dpr60 said they went to Little Chef to "marvel at the carpet" and worship the breakfast, adding: "It was a temple to the glorious fry up, especially when you’re hungover."

Ellienagain also reminisced: