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The West Knoyle (sometimes known as the Willoughby Hedge) branch was a former Little Chef restaurant located on the westbound side of the A303 near the small village of West Knoyle, Wiltshire.

Address and Onsite Information[]

ADDRESS: A303, Warminster BA12 6AQ

ONSITE FACILITIES: Starbucks, Esso, Spar, Starbucks on the go, AdBlue, Free Cash Machine

History[]

The Little Chef first opened between 1968 and 1972 and was built alongside the Willoughby Hedge filling station. However, eagle eyed spotters will notice that the building is in fact much newer, sporting the new Little Chef house design invented by Granada in 1998. This particular house design was also used at other sites such as Chippenham, Kettering East, Maresfield and Bluebell Hill. Compared to the original building, the new building was clearly better as its modern design helped to attract more travellers to the site than before. 

In 2006, West Knoyle was one of a number of sites to receive a Coffee Tempo outlet but this was gone by 2009.

About two miles away from West Knoyle was the Chicklade branch. Given that the West Knoyle branch was so close to Chicklade and bigger, better equipped and located ahead of Chicklade, this must have affected Chicklade's trade somewhat. Sadly, but somewhat unsurprisingly, the branch was closed in 2012 by the owners RCapital and has since become an Eat and Go branch.

In its Little Chef guise, West Knoyle is a very popular site and often does a good trade. It's visibility and attractive building and the lack of alternatives on this section of the A303 are surely all contributing factors. 

In 2012, West Knoyle recieved a Little Chef Express takeaway counter.

On the 12th June 2017, the Little Chef closed its doors for the final time. It later re-opened as a Starbucks. The Subway within the forecourt closed.

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