A lost "all-you-can-eat buffet bonanza" that was a few miles from Liverpool would see customers "queue around the block" to eat there.
Many across Merseyside will remember venturing to Taybarns in Wigan for a slice or rather a huge helping of buffet heaven. The first Taybarns branch opened in Swansea in December 2007 and from there other restaurants in Barnsley, Coventry, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Gateshead, South Shields and Wigan followed.
The Taybarns logo was bright orange and green and the Wigan branch on Warrington Road was one of the first buildings visitors would see as they left the M6. Taybarns customers paid for their food on arrival and ate as much as they could.
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There was no limit on how many plates you could have, the only restriction was the time. And people really did pile their plates high.
Customers could enjoy anything from soup, salads and curries to pasta, burger and chips, pizza and more. There were also dessert stations to enjoy a sweet treat before heading home.
Many across Merseyside will remember venturing to the Wigan Branch which was our nearest Taybarns. Families would often stop off there after a day shopping or heading home from elsewhere.
In July 2009, The Guardian reported Taybarns Wigan had been open a year and in that time served more meals - 330,000 - than the population of the town - 300,000. The Guardian said: "The sign outside tells customers what to do once they have parted with their £7.99 (£5.99 before 5pm).
"Grab a plate, help yourself, help yourself again. The folk of Wigan oblige, with 750 of them through the door by 7.30pm." The article also said " the all-you-can-eat buffet bonanza that is Taybarns" had customers queueing round the block, despite the recession, and also boasted a giant 150ft bar.
The bar displayed the staples of family food – a carvery, roast chicken, burgers, pizza, Bakewell and treacle tarts. And the "star of the dessert counter" was a machine that poured "the kind of soft ice cream that Mr Whippy made his name perfecting."
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In 2009, it was reported in Swansea how Taybarns operations director Simon Ewins put the success of the business down to quality and value. At the time, he said: "We offer quality family food at a really good price, and it's helped Taybarns succeed where others have failed."
Mr Ewins also said the company had, unashamedly, based itself in the working-class heart of Britain with Taybarns branches in Newcastle upon Tyne, South Shields, Barnsley, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Coventry, Swansea and Wigan. Variety Adults at the time paid between £5.99 and £8.49 to eat as much as they like of a variety of cuisine.
But as popular as the chain was in Greater Manchester, it did face criticism. In 2010, the MEN reported how the Taybarns 'ultimate eatery' in Wigan had a major conversion into an American-style diner, but was faci ng calls to tone down its restaurant after claims that its garish orange repaint was "more suitable for the Teletubbies."
Designers transformed its exterior from brick and wooden panelling to bright orange cladding, but two Wigan councillors at the time demanded that owner Whitbread should revert to something more traditional. Bill and Gary Wilkes said it created the 'wrong impression,' as the restaurant was one of the first buildings visitors to Wigan see as they leave the M6.
Cllr Gary Wilkes said: "It looks like somewhere Tinky Winky would live." Whitbread was also told it must apply for retrospective planning permission for the alterations to the cladding and a single-storey extension at the back.
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Cllr Gary Wilkes said: "This is a very important way into Wigan for thousands of people. If you are coming for the first time you could end up thinking that is what our borough is all about.
"I have been to America and I love the place. But I don't want to see their tastes in buildings here and in such an important location.
"Perhaps it would be appropriate in Teletubby Land or even in the States. But I will not support a building that appears to have been attacked by the Tango man."
At the time, a Whitbread spokesman said: "Wigan local authority has contacted us advising that concerns have been raised in relation to the external colour of Taybarns Wigan restaurant. There are a number of Taybarns restaurants across the country in the brand colour orange.
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"These have been well received prior to the opening of Taybarns Wigan. Our planning consultants are working with the authorities to find an acceptable solution for all."
Sadly, Taybarns bit the dust in 2016, with all of its venues becoming Brewer's Fayre pubs. Catering to a devoted crowd for years, many still remember dining at the popular chain today.
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