I expect Charnock Richard itself, about a mile to the East of the motorway, is charming enough; but I think the brief for motorway service areas, including Charnock R. which I have used many times over the years, was something like:
As much land used as possible.
As badly and confusingly laid out as possible.
As greedy of electricity in its buildings as possible.
As much meretricious gimmickry - rip-off fast-food joints, amusement-machines, gee-gaw shops etc. - as possible.
As much needless piped-music as possible, even in the loos.
And :
As little charm or architectural merit as possible.
Did you have to queue for the charger or was one in working order available, when you arrived?
