Farlington diner keeps Europe's delivery drivers going with hot takeaway meals and free tea, coffee and showers

The 1950s and 1960s-themed diner, Portsmouth Truckstop, which is based in the railway triangle in Walton Road, Farlington, has been serving up hot takeaway meals, free tea and coffee and offering showers to drivers who are taking a break.

The retro cafe, which has been open for over 20 years, is a popular spot for drivers.

But due to many motorway service stations being closed the owners have found that a lot of drivers have gone without a hot meal or shower for several days.

The family-run business has washrooms on-site to allow drivers to refresh themselves while on long journeys.

They can buy any food from the menu including full English breakfasts and eat them either in their vehicles or outdoors in the cafe’s marquees, which have social distancing measures in place.

Owner David O’Donnell said: ‘There’s nothing open for the drivers, we have got drivers coming down from all over the country and some of them haven’t eaten anything for days.

‘It’s the only place in Hampshire where they can come, park up their vehicles and have some food and a wash.

‘We get people every day saying they haven’t had a wash for two or three days.’

The family felt it was important to look after the drivers as they were aware of how few places are open for them.

David said: ‘We have got to look after them, because if it wasn’t for them, then none of us would be getting our shopping or food delivered.’

Drivers can also fuel their vehicles at Truckstop.

The diner is also offering takeaway and delivery services to people across the city, with all of its meals available to have delivered, including the famous breakfasts and beef stews.

It has a team of staff working to social distancing guidelines to man the diner, which David said has been full every night with vehicles from around the world.