A number of former roadside Little Chef restaurants in the United Kingdom have been transformed into large retail outlets specializing in sex toys, marking a notable shift in the use of these commercial sites. Pulse & Cocktails, a family-run chain founded nearly three decades ago, has taken over several of these locations along key commuter routes, turning them into discreet “destination stores” designed to attract customers during their journeys.

Little Chef, once a familiar presence on Britain’s roadsides with over 400 locations at its peak, officially closed in 2018. Many of its former sites were converted into coffee shops or fast food outlets, but Pulse & Cocktails saw an opportunity to repurpose several of these establishments. The company now operates 17 stores across the UK, including outlets along major roads such as the A1 at Pontefract and Grantham, the A12 at Witham, and the A63 at Brough.

Managing Director Davy Boothby, who runs the business alongside his two sisters, explained that the characteristics of former Little Chef sites align well with their retail needs. The locations tend to have ample parking, relative discretion, and immediate access from busy roads, which suits the company’s target customers who often prefer a quick and private visit. Boothby emphasized that they avoid proximity to schools or major shopping centers, where carrying their products openly might be uncomfortable for patrons.

“These sites offer a discreet setting where customers can park easily, come and go conveniently without the worry of running into neighbors or family members,” Boothby said. Rental costs remain relatively low compared to typical retail spaces, allowing the stores to be larger and more inviting.

The stores offer a wide range of adult products including vibrators, lingerie, and specialty items such as app-controlled remote devices for long-distance couples. Boothby described the shopping experience as similar to “Toys R Us for adults,” highlighting the importance of customers being able to see, touch, and test products in person rather than ordering them online. Many customers also use a click-and-collect service, picking up items on their way to or from other destinations.

Pulse & Cocktails operates with customer discretion in mind; card payments appear under a nondescript name on bank statements, and stores maintain daytime hours seven days a week, including holidays. Interiors are designed to be welcoming and well-lit, with tasteful decor and music to create a comfortable environment.

At the Kettering store, employees report a diverse clientele spanning a wide age range, from young adults in their early 20s to couples in their 80s. Staff members, including sales adviser Sasha Bhalla, noted that customer interactions often involve personalized advice, combining elements of retail and informal counseling.

The popularity of these stores reflects changing social attitudes and a demand for specialized adult products in convenient, accessible locations. By leveraging former Little Chef sites, Pulse & Cocktails has established a distinctive retail footprint in the UK’s evolving roadside economy.