Two ex-service men founded Lesney's toy firm in 1947. They began by producing industrial die-castings in an old pub in Tottenham. In 1949 they produced a few die-cast metal toys as a sideline in order to keep sections of the small factory operating.
The Matchbox toys soon became hugely popular and, by 1970, 5.5 million models were being made each week. The refreshment canteen was made between 1959 and 1966, and was produced in silver, white and pink.
