What did an "automatic restaurant" mean in London in 1930s?

Question

I came across a line in the movie Gosford Park about an automatic restaurant opening in the Strand. What was the establishment like in that time in history? Was it like a self-service restaurant/cafeteria?

Answer 1

probably an automat (a vending machine that you get sandwiches and other food from)

Answer 2

Here's a site with information and pictures:

http://www.answers.com/topic/automat

And:

http://www.foodreference.com/html/fautom...