Gloucester Services on the M5 is famous far and wide for its bustling farm shop, often crowded, especially on sunny summer days. Though it’s undoubtedly worth a visit, there’s a peaceful alternative just a few miles away that offers a more tranquil experience.
Enter Pound Farm Shop and Plant Centre in Whaddon – a hidden gem only a minute’s drive from the M5, just above the A4173 overpass overlooking Gloucester Services below. This family-run business boasts a rich history spanning over 125 years and five generations since 1901. Here, you’ll find over 100 varieties of plants and seeds, alongside more than 120 garden decorations, gifts, fresh jams, curds, and gardening essentials.
In 2020, Pound Farm expanded to include The Old Dairy Coffee Shop, a cozy café that I recently visited on a bright July afternoon. Despite its proximity to a main road and the motorway, the café’s tucked-away location behind rows of vibrant flowers and greenery creates a surprisingly calm and inviting atmosphere, far removed from the traffic noise.
READ MORE: Liam Gallagher Praises Warm Welcome from Cotswolds Neighbours
READ MORE: Call for Prime Minister to Commit Funding for Vital M5 Junction Upgrade
After exploring the plant displays, I settled in to try the café’s lunch menu, which features sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes, salads, and soups. The special of the day was a pork bap with apple and stuffing, served with a side salad for just £6.95. Although the baps were sold out, my sandwich arrived on soft white bread instead – but it was just as delicious. The tender stuffing paired with tangy apple sauce made every bite melt in my mouth.
The meal also came with a handful of ready salted crisps, making it a perfectly sized light lunch. Eating outdoors among lush greenery added to the charm, and a curious robin even perched nearby, hoping for a bite.
On that Wednesday afternoon, the outdoor tables were comfortably busy with groups of friends enjoying leisurely lunches, creating a relaxed ‘ladies who lunch’ vibe. Before leaving, I explored the farm shop itself. While it’s less extensive than Gloucester Services, Pound Farm has a minimalist, welcoming feel with plenty to browse, including treats like a pack of oat chocolate chip cookies I bought for £2.75.
Pound Farm Shop is open from 9am to 5pm Monday through Saturday, and 9am to 4pm on Sundays. The Old Dairy Coffee Shop welcomes visitors from 9am to 4.30pm Monday to Saturday, and 9am to 3.30pm on Sundays. If you’re ever traveling along the M5 and want a quieter, more relaxed farm shop experience, be sure to take a short detour to Pound Farm.