When it comes to rest stops along the M5, Gloucester Services is a household name. Its TV-famous farm shop attracts visitors from far and wide eager to enjoy its unique offerings. While Gloucester Services is undoubtedly worth a visit, it can get quite busy, especially on sunny summer days. For those seeking a quieter, more intimate experience, there’s another gem nearby: Pound Farm Shop and Plant Centre.
Situated in Whaddon, just a stone’s throw from the M5, Pound Farm Shop sits peacefully overlooking Gloucester Services from the A4173 overpass. This family-run business has been part of the local landscape for over 125 years, spanning five generations since 1901. It boasts an impressive selection of over 100 varieties of plants and seeds, alongside more than 120 garden decorations and gift items—from gardening tools to homemade jams and curds.
Pound Farm expanded in 2020 with the addition of The Old Dairy Coffee Shop, a charming café where I recently stopped for a leisurely lunch. Despite its proximity to the main road, the café feels cozy and tranquil, tucked behind rows of potted plants, flowers, and trees. The hustle and bustle of nearby traffic fades away, replaced by a soothing garden atmosphere.
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The café’s lunch menu is simple yet satisfying, offering sandwiches, paninis, jacket potatoes, salads, and soups. On my visit, the special was a pork bap with apple and stuffing, served with a side salad for just £6.95. Although they had run out of baps by the time I arrived, the sandwich was still excellent on fresh white bread. The stuffing paired perfectly with the tangy apple sauce, creating a melt-in-the-mouth experience. Alongside the sandwich, I enjoyed a side of ready salted crisps, rounding out the meal nicely.
Eating outdoors among the greenery enhanced the experience, and I was even greeted by a curious robin hoping for a crumb or two. Despite it being a weekday, the outdoor tables had a lively yet relaxed vibe, with groups of friends enjoying a leisurely afternoon.
Before leaving, I explored the farm shop itself. Compared to Gloucester Services, Pound Farm offers a more minimalistic selection but still features plenty of quality products. I couldn’t resist purchasing a pack of oat chocolate chip cookies, priced at £2.75 for eight biscuits.
Pound Farm Shop operates Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm, and Sundays from 9am to 4pm. The Old Dairy Coffee Shop is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 4:30pm, and Sundays from 9am to 3:30pm. For those traveling the M5 and craving a peaceful, charming alternative to busy service stations, Pound Farm Shop is a perfect choice.