Gloucester Services on the M5 has once more been crowned the UK’s best service station in a recent Which? survey, praised for its cleanliness, convenience, and quality food offerings. Josh Barrie, a journalist from the I, embarked on a 112-mile journey to experience it firsthand—and while many aspects impressed him, one element stood out: the cost of food.
Run by the Westmorland family, Gloucester Services boasts a range of five-star ratings, reflecting its dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. The station features a farm shop stocked with locally sourced produce, including fresh pasta, award-winning charcuterie, handmade chocolates, and even a butcher and cheesemonger.
Barrie was particularly drawn to the cold deli stocked with tempting treats like arancini, mini quiches, and elegant Scotch eggs. However, the price caught him by surprise – two savory items set him back £11.50. Other local delicacies, such as ice lollies made from seasonal British fruits and Cotswold pasta sauces, were also on offer for premium prices.
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This family-run service station traces its roots to the original Westmorland site in Tebay, Cumbria, born out of a dairy farm when the M6 motorway cut through their land. This farm-to-roadside approach is a hallmark of their business, highlighting sustainable practices and a commitment to local employment. The Tebay service station, ranked second in the Which? poll, was also featured in a 2021 Channel 4 documentary that showcased the family’s innovative approach to diversification in farming communities.
John Dunning, who led the expansion of this concept, explains how adapting to change was vital: “We knew that living in this part of the world, we could only survive if we diversified the farm’s activities. We remain a farming family but have also created jobs for hundreds of locals, which is significant in Cumbria.”
While Gloucester Services offers a refreshing alternative to typical motorway stops—with its farm shop atmosphere and quality produce—the premium pricing may leave some visitors reconsidering how often they indulge on the road.