Gloucester Services, located on the M5 between junctions 11A and 12, has once again been named the UK’s top motorway service station following a detailed consumer survey by Which?. Known for its family-run ethos, nature-inspired buildings, and strong focus on local producers rather than typical fast food chains, it offers motorists more than just a quick pit stop.
The service station features a farm shop, restaurant with homemade meals, a play area, and a surprisingly tranquil setting complete with a pond—making it a notable oasis on one of Britain’s busiest motorways. Many travelers praise Gloucester Services, often making it a destination in itself.
However, The Mirror’s senior lifestyle reporter Sophie Harris shared a more nuanced view after several visits. While she ultimately recommends the stop, her experience highlighted some downsides, starting with her impressions of the farm shop. Sophie noted that some items, like the breads and pastries displayed openly, appeared dry and past their prime, although the rest of the food was well-protected. The shop’s extensive variety—ranging from fresh produce and homeware to clothing—was sometimes overwhelming in its crowded layout.
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Despite this, she lauded standout features such as the impressive cheese counter and the “proper” butcher’s section, which offered tempting options like sausage rolls, quiches, and samosas. A delicious brownie also impressed her, although its cost raised questions about the station’s premium status.
Reflecting on pricing, Sophie was candid: “As much as I adore Gloucester Services, having visited several times, there’s no escaping the fact that it’s rather pricey. In my opinion, there’s just two words to sum up my experience at Gloucester Services on the M5: very expensive.” Her bill for just two items neared £12.
That said, Sophie acknowledged the reasoning behind the elevated prices, praising Gloucester Services’ commitment to supporting local artisan producers rather than stocking mass-produced goods. This approach often justifies a higher cost for quality. Additionally, the station partners with Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, reinvesting up to 3p of every £1 spent back into local community projects.
Sophie concluded: “Considering it’s a service station where prices are typically higher, and the fact that they collaborate with local producers, I was more than willing to pay some of the prices. It also provided a delightful experience and a chance to stretch my legs during a lengthy journey to North Wales. I’d recommend it to anyone, as long as you’re prepared to splash out a bit.”