Most of us have a favourite service station to rely on time and time again. The classic debate even made it to the hit TV show Gavin and Stacey, which raved about the M4’s Chieveley spot. But a new Reddit discussion has broken out to crown the ultimate best services in the UK.
Some drivers even said they went on dates to the M5 services, with others likening it to a wedding venue. Titled ‘Is there a better service station in the UK than Gloucester services?’, people flocked to the forum to share their views. While not everyone agreed, dozens sang its praises.
One said: “It’s f***ing amazing. Shame to call it a service station when it’s more like a destination wedding venue.”
Without a fast-food option in sight, the services between Junction 11A and 12 ditched chains in favour of locally-sourced food, with a farm shop and kitchen, and a nature walk with a lake where wildlife can be spotted.
Another said: “During COVID my now-wife and I lived in the area. As they had to keep the services open we used to have our dates here as there was nowhere else to meet for lunch.”
A third said: “This is my favourite services of all time and I’m glad to see it getting the recognition it deserves.”
Another driver went there to pick up pastries, saying: “I had mine and followed the nature walk they have, it was so serene and peaceful, motorway barely in ear shot, just countryside views (despite Gloucester’s proximity). Highly recommend the walks!”
However, some preferred a different experience, saying: “I hate it, and Tebay… I just want a service station, I want to be in and out with minimal fuss.
“Everyone dithers about and gets in the way, the food takes forever because they never have enough staff on and the farm shop is ludicrously expensive even for a services so you can’t pick up a quick snack or a drink without wanting to die.”
A second added: “Had the worst bacon and brie toastie of my life at Gloucester services, and paid stupid money for the privilege of it. I avoid it completely now.”
Gloucester Services is owned and operated by the Westmorland Family, a family business that started with Tebay Services, the UK’s first family-owned motorway services, which opened in 1972 on the M6 in Cumbria.