Motorway services discussion

[signed]

Yet all the service stations in the Westmorland group like Tebay and Gloucester services seem to do exceptionally well out of it?

I don't really buy that drivers in the UK don't want a sit down meal at motorway services. Yes, there are plenty of times and plenty of people who really do want to scoff down a McDonald's/BK burger and crack on with the drive, and we shouldn't try and replace every fast foot outlet with a canteen, but there's evidently appetite (ahem!) from some travellers for a better dining experience than Big Mac and fries in a paper bag.

The French services experience on most of my drives is that unless it's a McDo, Burger King... and other burger fast foods where it's always packed, it's either Paul/Brioche Dorée/La mie caline, those are bakeries so it's mostly takeaway, if there are neither it's Pasta Box at the gas station store.

I admit that my drives haven't been around the biggest services, but what I visited is what I got out.

 

[Blade Fisher]

Yet all the service stations in the Westmorland group like Tebay and Gloucester services seem to do exceptionally well out of it?

I don't really buy that drivers in the UK don't want a sit down meal at motorway services. Yes, there are plenty of times and plenty of people who really do want to scoff down a McDonald's/BK burger and crack on with the drive, and we shouldn't try and replace every fast foot outlet with a canteen, but there's evidently appetite (ahem!) from some travellers for a better dining experience than Big Mac and fries in a paper bag.

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But how is it not a motorway services? It sells fuel, magazines, medicines, energy drinks, fast food, has EV charging, allows people to park for a couple of hours for a kip, has toilets, showers, etc. That is also happens to serve decent grub on proper plates with metal cutlery, and has a shop selling fresh produce, doesn't stop it being a services. And the fact that it's 'far too busy' surely suggests this is a motorway service people want?

I'm kind of amazed really that on this post we've set our sights so low that we consider fresh produce and a rotating food menu at a services stop 'vanity'. comes too expensive.

Look Tebay/Gloucester etc are nice I get it but they are expensive. If planning a journey yes then if you want a decent meal go there, no probs with that just remember it wont be £20/£30 that's all. For seasoned regulars it becomes too expensive. I rember stopping there and wanted something light. Nah not a chance and the restaurant wasnt open either. Sometimes you want hot food but not another bloody burger!!

 

[styles]

The French services experience on most of my drives is that unless it's a McDo, Burger King... and other burger fast foods where it's always packed, it's either Paul/Brioche Dorée/La mie caline, those are bakeries so it's mostly takeaway, if there are neither it's Pasta Box at the gas station store.

I admit that my drives haven't been around the biggest services, but what I visited is what I got out.

Aire de Sommesous sells steak (cooked to order), Aire d'Urvillers sells curries and burgers (cooked to order), Aire du Poulet de Bresse sells gamon (albeit served with rice which felt odd). That was just one journey to Lyon.

Yes there are also a lot of bakeries in France, but even then you at least get freshly-prepared baguettes with decent amounts of fillings, compared to the soggy state of a WH Smith sandwich.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Jul 2025 ==

Look Tebay/Gloucester etc are nice I get it but they are expensive. If planning a journey yes then if you want a decent meal go there, no probs with that just remember it wont be £20/£30 that's all. For seasoned regulars it becomes too expensive. I rember stopping there and wanted something light. Nah not a chance and the restaurant wasnt open either. Sometimes you want hot food but not another bloody burger!!

£12.75 for a full English breakfast where you get thick cut bacon and a Cumberland sausage is hardly that expensive for a motorway services. Not to mention £1.50 kids meals, or £12.95 main + pudding of the day. That's cheaper than a lot of pubs now.

If I'm a seasoned regular driving the same route 3x a week and I want to save money I take my own food.

 

[PTR 444]

I’d be fascinated to see how well the IKEA canteens would do at service stations- I suspect they’re probably loss leaders in the stores but they always seem popular!

Last time we went on holiday to Devon, we stopped off at the Exeter IKEA rather than Exeter Services. I’m sure many IKEA branches close to the motorways would poach custom from nearby MSAs if more drivers knew about them.

I always find it funny that some people will turn their nose up at the unfranchised canteen restaurant at a Motorway services, but will happily queue up with a tray at IKEA.

IKEA is a world renowned brand, so that might go a long way into influencing consumer choice.

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Likewise Costco. Imagine £1.50 for a hot dog and refillable drink at a service station!!

You need your own or a friend’s membership card to get in though, so wouldn’t have the universal appeal of a motorway service area.

 

[signed]

Aire de Sommesous sells steak (cooked to order), Aire d'Urvillers sells curries and burgers (cooked to order), Aire du Poulet de Bresse sells gamon (albeit served with rice which felt odd). That was just one journey to Lyon.

I really need to drive down there, I didn't know that actually existed. My usual route absolutely doesn't have that.

 

[Russel]

But how is it not a motorway services? It sells fuel, magazines, medicines, energy drinks, fast food, has EV charging, allows people to park for a couple of hours for a kip, has toilets, showers, etc. That is also happens to serve decent grub on proper plates with metal cutlery, and has a shop selling fresh produce, doesn't stop it being a services. And the fact that it's 'far too busy' surely suggests this is a motorway service people want?

I didn't say it wasn't a motorway services though, did I, I said I struggle to see it as a motorway service station because it has become a tourist attraction.

I'm not suggesting people don't want it, Alton Towers is also busy because it's a popular tourist attraction!

 

[Ediswan]

Aire de Sommesous sells steak (cooked to order), Aire d'Urvillers sells curries and burgers (cooked to order), Aire du Poulet de Bresse sells gamon (albeit served with rice which felt odd). That was just one journey to Lyon.

+1 for that option. Favourite is Aire du Jura. Multi-option cafeteria serving restaurant quality food, faster options available. The whole place just seems so relaxed compared to the UK. Trips timed to be there at lunch time.

 

[SuspectUsual]

A couple of observations about Tebay….

It isn’t expensive. The food is good quality and generally pretty freshly cooked. Pie and chips or burger and chips is under a tenner. That’s cheaper than the vast majority of non-Wetherspoons pubs.

The food and drinks are kept separate from the farm shop so it’s easy to get in and out, and the “normal” stuff like sandwiches, crisps, chocolate and pop are by the entrance and tills in the shop bit so you can be in and out without worrying about artisan loaves, butterflied chicken breasts and colourful macaroons.

Link below to the cafe menu for info

https://www.tebayservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Master_Kitchen-Menu_Online-1.pdf

 

[jon0844]

A couple of observations about Tebay….

It isn’t expensive. The food is good quality and generally pretty freshly cooked. Pie and chips or burger and chips is under a tenner. That’s cheaper than the vast majority of non-Wetherspoons pubs.

The food and drinks are kept separate from the farm shop so it’s easy to get in and out, and the “normal” stuff like sandwiches, crisps, chocolate and pop are by the entrance and tills in the shop bit so you can be in and out without worrying about artisan loaves, butterflied chicken breasts and colourful macaroons.

Link below to the cafe menu for info

https://www.tebayservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Master_Kitchen-Menu_Online-1.pdf

Those prices seem perfectly reasonable for a service station.

 

[61653 HTAFC]

It's all well and good singing the praises of Tebay and Gloucester, but they're a fat lot of use if your journey is from Leeds or Manchester to London!

 

[PTR 444]

It's all well and good singing the praises of Tebay and Gloucester, but they're a fat lot of use if your journey is from Leeds or Manchester to London!

Aren’t Westmorland planning a new service area on the M56, which will be accessible to Manchester - London traffic?

 

[SuspectUsual]

Aren’t Westmorland planning a new service area on the M56, which will be accessible to Manchester - London traffic?

At the M56 / A556 junction so yes

 

[The Planner]

Weren't motorway services built under the condition that they didn't become a destination and were for the fuel refill and food? Presumably that has been watered down if some are now selling items not normally associated with services, especially with Waitrose and M&S now being at many.

 

[styles]

Weren't motorway services built under the condition that they didn't become a destination and were for the fuel refill and food? Presumably that has been watered down if some are now selling items not normally associated with services, especially with Waitrose and M&S now being at many.

I can't imagine a high proportion of visitors even to Tebay have made a dedicated trip just to visit the services as a destination.

I've bought fresh meat, veg, cheese, some nice chutney, cakes etc from Tebay because I'm on the way to a weekend at my mum's and she likes cheese and biscuits and cake, or I'm en route to a holiday cottage have booked with some pals and think ooh could make some nice lamb chops for dinner tonight, etc.

It's possible some locals use it as a shopping destination for the farm shop but they'll be in a tiny minority.

M&S/Waitrose similarly, as I'm getting closer to home I'm thinking what am I doing for tea, and sometimes fresh pasta and fresh pasta sauce with a tiramisu from M&S seems like a good idea!

 

[yorksrob]

What is the state of free refills in the UK? Here in France, they have been banned for nearly 20 years (which makes a Five Guys drink litterally a scam, 6€ for one 50cl mix drink...)

Still allowed just about - but I'm sure the "elf n safety" brigade will have a go at them soon !

 

[Baxenden Bank]

Weren't motorway services built under the condition that they didn't become a destination and were for the fuel refill and food? Presumably that has been watered down if some are now selling items not normally associated with services, especially with Waitrose and M&S now being at many.

Comes and goes.
From motorwayservices - destination in its own right

The phrase "destination in its own right" was used from 1980 until 2013 by the Department of Transport and Highways Agency, to prohibit operators from providing any more than the most basic facilities. It was reinstated in 2022.

The site goes into detail.

 

[jfollows]

Aren’t Westmorland planning a new service area on the M56, which will be accessible to Manchester - London traffic?

Discussed in this thread above.
Post 181 for its planning permission, for example.

 

[Iskra]

I can't imagine a high proportion of visitors even to Tebay have made a dedicated trip just to visit the services as a destination.

I've bought fresh meat, veg, cheese, some nice chutney, cakes etc from Tebay because I'm on the way to a weekend at my mum's and she likes cheese and biscuits and cake, or I'm en route to a holiday cottage have booked with some pals and think ooh could make some nice lamb chops for dinner tonight, etc.

It's possible some locals use it as a shopping destination for the farm shop but they'll be in a tiny minority.

M&S/Waitrose similarly, as I'm getting closer to home I'm thinking what am I doing for tea, and sometimes fresh pasta and fresh pasta sauce with a tiramisu from M&S seems like a good idea!

When I used to work at Lancaster (Forton) services in the M&S, the well-to-do locals would use the M&S to do their regular shopping via the back entrance as it was more convenient than driving into Lancaster…

 

[PTR 444]

When I used to work at Lancaster (Forton) services in the M&S, the well-to-do locals would use the M&S to do their regular shopping via the back entrance as it was more convenient than driving into Lancaster…

I don’t see the issue with that, considering that it isn’t adding extra road traffic to the MSA site.

 

[SuspectUsual]

I don’t see the issue with that, considering that it isn’t adding extra road traffic to the MSA site.

Depends on the service area. National Highways have a lot of issues with unauthorised access to services

 

[PTR 444]

Depends on the service area. National Highways have a lot of issues with unauthorised access to services

I would say it’s okay as long as they are walking or being dropped off the other side, rather than driving through the rear access or in an offline MSA’s case, the main entrance.

 

[The exile]

Weren't motorway services built under the condition that they didn't become a destination and were for the fuel refill and food? Presumably that has been watered down if some are now selling items not normally associated with services, especially with Waitrose and M&S now being at many.

I would imagine that would be more of a oroblem in terms of the catering offer- if a MSA were to offer their full catering 24/7 people would have a reason to head there in the small hours.

 

[CyrusWuff]

Weren't motorway services built under the condition that they didn't become a destination and were for the fuel refill and food? Presumably that has been watered down if some are now selling items not normally associated with services, especially with Waitrose and M&S now being at many.

Waitrose/M&S/Spar can be handy if you're spending a night at an on-site hotel at a Services.

 

[C J Snarzell]

At the M56 / A556 junction so yes

This seems rather a bold move to invest in a new service area considering Lymm truck stock is only one junction further up the M56 and there is Knutsford services on the M6 which would effectively cater for any Northbound traffic heading towards Manchester from the Midlands and anywhere south.

I remember Lymm services underwent a multi-million pound revamp at the turn of millennium with a Travelodge, WHSmiths, McDonalds and a couple of other outlets. Wasn’t it called Poplar2000 after the old Poplar truck cafe that once stood there?

On a positive note, the new A556 link road has been a huge benefit since it opened compared to the original Chester Road A56 route which was a nightmare at peak times. I suspect Manchester Airport’s ongoing expansion has maybe played a small part in the A556.

CJ

 

[JamesT]

This seems rather a bold move to invest in a new service area considering Lymm truck stock is only one junction further up the M56 and there is Knutsford services on the M6 which would effectively cater for any Northbound traffic heading towards Manchester from the Midlands and anywhere south.

Knutsford is pretty grim as services go. I could see a better quality offering nearby taking a lot of customers from them.

 

[Russel]

I can't imagine a high proportion of visitors even to Tebay have made a dedicated trip just to visit the services as a destination.

Maybe not a dedicated trip, but I'd suggest many people call in because they are passing on the M6 anyway.

I know we've done it with Gloucester, we didn't need to stop but did anyway for the novelty value.

 

[CyrusWuff]

This seems rather a bold move to invest in a new service area considering Lymm truck stock is only one junction further up the M56 and there is Knutsford services on the M6 which would effectively cater for any Northbound traffic heading towards Manchester from the Midlands and anywhere south.

Part of the justification for Tatton Services is that Lymm is officially still a truckstop, rather than an MSA, albeit one that accepts cars. So they're only counting Chester as being on the M56.

More info can be found at https://www.tattonservices.com/need

 

[jon81uk]

A couple of observations about Tebay….

It isn’t expensive. The food is good quality and generally pretty freshly cooked. Pie and chips or burger and chips is under a tenner. That’s cheaper than the vast majority of non-Wetherspoons pubs.

The food and drinks are kept separate from the farm shop so it’s easy to get in and out, and the “normal” stuff like sandwiches, crisps, chocolate and pop are by the entrance and tills in the shop bit so you can be in and out without worrying about artisan loaves, butterflied chicken breasts and colourful macaroons.

Link below to the cafe menu for info

https://www.tebayservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Master_Kitchen-Menu_Online-1.pdf

Those prices seem incredibly good value. Cheaper than a lot of fast food would be, KFC meal is likely over £10 so £9 for a pie and a few quid for a soft drink and its comparable to other services. As you say, cheaper than most pubs even. £5.50 for a sandwich and 3 side salads is also a great deal compared to paying £4 for an M&S pre-packed one.

EDIT - actually that link in the quote is for a 2021 menu. The 2025 one is here https://www.tebayservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tebay-Kitchen-Sample-Menu.pdf
While still reasonable value, it is not comparable to fast food, but still similar prices to pub meals at £12.95 for pie and mash or £14.95 for fish and chips.
The quicker takeaway style menu does seem good value though at £7.50 for a pie and chips https://www.tebayservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Tebay-Quick-Kitchen-Sample-Menu.pdf

 

[Snow1964]

I can't see how Roadchef is like Little Chef, given one rents out space and the other is a restaurant.


For what it's worth, I don't consider M&S to be a replacement for a butchers counter in a farm shop either.

Roadchef has now opened its Farm Shop at Sedgemoor (southbound) services on M5 selling local (Somerset) items.

It is a few services south of Gloucester on M5 and looks like it is trying to replicate the style.

Link has some of the products on sale shown, and a map of UK with just the one site

Sedgemoor Farm Shop | M5 Motorway | Roadchef

Sedgemoor Farm Shop proudly showcases the finest artisan produce from over 40 local Somerset producers. We invite visitors to pause their journey and discover quality food and drink, as well as a unique selection of craft gifts, perfect for life on the move.

www.roadchef.com

Sedgemoor is unusual as northbound and southbound are different operators (northbound is Welcome Break).

 

[styles]

Roadchef has now opened its Farm Shop at Sedgemoor (southbound) services on M5 selling local (Somerset) items.

It is a few services south of Gloucester on M5 and looks like it is trying to replicate the style. For a number of years these services have been close to the bottom of various quality ratings, although how much it improves them only time will tell.

Link has some of the products on sale shown, and a map of UK with just the one site

Sedgemoor Farm Shop | M5 Motorway | Roadchef

Sedgemoor Farm Shop proudly showcases the finest artisan produce from over 40 local Somerset producers. We invite visitors to pause their journey and discover quality food and drink, as well as a unique selection of craft gifts, perfect for life on the move.

www.roadchef.com

Sedgemoor is unusual as northbound and southbound are different operators (northbound is Welcome Break).

Yes, which makes it even less comparable to Little Chef.

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Stopped at Tebay South on Friday and north on Sunday.

Quick pie and coffee on the way down as we'd hit some traffic and despite our early departure, our surprise party arrival time was being threatened. Did purchase some cheese and biscuits for the birthday gal from the Farm Shop mind. I don't know if I've just not noticed recently but the car park has been expanded on southbound services, so they must be gaining demand.

Northbound quieter but freshly prepared flatbreads , moors panoramic and dog friendly was welcomed.