Reply to: Might need to re-think the next CUK(western section) meeting location

[WTFH]

I obviously have higher expectations. It would be nice to get something to eat without having to sell a kidney to fund it. It would be nice to be able to put some fuel in the car without being stung for fuel that's about 15p per litre more expensive than anywhere else.

For those things, I wouldn't use a service station, but probably look at an app such as AroundMe (for various types of places), PetrolPrices for fuel prices, etc.

[LondonManc]

I prefer the setup in the US. Signs that tell you what places are available at each junction and you take your pick. I remember hearing something that the fear was that the services could be the destination if they became too good. Well the certainly succeeded in avoiding that!

You can do similar over here if you plan it. For example, northbound M5, hop off at Tiverton, up the A38, call in at the 17th Century Hotel & Restaurant for a meal, fuel up at the Shell petrol station at Chelston roundabout and back on the M5 at Wellington.

[BoredBloke]

I prefer the setup in the US. Signs that tell you what places are available at each junction and you take your pick. I remember hearing something that the fear was that the services could be the destination if they became too good. Well the certainly succeeded in avoiding that!

[Zigenare]

It doesn't take very long on the French motorway network to realise we have got it very wrong over here.

Indeed!

Steak & Frites - steak cooked while you wait, all with a nice glass of red wine.

Most civilised!

[BoredBloke]

My main requirement of a motorway service station: Does it have a toilet I can use without picking up any communicable diseases.

If it does, I'm mostly happy.
If it's also got a grassy area where I can let The Dog (tw) out safely for a wee, even better.

I obviously have higher expectations. It would be nice to get something to eat without having to sell a kidney to fund it. It would be nice to be able to put some fuel in the car without being stung for fuel that's about 15p per litre more expensive than anywhere else.

[barrydidit]

It doesn't take very long on the French motorway network to realise we have got it very wrong over here.

[WTFH]

From the article.....

Overall, 92% of motorway service station customers polled were happy with their visit

Who the hell did they ask. They are tulip, overpriced and dirty. The fact that everything costs a fortune means that motorists don't use them as often as they might or should. This leads to tired drivers staying on the motorway, when they should stop and have a brew.

Tebay, as mentioned is ok but that's the only one I'd bother with.

My main requirement of a motorway service station: Does it have a toilet I can use without picking up any communicable diseases.

If it does, I'm mostly happy.
If it's also got a grassy area where I can let The Dog (tw) out safely for a wee, even better.

[BoredBloke]

From the article.....

Overall, 92% of motorway service station customers polled were happy with their visit

Who the hell did they ask. They are tulip, overpriced and dirty. The fact that everything costs a fortune means that motorists don't use them as often as they might or should. This leads to tired drivers staying on the motorway, when they should stop and have a brew.

Tebay, as mentioned is ok but that's the only one I'd bother with.

[LondonManc]

Oh she started you on servicing the economy clients!

Her prestigious ones i.e. those with letters after their name not a list of convictions like to use travelodges. Apparently MF was quite a popular supplier until the hotels banned him because he broke the beds.

I heard it was because clients were leaving because they were burning their backsides on the ceiling lightbulbs.

[vetran]

Jeepers, I didn't realise her clients could afford to use service stations. Thought petrol stations and round the back of Tesco was more their thing.

Oh she started you on servicing the economy clients!

Her prestigious ones i.e. those with letters after their name not a list of convictions like to use travelodges. Apparently MF was quite a popular supplier until the hotels banned him because he broke the beds.

[LondonManc]

ooh a connoisseur

So Scooter for fleapit hotels & you for services. You been subbing for NLyUK again?

Jeepers, I didn't realise her clients could afford to use service stations. Thought petrol stations and round the back of Tesco was more their thing.

Is Tebay the Farmers one? That's very good - rivals the standard French fayre. All the rest should be demolished and replaced with a vending machine. Ghastly holes that they are.

Yes, that's the one. Killington Lake's southbound only and has a great view; if you're have a lengthy break and a bit of food, I'd put it ahead of Tebay.


There's a new one on the M5 that's opened in the last couple of years at Gloucester but I haven't used it yet. Looks like another farm shop one but I'm usually trying to get past Bristol before rush hour so push on to Sedgemoor.
https://motorwayservicesonline.co.uk/Gloucester

[GreenMirror]

It was all those CUK meet ups (who will bring the marital arts equipment?) that put it into 5th worst place...

[PhiltheGreek]

Is Tebay the Farmers one? That's very good - rivals the standard French fayre. All the rest should be demolished and replaced with a vending machine. Ghastly holes that they are.

[vetran]

Hilton Park's nothing special. Tebay and Killington Lake are much better.

ooh a connoisseur

So Scooter for fleapit hotels & you for services. You been subbing for NLyUK again?

[LondonManc]

Hilton Park's nothing special. Tebay and Killington Lake are much better.