THE UK’S “best service station” is set to close in hours – and any drivers still parked inside will have to be “escorted out”.
Gloucester Services, on the M5 northbound, will shut from 8pm until 6am tomorrow, according to National Highways.
Drainage survey work will be carried out between Junctions 12 and 11A overnight.
Drivers were warned if their cars are still parked at the services by 8pm tonight they will have to be “escorted” away.
A spokesman said: “Northbound Gloucester Services will be closed for drainage surveys (traffic already within the service area wishing to exist will be escorted).”
The site, which has developed a cult following among drivers, is regularly ranked as one of the UK’s best motorway services.
Famous for its farm shop, restaurant, and scenic surroundings, it attracts motorists who go out of their way to visit.
One social media user wrote: “I go out of my way to go there.”
A second chimed in: “A touch of class.”
Another user commented on a video tour of the services, recalling how they did their entire Christmas shop there, and added: “With venison sausages… sourdough bread… and prepared pheasants with stuffing.”
While the northbound side of the services will be closed overnight, the southbound side remains open as usual.
Drivers planning to stop on the northbound M5 tonight will need to find an alternative or plan ahead to avoid disappointment.
Gloucester Services, a sister site to the equally popular Tebay Services in Cumbria, is unlike your average motorway stop.
With its grass-roofed buildings, picturesque lake, and high-end food offering, it has been hailed as a touch of class compared to the usual dreary pit stops.
Even the car park has immaculately maintained grass verges at the end of each set of bays, as well as a line of trees planted down the middle.
A babbling stream runs into the lake that sits out the front of the restaurant, populated by families of ducks and stretching right up to the gravel bank where customers sit at wooden tables.
Special visit
As part of a new series, where we visit the quirkiest fast food places and hotspots in the UK, The Sun paid Gloucester Services a visit to see if it lives up to the hype.
With its grass-covered roof, the building is like something out of Teletubbies – but inside there’s a farm-shop, healthy eateries, freshly baked goods, a butchers, a deli-counter, a cheese counter… and not a golden arch in sight.
The atmosphere is one of a roadie’s respite – people from all walks of life potter rather than rush around the food stalls and ponder over what delights they fancy as they drink in their surroundings.
Inside is light and airy, thanks to the glass fronted design and the skylight which sits above the restaurant and food counters, just above two old ash-tree trunks turned into light fixtures and suspended from the roof, and there are real plants dotted around.
Vicky Graham, 49, who stopped in on her journey from Birmingham to Cornwall, told us: “I’ve wanted to come here since it’s been opened, but just never had the opportunity to.
“It’s amazing, just the array and the feel of it, it’s really homely. It’s all very clean and fabulous. I love that dogs are allowed in, too.
“I haven’t decided what to eat yet. I want all of it, it all looks so good, and the prices are not too expensive. I love the diversity of the food.
“I’m going to treat myself to something from the deli and some pork chops for dinner. After Dry January I’ll probably pick up something from their drink’s selection too. I could spend hours here.”
Large panoramic windows enable a spectacular view of the English countryside in all its glory, especially on sunny days.
The interior incorporates varnished wooden beams and pillars throughout, with mezzanine-style tiling on the wales and a vast skylight to give it a light and airy feel.
Even dogs are welcome inside, while owners can enjoy a woodland walk to break up their journey.
Outdoor diners can also enjoy the view of a well-kept large duck pond, fed by a babbling brook, at the rear of the building, or sit in a sheltered booth at the front.
Vegans and vegetarians are also catered for, with meals including sweet potato and chickpea tagine, and mac and cheese.
For kids, there’s a fabulous play area made entirely from wood to help burn off the energy of children who’ve been trapped in a car for too long.
It comes after the UK’s most expensive personalised number plates for 2023 were revealed – with the priciest breaking £120,000.
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