Gloucester Services NORTHBOUND

VISIT TO GLOUCESTER MOTORWAY SERVICES

On Wednesday last week, a small group of us visited the ‘north’ side of Gloucester Services.

Our visit was hosted by the charismatic MARK GALE , CEO of Gloucestershire Gateway Trust.

After treating us all to a welcome beverage, he sat us down to tell us the history of this almost unique motorway service area.  I say almost unique, because it is the second one to be established by the Westmoreland family of John and Barbara Dunning.  The first being TEBAY Services,  on the edge of the Lake District.  Both of them are certainly unique in that they are not part of a national chain and their strength is that they are family owned and each is rooted firmly in its local community.

The first impression one gets is of space.  Lots of parking area set in the rolling landscape and beautifully integrated into the environment.  The main building is likewise open, spacious and of very unusual architecture.   Featuring lots of natural timber,  from  the roof trusses even down to spot lighting suspended from roof slung tree trunks.

The eating area is divided up into different areas of interest. There are coffee bar like structures,  conventional  table and chair areas and most popular are the little pod-like seating areas around the periphery, each decorated with pictures.

Some of us stayed and sampled the food.  I certainly found my selection to be excellent.  The overall impression was that this service area was not only different from the run of the mill motorway service areas, but went out of its way to promote the best of what Gloucestershire has to offer.  This is reflected in the large range of products on offer in the retail area, as well as the overall themes of the surroundings.

Although not quite visible on this occasion, the outside environment is equally attractive, with grass covered roofing and water features and external seating.   A  very attractive place to stretch ones legs during a long journey.  A very enjoyable local visit.

Bryan Webster.