Gloucester Services and Farm Shop

Airy and light, farm shop services- Gloucester

You may think I have reached a new low. Certainly, spending ten minutes describing an English motorway service station is not something I ever thought would be a great past time. But I was so blown away by the simplicity of the values at this site on the M5 Northbound. I am surprised no one has thought of this before now. The recently opened Gloucester Services are an inspirational change to the overpriced desperation shopping you usually do on a long journey and more like somewhere you might actually drive to, just to do a spot of shopping. The place was a real treat on the journey from Bath to Harrogate. I am always partial to a farm shop and interesting regional delights and clearly this has been noted as a popular trend for a large enough portion of motorway users. Instead of a soggy prepacked sandwich and a cup of rubbish tea in a paper cup, we nibbled on some pork jerky, fresh asparagus spears and a delicious aubergine and lentil salad. It was easy to make healthier choices amongst the delicious produce.
Gloucester Services, (and the cute piggy on the sign) offer the motorway haven we have all been waiting for. On investigation, it seems Gloucester is the younger sibling of the Tebay Services; the grounded and inventive Westmorland family's original venture in Cumbria. The community values of the offering and the feel of a local market make a huge difference to the enjoyment of a long journey home.

Local produce found on the map

Cakes and bakery offerings - Gloucester farm shop services.

 
As we hadn't taken a picnic of regional delights in the car with us, we could not have dreamed of a better spread of genuine produce right when we needed it most. Fresh vegetables, blissfully baked bread, locally grown fruit preserves and handmade sushi are just a sample of the delights on offer in the shop.

Freshly baked artisan breads - Gloucester services

fresh salad bar - Gloucester services

Summer delights, tasty treats- Gloucester services

 You can browse a market style display of cheese and meander past the busy butchers, complete with a hanging meat fridge display.

Grab a butty made with local baked bread.

Deli style crusty bread butties and wholesome homemade dinners can be enjoyed on an outside terrace overlooking a relaxing pool of moving water. Local designs are found on gift ware and an array of kitchenalia ensure you are not tapping your feet impatiently while waiting for your travel pal to return from the loo. I highly recommend stopping to stretch your legs at this amazing and unusual rest spot! I only wish I had thought of it first.