Motorway service stations

[Brian Turner]

Picked up the family after they had a little holiday with relatives, but the baby needed feeding so we stopped off at a "Welcome Break".

Coming away, I'm left with the impression that you "pay most for least" in such places.

Everything about the place just seemed to say "Laughing in the face of the consumer". From complete overpricing (1 litre bottle of Coke for the same price as 2 litres in usualy shops), to general poor staffing (minimum wage 16-18 year olds, who care nothing for hygeine, can't clean appliances properly, amd can't even take orders properly).

I saw one girl trying to clean a burger grill by using a dirty sponge to drop soapy water on it. I ordered food at a food bar, only to 5 minutes later discover that the order was forgotten.

I used to work as a supervisor in a MegaBowl, knew someone who worked at McDonalds, and was generally left with the impression that fast food joints are dirty and second-rate places for consumers.

I left Welcome Break with that impression re-inforced.

[paul andrew]

Brian, Did you take notice of the price of the petrol ??

[maslow]

I've been hanging around this forum for a while, thought I'd let you know of my last motorway service station experience. Late in the evening having taken notice of the "don't drive tired" warning signs I pulled into Reading services.

All I wanted was coffee and a few minutes away from the drone of the car and headlights. Coffee had to be queued up for, then the girl serving the coffee had to go to the 'till to take your money. It wasn't very busy but had to wait while 4 customers served before money could be handed over, then move to tables.

Another young lady was busily hoovering the place. She was very diligent but was hampered by the noisiest vacuum cleaner I have ever heard, and she was coming closer.

On the table was a little sign saying words to the effect of satisfaction guaranteed or your money back.

Guess what, I got my money back! Feeling very un-British and wishing I'd spent more, I finished the coffee and left, somehow feeling guilty.

Jim

[revsorg]

The services on the English side of the River Severn on the M4 are really nice if you've got kids and are in the midst of an epic journey across the country.

The thing about overcharging is that it goes with the territory and everyone knows it. You could always take a flask of coffee with you. It's the same if you go to the cinema, the cost of the popcorn and drinks makes you stagger. But you can always pop into the supermarket on the way in.

[escort]

hi there,


There is a book out which gives you directions and reviews to good halts/eateries/services etc which are within 5 minutes of every junction on the Motorways.

I hate services, but forced to use them sometimes.

With family intow we always come off the motorway and find transport cafe/ pub/small village etc. Much better all round.

Cheers

K

[Brian Turner]

Originally Posted by paul andrew

Brian, Did you take notice of the price of the petrol ??

No - I always fill up before I go - but I presume it's pretty high??

[bumfluff]

Do you remember who ran the services? One of the big service station companies (I think its Granada, but I can't quite remember), they got a deal a few years back to do the food in hospitals. And we all know what hospital food is like.

[Brian Turner]

This was Welcome Break - but I've got a funny feeling that the little shops are effectively renting space, rather than an organised part fo the Welcome Break organisation itself.

[Postmaster]

watch dog the show has grilled them many times in the past ..... These service stations are complete crap!

[RWA]

Granada services stations are now Moto Service Stations, if you were wondering where all the Granada ones had disappeared to.

I have had food at the major three fast food joints and they are really expensive. I try to choose a service station with a little chef.