Over 10 years’ ago, a different kind of motorway service station poked its way out of the ground just off the M5 between junctions 11 and 12 complete with its own fabulous farm shop. Forget about the usual motorway offerings with the ubiquitous American burger joints or cardboard sandwiches and super-sugary doughnuts, the Gloucester Services Farm Shop is an offering like no other.
The building itself is a breath of fresh air. Nestled into the surrounding greenery, the grass-roofed, dome-like structure winks at you with its big glass eye as you approach, there but not there! And, as you walk through those massive doors, the sight that meets you is truly breathtaking. Almost cathedral like in its structure with the light-wooded beamed ceiling drawing your eyes upwards. Breathe out, feel the motorway stresses leave your body and then look around at the food that is on offer.
Each direction offers a pleasing visual. The farm shop is splendid. Big, fat glossy meringues with seams of fruitiness running through them entice you to explore further into the shop. A cheese counter of dreams offered a choice almost too exquisite to form a decision! An ice cream counter had a generous queue with salivating customers eyeing the myriad of flavours, and the pie counter looked just like a pie counter should – chunky, crimped crusts cooked to perfection with fillings to make your mouth water.
The farm shop is a celebration of over 130 local producers, all excelling at their craft. Every counter is filled with wholesome, delicious fare so a basketful of this food will provide a delicious dinner for when you get home from your journey. Or if you wanted to eat whilst there, every meal cooked on site is made with real, fresh, local ingredients – a world away from your usual motorway stop off. Grab a tray and make your choice then wander through to the back of the building where more glass doors open onto an external terrace facing a beautifully landscaped pond complete with ducklings! It’s hard to believe that you are seconds from a motorway. The positioning is sublime and the food is mighty fine.
Remember to top up with a little pot of honey and mustard-soaked sausages before heading off again on your journey!
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