Motorway Service Stations

[MantaRay]

Anybody else miffed by the din inside motorway service area buildings now? Open planned [usually] music blaring out, people shouting to make themselves heard, etc. Wouldn't it be nice to have somewhere relaxing after hours of driving, rather than a shopping mall type experience?

[goodgoalie]

They're not all terrible, Manta. Tebay has long been an oasis of excellence in a desert of mediocrity
http://www.tebayservices.com/

[davegosling]

Interesting, as this isn't my experience at all. I drive a fair bit and have never experienced a noisy services. Tebay is my favourite, but Tibshelf, Trowell, Woolley Edge et al are all excellent.

[naomi24]

Some of them are absolutely dreadful. Fit only for a quick nip to the loo!

[TWR]

Never used to be like that.

[gingejbee]

^^^an answer that could be attached to most threads on here!

[EcclesCake]

Can't say I have ever noticed music being played.

I do think Tebay is grossly over rated.

[tonyav]

Yes your right, especially on the M5 /M6, MantaRay.

[New Judge]

Why do any of these establishments need music?

Apparently the psychobabble experts who look into these things suggest it encourages people to linger (and so spend more money). If they got out into the field instead of burying their heads in books and internet articles and asked a few people, they would find that loud music has entirely the opposite effect.

[melv16]

I've found Watford gap to be the worst service station.

[Cloverjo]

I've never noticed loud music in service stations. I wouldn't stop to eat in one or hang around to buy much. Just go to the loo and out again. Possibly buy a sandwich or bottle of water.