We've all been to one at some stage.
Stopping at one usually starts as a necessity. Primarily petrol and a piss.
(Not forgetting coffee)
Once there you are in the web. The monotony of the motorway primes customers to wanting. On offer – crisps, fizzy drinks, chocolate, Mickey D's...etc. Usually a range of products to help you and especially the kids to rattle, feel sick and want more sugar by the next pitstop.
With no chance of shopping for alternatives you are funnelled through the foyer of limited offerings to quell your cravings.
That said, some are good to the point of gaining a cult following, while others are terrible and prey on empty fuel tanks and the unwary.
A late night stop really reveals how dire these long journey stepping stones can be.
This was a piss and coffee stop on the M5 late into the night.
The dining table and chairs had been moved along the vinyl floor and placed by the roller doors of a closed shop. Within reaching distance was a screen-wash offer and an array of cuddly toys; sounds like something from the generation game.
No complaints – mission accomplished. (We didn't eat!)
