Charlotte Haye 8th January 2020

Are These the Best HGV Truck Stops in the UK?

When you’re an HGV driver, the things that are important for you to do your job might seem a little different. Since you don’t work in an office, things like a swivel chair or a shelf on the fridge aren’t really relevant – but making sure you’re in a comfortable seat with proper support and have a good place to eat and rest while on the road are incredibly important. The right facilities can make long journeys a real treat, and remind you why you enjoy doing your job in the first place. Things like hot showers, decent food, entertainment (so you have something to do in the evenings), clean facilities, good security and reasonable prices are all important things to find in a service station. But how do you know which ones are good and which aren’t, without stopping at them all? Well, we have a few suggestions.

The Red Lion – Northampton

The Red Lion is the perfect mix of food, drink and all the modern conveniences you could possibly want for a flying overnight stay. Security wise, there is a full 24-hour security team with infrared CCTV to keep you and your cargo safe, parking there is cheap, and there is a full café bar for you to spend your time in. The menu is nice and varied too, with mixed grills, traditional pub food and healthy options to sate your appetite and keep you going on the next leg of your journey. If you’re staying longer than a single meal, you can also enjoy a full TV and drinks package including football, darts, pool and even horse racing – whatever takes your fancy.

The Hollies – Cannock

The Hollies services in Cannock holds the prestigious title of one of the UK’s oldest truck stops. But don’t be fooled, with recent renovation work it’s also one of the most comfortable. With a large parking facility, range of eating options and incredibly comfortable beds, it has maintained the highest standards of service across decades. Plus over the years it has served many celebrities, including Tom Jones and Bernard Manning, as well as hundreds of thousands of truckers and HGV drivers over the decades. Everyone should try to stop off at The Hollies at least once during their driving career.

Leeming Bar

If you’ve been driving for a while, you’ve probably already heard of Leeming Bar, even if you haven’t actually visited yet. It’s frequently referred to as one of the most popular truck stops in the UK, mainly thanks to its welcoming feel. It’s more homely than your average service station, and it’s perfect for the middle of those long-haul journeys when all you need is a few creature comforts. Inside they supply all the refreshments you could want from famous fast food brands reasonable prices and great overnight facilities to ensure you’re fresh for the road in the morning.

Formula – Ellesmere Port

The Formula Ellesmere Port is one of the more modern service stations you will find on the road as an HGV driver. Sleep and stylish, with red and black décor throughout all the rooms, you might feel more like you’re on holiday than working! Professional drivers, particularly long-haul, are huge fans of Formula, often saying it’s a perfect example of what a modern truck stop should be. And we have to say – we agree! It comes fully kitted out with the usual facilities, plus luxury extras (at low or no cost) like relaxation lounges, shower and laundry facilities, fitness rooms and games rooms. It also has a 24-hour manned patrol and 36 CCTV cameras trained on the car park and centre, so you can truly relax here.

Why are we telling you all of this? Because taking rest breaks is a very important part of your job as an HGV driver. Unlike working in an office, you can’t just ‘work through’ lunch and knock off early. Part of being an HGV driver is adhering to a strict schedule of breaks – and resting for certain periods of time to ensure you are fully recovered and safe driving. And no, pulling over on the hard shoulder to take a nap also isn’t a good idea – as one unfortunate driver found out when he tried to sneakily prepare his lunch on the side of the M25!

If you would like to know more about becoming an HGV driver, just get in touch with the team today.

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