Britain's Luxurious Fuel Stop Serves Ice Cream, Milkshakes, and Artisan Coffee

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A Unique Twist on Petrol Stations in the UK

It's often said that British people are reserved and boring, with conversations about the weather being a common topic of small talk. While it's true that we find comfort in discussing the persistent drizzle, a more accurate critique might be that we're all so dull we have a favorite petrol station. And let's face it, most of us do.

For those who love petrol stations, there’s one in north London that stands out as particularly "bougie." Located on North Road in Highgate, near Hampstead Heath, the Gulf station has been serving up diesel and artisan coffee for decades. Tucked away from the busy main road, this beautiful stone garage offers everything from organic pasta to windscreen washer fluid.

The station’s sign lists petrol at £1.34 and diesel at £1.43 per litre, but it's likely the promise of farmhouse cakes, freshly made sandwiches, and ice cream milkshakes that attract drivers from the often-gridlocked roads. When the Daily Mail visited recently, the forecourt was bustling with cars refueling, while the inside of the store resembled a farm shop rather than a typical motorway kiosk.

There were no instant Costa coffee machines in sight, and finding anything on sale that wasn’t from an independent producer was challenging. For a petrol station primarily serving Hampstead mums, the prices aren't cheap. Our reporter was charged over £9 for a ginger loaf and a packet of pasta.

This isn't just a London phenomenon. Motorists in the north can also find a new haunt featuring a farm shop and butcher's selling locally-sourced produce and fresh cheeses. Located on the M6 in Cumbria, just an hour south of the Scottish border, Tebay Services is often regarded as one of the country's best and has been described by some on TikTok as "proper boujee."

Unlike most services scattered along the UK's motorways, passengers stopping for a quick coffee or bite to eat at Tebay may be enticed by pottery and Neal’s Yard products rather than WHSmith sandwiches. The food on offer is all made from scratch, with ingredients entirely locally sourced.

For those traveling with their furry friends, the services have a dog seating area inside, while the luxury shop offers well-sourced dog treats and toys. Guests will also find a beautiful picnic area that overlooks the Cumbrian mountains.

John and Barbara Dunning, a farmer couple from Cumbria, opened the services in 1972 after the M6 motorway was built directly through their farm. Their goal was to "bring together thousands of the finest foods, crafts and clothes from our locality, our region and further afield," aiming to "champion a wide community of farmers and makers."

The couple has received plenty of recognition for their efforts, with Which? ranking Tebay Services as the second-best service station in the UK at the end of last year. Their unique approach to service stations has set a new standard, proving that even the most mundane places can become something special.