British man visited all 100 service stations in the UK: which one did he call the best.

A controversial topic

According to The Sun: What is the best service station to stop at during a trip? This question has often been a topic of discussion among families and friends on long journeys.

Fortunately, one resident of the UK knows the answer — he spent seven years visiting all the service stations in the country, investing a considerable sum in the process.

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Rich James Cross visited all 100 service stations in Great Britain.

instagram/theservicesking

At just 27 years old, Rich has become a true celebrity in the world of service stations.

Alamy

In particular, he holds the Tebay Services in high regard, where you can find a farm shop and local dishes.

A passion for service stations

Rich James Cross, known as the 'King of Service Stations', spends about £10,000 a year traveling in his little Smart, searching for ideal stops, covering 25,000 miles.

His passion started as a simple hobby but grew into a serious job after he left his delivery driver position. Rich admits that his family and friends think he is 'crazy'.

“I have been called the most boring person in Britain, but it's taken with irony,” says Rich.

For Rich, who started his mission in 2018, a successful service station should have 'something for everyone'. He believes it is essential to meet the needs of families, business people, solo travelers, and truck drivers by offering diverse dishes as well as good toilets and showers.

While Rich is willing to share his top 10, he is reluctant to reveal his favorite as he fears it might offend competitors. However, he mentions the Rugby service station on the M6 motorway in Warwickshire for its great facilities for children and a wide selection of brands.

Rich also points to Hartshead Moor East on the M62 between Huddersfield and Bradford as the worst because it has two separate zones only accessible via a pedestrian bridge.

“Interesting debates arise when discussing favorite service stations. I try to avoid answers, but I offer a different perspective,” he asserts.

Why fuel is more expensive

Rich also explains that some service stations have higher fuel prices because they need to operate around the clock, which impacts costs.

“Often, a large portion of visitors are trucks that pay less for fuel. Therefore, the overall cost can rise,” he notes.

A childhood passion

Rich's fascination with service stations began when he was nine years old, during travels with his father, a truck driver. He turned this passion into a job, traveling five days a week and earning 'tens of pounds' for his articles and social media posts.

Celeb status

He started his mission in 2018 and had already visited 91 service stations by December 2019. Today, he has gained 'celebrity' status within the service station community.

“When I show up, managers leave discount cards for me,” he adds. “It’s not quite a red carpet, but it’s nice to get free stuff.”

“I am not yet recognized on the streets, but among service stations, most employees know me,” Rich laughs.

His travels have also led to appearances on TV shows, where he comments on Britons' favorite service stations.

instagram/theservicesking Rich James Cross's journey highlights a unique interest in the service station realm, opening new perspectives for analyzing the culture of roadside stops. His research also indicates how small details can influence travelers' choices, creating a competitive climate among service stations that strive to meet diverse customer needs.