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Tell us all about your experiences of this service area.
Don't believe the horror stories! We found the toilets to be immaculately clean and well kept and food to be reasonably priced in comparison with nearby service stations.
The layout does need some work and we were concerned to find one outlet has been removed, but overall had a pleasant experience.
7/10, would return.
Dan A, Wed 11 Jan 2017
You got the diesel on Friday 13th, maybe it was haunted?
The prices in the shop are unbelievably high. Thought I'd get a pack of M&M's - they were smaller than the usual packs and the cost was £1.99!!!!! A small mint Aero was 95p. A bottle of diet coke £1.95.Do yourselves a favour and take things with you as the cost of anything in this place is ridiculously high. A small bottle of sparkling or plain water £1.99. Absolute rip off.They also make you walk around the whole area, you can't take a short cut straight to the shop, oh no, you have to walk the whole way around. Talk about not customer friendly.Avoid this place.
Kim Marie, Fri 11 Nov 2016
The worst, the very worst services ever. Missed able staff and the food is thrown on to the plates. Never ever stop here and get food from the "fresh food café" over priced, over cooked and thrown all over the place. í ½í¸ží ½í¸ží ½í¸ží ½í¸ží ½í¸ž
Barrie Tumbridge, Wed 14 Sep 2016
Average truckers pay £8ph one overnight charge at this shite hole for terrible food bad staff attitude disgusting toilet/shower facilities... £36.without food voucher. lmfao . Talk about cash cow truckers who have restricted options on parking. There isn't any security patrols of lorry/car park ...utter shit-hole
pete, Sun 17 Apr 2016
BP station anti-clockwise. Unleaded petrol 15p/l more expensive than local prices! Male toilets disgusting - the facility stank of stale urine; the urinals filthy with human detritus and chewing gum; also numerous pieces of the latter stuck to the surrounding walls; the one sink was stained brown - obviously hadn't been cleaned for a while; bins overflowing; floors and walls filthy. The sign in the lavatory area stated that the highest levels of cleanliness/hygiene were maintained!!! Totally unacceptable. looking at the posts below this clearly is an ongoing problem. As Mr Mudge below says - SORT IT OUT. Perhaps we should report to environmental health
Ian, Tue 22 Dec 2015
Put 70 litres of diesel in the tank Friday night 13th of Feb:fron this service station north bound:_ Only managed 500 metres before car engine stopped!....managed to carry on slowly all the way to wales..had problems all weekend starting and stoppingwhile looking for an open garage which could diagnose the problem. Refilled tank Sunday night ready to take car to garage Monday morning..amazingly car started first time and no more starting and stopping through all the gears at maximum revs...everyone seem to say that was a case of contaminated fuel..just wanted to know if anybodyx else has had problems with the diesel from here lately
adb, Tue 17 Feb 2015
TRUCKERS BEWARE!!!!!! a fellow driver was gassed While he slept in the services over night last week, dangerous gangs about that services, the fellow had every thing stolen from the truck even his wedding ring off his finger he's lucky to be alive
Frankie, Mon 24 Nov 2014
just been offered some cosmetics from a team of promoters who ask if you would like some samples for free when you take them they then demand £30 before you leave, they say did you get one sir? or would you like one sir and hand you a bag of freebies, when you take them they then ask you for £30, its a disgusting form of selling with trickory and will be contacting trading standards this evening!!
paul gatcum, Thu 13 Nov 2014
Tonight I witnessed the SELLING of a Puppy at the fuel service area!!!!!! Two cars pulled up directly outside the window, money changed hands and the puppy being held by Eastern European woman was handed over. How stupid can people be????? Would you buy a car from someone at a service station at 8pm at night? I should have taken both number plates and reported it to police. I have now read on The Kennel Club site that this is a common trick.
Barbara, Sat 4 Oct 2014
I don't know how write the last comment, but if no one is affiliated to this site, why are we complaining on here! Maybe that is why nothing had been done !
Anonymous, Thu 18 Sep 2014
Considering this forum is not affiliated with any service station, nobody has to reply.
Anonymous, Sat 13 Sep 2014
Isn't it about time we had a reply from the people who run this disgusting service station. We called in here last Thursday am and the toilets were disgusting and unusable. My husband said all the toilets in the mens were blocked or overflowing! Having read other comments this isn't a one off but the norm! I would certainly not call here again or eat here and will pass this on to others. There is NO excuse, SO THOSE IN CHARGE PLEASE REPLY! DISGUSTING!
C Crowson, Thu 11 Sep 2014
Toilets appeared uncared for. Staff in concessions were polite and attentive. However the most memorable experience was walking back to our car when our path was crossed by a rat about the size of a large kitten. This experience was followed by us drinking our drinks in the safety of our car watching the many families of rats scurrying through the bushes enjoying themselves in the evening sun whilst my partner screamed her head off, ordering me to shut the windows.
Matt Saunders, Thu 4 Sep 2014
Stopped to use facilities on friday of august bank holiday. Next night I was so ill, ended up with D&V. Passed it to 3 relatives, and am only just recovering. It is the dirtiest services I have visited, and, although tried to be careful, you cannot avoid handles of doors etc. They need a visit from environmental health.
jo adamson, Mon 1 Sep 2014
I lost my iPod/mp3 player in the girls toilet, and I am from Belgium so I can't go back, did somebody find one? Please contact me, thanks
Jolien Floréal, Sat 9 Aug 2014
To whomit may concern, although I doubt anyone there cares sort the toilets out!!!!. In fact I have a better idea put toilet roll out by the bushes and we can go there. It would be a lot cleaner, those toilets are a disgrace. Whoever is in of cleaning/servicing them should be sacked asap as they are clearly not doing their jobs. When was the last time the manager worked up the courage to battle the smell and poke his head in there? Can we use the managers toilet, I bet that is nice and clean. Maybe we should ring the health and safety brigade , maybe they would close you abd you will lose revenue. Don, t try saying it was only yhis occasion, I have been using this cess pit 5 days a week for the last year. Sort it out
tim mudge, Fri 8 Aug 2014
The toilets were in a very,very bad state. In fact disgusting, had to use them as no where else to go...
L.Philips, Wed 6 Aug 2014
Stopped on my way back from working a Festival as Health and Safety inspector.Toilets at the festival were in better condition than those at this service station
If I had the time I would have closed them down.
Blocked overflowing and in general need of a clean.
Sort it out its a disgrace.
Rob, Sun 3 Aug 2014
The Fresh Food Cafe counter service was diabolical and the food was thrown on a plate and the plate thrown on the counter. Extremely poor value for money and customer service non existent. Will not be calling there again.
Alison Milton, Sun 27 Jul 2014
I stopped with my 91yr disabled mother this week - we parked in the disabled parking bay and she managed to walk to the entrance. However, she wanted to use the ladies toilet which I rather hoped would be just inside the entrance but to our dismay you have to walk right around the other side of the restaurant/shop area to reach the disabled toilet. In fact she struggled so much I had to make her rest and go back to the car to fetch her wheelchair. This was fine as I was her carer and there to help but I watched many many disabled people struggling from their coaches and cars to even reach the door of the service station before the even realised that they then had to walk around the whole length of the restaurant area.Not suitable at all for disabled.
linda lewis, Sat 19 Jul 2014
After being stuck in a traffic jam over the Dartford Bridge for 2 hours, I stopped at the services with my elderly mother who can not walk very far. The toilets are positioned as far away from the door as possible and the disabled toilet was unavailable. What a nightmare !! The lady in front of me had to physically lift her disabled daughter out of the wheelchair onto an ordinary toilet and had the same difficulty as me. They are so small it was impossible to assist my mother into the toilet. Result one wet and distressed elderly lady and one stressed and furious daughter!! These services are totally inadequate for anyone elderly or disabled!! In fact they were no service at all. Elderly and disabled people have as much right to decent services as able bodied people.
Mrs I Stannard, Tue 8 Jul 2014
Stopped at Clacket Lane Roadchef and the toilets were filthy. We wanted a simple sandwich lunch and went to Fresh Food Café. The chicken wraps we wanted were not available. My husband had a chicken sandwich from their cold cabinet which was disgusting and he ate only a couple of mouthfuls only. 'Fresh Food Café' what a joke! I asked for a bacon and egg sandwich - I did not want 2 eggs 2 bacon and 2 sausage in a bun or Panini - that would feed 2 people for a day! I simply wanted 1 egg 1 bacon in 2 pieces of toast. You would think I had asked for something from another planet. I got blank stares and 'that is not possible' when I asked why there was no answer. After 5 minutes of arguing I asked if I could have 1 egg and 1 bacon on a plate. This was met with further stares of disbelief - but finally agreed to - so I got 1 egg 1 bacon on a plate but with no bread or toast - this was not allowed!! Unbelievable! Will never set foot in Roadchef again unless absolutely necessary
Nini Hitchman, Fri 20 Jun 2014
This place is well suited to caravanners. I'm surprised they have not moved in and started selling pegs and lucky heather already!
Tomato, Sat 31 May 2014
Home of the world's coldest hot food.
Simon Lomas, Fri 30 May 2014
Watch the diesel and petrol pumps ....... Someone likes to swap them and have now caused me thousands of pounds of damage...... I AM NOT A HAPPY BUNNY..........
Rachel capper, Fri 25 Apr 2014
Oh dear! Still no different. Toilets filthy, blocked up, or out of use altogether. In my experience, the state of the toilets reflects on the overall state of the premises. Would I eat here? ABSOLUTELY NOT!!! It is quite obvious from the repeated theme on this site, that no one from the management ever reads these comments, however, if they do hear about it from other sources maybe they could do something about it.Look at the car park, and compare it with the one along the carriageway at Cobham. The clues are there!
Andrew Howarth, Wed 9 Apr 2014
Visit on 4/4/14....toilets, very average, food bought from Hot Food Comp. [hamburger] and muffin, both poor, in fact, the hamburger was a dried out piece of meat with soggy chips and rates as the worst tasting I have ever had [I eat hamburgers frequently], and to pay £7 for a burger is daylight robbery...avoid as really not worth 50p.
chris grobler, Fri 4 Apr 2014
I drive 60,000 miles+ every year, and have visited every motorway services in mainland Britain. These are without doubt the dirtiest and most disgusting. I doubt if the gents toilets are ever cleaned, and the push button taps have to be held down making it impossible to wash your hands properly. There is no way I would ever buy food here, and try to avoid this area and go to Cobham instead.
Andrew Howarth, Wed 19 Feb 2014
Absolutely disgusting state of toilets. Many blocked and unflushed, broken seats etc - I will never go there again and intend to write a letter to health and safety. Yuck.
Jon, Tue 11 Feb 2014
Stopped off yesterday for a loo brake, loo's very clean staff in Cotton Trades very helpful and chatty, but the best thing was the noodle bar, it was fantastic and we'll worth the money. My sister and I felt very satisfied with our lunch, a must try.
Maxine/Maryann, Tue 14 Jan 2014
It would be very helpfull if when you are main services on the most busy motorway in the world. To have some sort of information of when you are open on boxing day seen as at 7.30 am you had a car park full of people with no idea when you are going to open.Should think you have lost a lot of money due to this.i find it very rude and bad manners not to give people basic information
sarah vallentyne, Thu 26 Dec 2013
I have visited on three occasions this month. Toilets are average. The food outlet good Noodles good.The Food center : Staff = Funny, Helpfull, Charming, Food = The best chicken and chips I have had on the road in twenty years.I have never bothered to rate a service station before, But the food, service and experience was great.
Pete T., Thu 28 Nov 2013
On a recent anticlockwise journey on the M25, I made the mistake of stopping for a 'comfort' stop at Clacket Lane Services. The toilets are the worst that I have ever experienced. Most cubicles were isolated as out of order, and of those available, the lower part of partition wall facings were absent, with large holes between one cubicle and another, and several cubicles had toilets that were blocked and overflowing. This is, not only a health and safety issue, but also a disgrace to the organisation who profess to provide a 'service' for motorway travellers. I shall be pursuing a report to the Health and Safety Authorities.
Michael Vernon, Sun 3 Nov 2013
Hot food company, what a joke. Should be shut down, bought two full English each item cost £1.00 We had set breakfast the sausages were bread and sawdust cooked up in the morning and warmed through the hash browns were just mashed potato with bread crumbs again re cooked and tougher than an itv quiz show host the sausages skins were suspect and could be outdated toilet compliments, the eggs looked like they had been scraped of the floor bacon just filled the gaps in your teeth They were like the checkout at currys, you buy something and they want offer more. Would you like a cake would like toast £1.00 a slice etc etc, So a sausage is a pound so is a slice of bacon a spoon full of beans etc all £1 a pop, the looked smug as they sold us the warmed up treat today but will not be buying again, it was a pile of rubbish for a motorway service to help revive a long trip, bring on the chip shop, or mac D's, yes I know it's it's not road chef site but no java script on smart tech on road chef so no sale, anyway CLACKET LANE they represent your service station ergo your problem and will reflect upon you regardless so don't sweep it under the carpet they just might be using it to make their sausages with.- 10 for that one and has gone to the top of the list of poor service stations.
Stuart Frost, Mon 14 Oct 2013
I visited Clacket Lane - South yesterday for a comfort break and was totally appalled at the state of the toilets which are worse than anything I have come across during a number of years driving commercially through the UK and Europe.
Nowhere have I previously come across over half the WC's out of order or without toilet paper or even with un-flushed faeces floating. Many had liquids of some sort all over the cubicle floor.
While I like the smart new provision for food and drink in the main area, this experience has convinced me that any future stops on the M25 south will be at the next service station, not this one for a long time.
Keith Hooker, Thu 3 Oct 2013
I use this service area more frequently than I would choose to. The food retail spaces have undergone refurbishment and a degree of re-branding recently but the physical condition of the lavatories continues to be appalling although what appears to be new cleaning contractors appear to be making the best of a bad job. Considering that this establishment is selling food for consumption on the premises it is difficult to see that no hygiene laws are being broken.
A law that has been broken repeatedly of late relates to fire safety. I noticed on several occasions that the emergency exit in the South side men's lavatory was being blocked very effectively by numerous 'wet floor' signs, and plastic posts and chains. I reported this to an employee in EDC or whatever they are calling themselves now who said he would relay it. I told a food outlet worker as Roadchef appear to have a policy of 'management invisibility'. A few days later I was on North side and saw two 'suits' (no ID badges) in conversation looking around the retail area authoritatively. An enquiry elicited that they were indeed RC management and the above tale was recounted. They were moving to South a few minutes late and promised to investigate. Perhaps they did, but last time I was there I was glad there wasn't a fire; which is probably the best thing that could happen to those loos.
On a positive note, many of the Costa staff are great, an Indian guy on South makes a great macchiato but Wenika on north makes not only the best but always has a great smile, remembers the order and is nice to look at!
David, Fri 6 Sep 2013
Very disappointed as pulled into clackets lane unti clockwise on the m25 and not only where the charging 10p a litre more in petrol but they were closed for refurbishment and only had a small kiosk where u could only pay for petrol by card, no food, no toilets so now my hungry children not only can't eat anything but have to pee in a bush as we had no cash to pay for petrol. Nightmare Bp what a joke at least reduce your prices as there are no services. Avoid!!!
Tina tighe, Tue 13 Aug 2013
I travel mainly eastern europe but get back to the uk every month this time i stopped at this place call ed clakett lane well maybe clampit lane services is a better nameWhat a dump The entrance and car parks full with litter late at night went to the toilets what a disgrace just unclean i would say eastern europe in the poor areas have more pride even though they dont have money,dirt on the floors up the sides in the toilets that is that thick you could chip away at it ,went to use the shower dont even go there Please if you can go to a different services go dont think twiceAnd if you are the manager or cleaner at this dump you should totally be ashamed that you have got to this state and you get paid for working thereWhat a good immpression this gives of britain. Not
Paul geary, Wed 31 Jul 2013
Called in at your services yesterday morning (12/07/2013) at 7am we stopped for a snack and a freshen up, the food and drink were ok but when going to use the toilets I was not impressed. We went to use the facilities and some had no doors or no seats, also some full with faeces and didn’t leave a very good impassion.
dominic@eavesd.fsnet.co.uk, Sat 13 Jul 2013
We were very impressed with the cleanliness of the service area and particularly that we could see the food preparation area for the Hot Food outlet. We bought coffee and cakes from there, but then we had a problem. The first table we tried was VERY unstable. The second and third also had problems, and on settling for the fourth table, I put the tray down and my wife leaned on the table to sit down, spilling coffee from the mugs to the tray, then to the table and down both her legs and mine. The lady cleaning the tables was extremely apologetic but, of course, it wasn't her fault. I am a great believer in four-legged tables, and the ones we used had a single central post, which is extremely hard to stabilise. I think new furniture might be in order!
Robert Savage, Tue 21 May 2013
I use Clacket Lane Service frequently and always find it clean with good food. I occasionally stay in this general area, eastbound and sometimes stay at the Premier Inn. Is it possible to use the small lane south of the car park to access Clacket Lane where I could cross the M25 to get to the Premier Inn?
Jimmy Muncy, Sat 16 Feb 2013
hi i visit your services regulary with my son. we were in your carpark friday evening and purchased a takeaway from mcdonalds. whilst eating our food in the car we noticed several rats running around the carpark .
Ian Clark, Tue 18 Dec 2012
I am a salesman and I travel 40k miles a year, visiting many service stations around the UK.Yesterday I called in to Clacket Lane as I needed the toilet, you know. There were approximately 20 cubicles in 2 groups of 10. 10 were blocked off as they were being cleaned, fair enough. 9 of the others were being used, so 1 spare. This isn't attractive but the cubicle had no seat, and no wipes. As I said, not attractive but I had to squat as god knows who had used it as a urinal!! I am 50 with a bad back, but when you gotta go, you gotta go! Absolute disgrace. Usually outside service station loos there is a poster with the name and phone number of the Duty Manager. Not here! As I said, absolute disgrace, uncomfortable and undignified. All the £000000000's rip off turnover and profit and no loo seat or wipes. End of rant.
Steven, Wed 28 Nov 2012
Was driving my father to catch a flight from Gatwick along with my mother. We stopped at this service station as predominantly my father wanted the loo. As we entered the services we saw a sign for the Hot Food Co. so we decided to go there for breakfast. As we waited to be served we observed how nice the Breakfasts looked on the pictures above the servery so we ordered 3 breakfasts, 2 cappuccinos and a black coffee which came to £27.00. When we received the breakfast it looked so un appealing it was unreal! The bacon was barely cooked and worse still it was all cold including the coffee. We would have complained but we had to get my father to his flight. Serving this standard of food is totally unacceptable and something should be done about it! I have never in my life seen such a poor breakfast and as a former Masterchef in the army, currently a general manager in a company that provides catering services to the RAF I speak with some knowledge. 15/10/12
Steve Lewis, Mon 15 Oct 2012
Please use the correct Roadchef site to make complaints, this page is not linked to Roadchef. I have attached a link to the Roadchef site below:If you cannot get hold of the Service Managers here try contacting Norton Canes (Roadchef's Head Office) All details can be found on the below site.
http://www.roadchef.com/contac...
Staff, Fri 28 Sep 2012
We have just left laurel and hardy at hot food.co.uk after Waiting for food for 1 hour and we ve missed our plane Out of the country because of it we d like it explained why we was ignored please
the watson family, Fri 21 Sep 2012
We were apparently the first EV users to make use of the Rapid Electric Charging Facility (according to Paul).
We thank all the duty managers and staff alike for all assistance in getting us on the road and allowing us use the 3-pin plugs outside (despite them being offline unfortunately)
We got AA to take us home, but hopefully once this facility is fixed/upgraded, - we WILL be back :D
Best Regards
evMeerkat, Tue 11 Sep 2012
visited lunchtime 10/09/12 and almost all of the tables near MacDonalds were filthy with left over burger / drink packaging. Customers were unable to take the rubbish to the bin as it was overflowing. Staff in the Macdonalds looked totally unaware of this mess. Appalling!
Costa Coffee however was far better.
i would not take my family there!
Simon Bell, Tue 11 Sep 2012
Ref: Richard, 5th Sept 2012
This website is not affliated with Roadchef. Please visit Roadchef's official website www.roadchef.com for contact details including sites duty manager's mobiles. There is also a feedback form on the Roadchef website that you can complete that will be dealt with by the customer services dept.
Roadchef, Mon 10 Sep 2012
My Mum visited your services 21/09/12 4-5pm & had an accident getting off one of the bench outside & cut all the front of her leg. On her other halve asking for 1st Aid facilities he was told there wasn't any one or anywhere to be seen. This I find very hard to believe /understand since your services are big & should have 1st aid trained staff on shift incase needed yet my mum had to have dressing applied by the Hotel in Gatwick as they were on route for their hols to which was ruined due to my mum not being able to walk on her damaged leg. I've tried to call nbr 01959 565577 who just hang up each time. So if a Facilities - Duty Mgr at Clacket Laen could please reply to me with a contact number so I can have a discussion with them. My mum is now on high antibolics & having to visit doc's daily due to infection since her accident.
Richard., Wed 5 Sep 2012
Unfortunately one of the coffee machines was broken today, which increased the waiting time. Although it wasn't the fault of the staff, plenty of customers were getting annoyed with the service.
The staff coped really well under these conditions. Sara, the barista, was pleasant and courteous despite everyone else's bad mood. She's also very pretty! :-)
Costa Coffee Fan, Mon 27 Aug 2012
My son called on way back from hols. Left his jacket there & has been unable to make contact as no one answers phone
Clarke, Wed 8 Aug 2012
I travel on the M25 at least once or twice a week for work. I recently stopped on my way home to take a break and check emails, on returning to my car I recived an important telephone call taking 30mins, it was not possible for me to delay the call. A few weeks later I recieved a £50.00 fine for being parked for 2hours 31 mins. I have written to appeal this to no avail, it is not the sort of place one would stop for any length of time through choice. I will not be stopping there ever again and will ensure any one who knows me is told of my experience.
J Allen, Fri 3 Aug 2012
We arrived at the 'Hot Food Co' at 945pm. The sign outside clearly shows 'Serving Hot Food ALL day'. They had already taken the chairs away and were closing - no food was available. With a sign displaying like this I would expect Hot food at say 2am or 4am in the morning correct? Please ask them to remove the sign as it is grammatically incorrect. If I can't get food at 2am (night time), 8pm in the evening is not daytime either.
ps any visitors to the UK (especially in an Olympic year) must be laughing at our hospitality/service as it is so backwards and expensive compared to other countries (namely North America)
Andrew Owen, Thu 12 Jul 2012
There's no Cash machine now left which doesn't incur a fee. Nobody uses the ones they have and no doubt overall they lose money by the small minded greed it shows. Run by accountants for accountants.
JohnH, Wed 11 Jul 2012
I stopped yesterday afternoon at 4pm and I was appalled at the state of the ladies' toilets. They were in an awful state. I know they are used constantly but they should be kept clean, and what I cannot understand is that each time I use these toilets one side of cubicles is always barriered off. Why?
Brenda Farrow, Mon 2 Jul 2012
Today we visited your service station and on all other occasions have been satisfied with the service provided but today the ladies loo left a lot to be desired! It not only stunk but there was poo on the floor and many toilets in a dirty state which is not what we expect of any motorway services. This does not encourage vistors to our country. Please act on this -Thankyou.
Pamela Hayfield, Sun 24 Jun 2012
What a hell whole, toilets were vile. Some had no doors! Really! Absolutely disgusting even the running water in the gents wasn't working! And trust me you would want to wash your hands even more than normal! Toilets need ripping out and refurbing, at the prices they charge you would expect clean toilets!
Prince, Wed 6 Jun 2012
Yet again i have tried to call the Total Service station at clacket to make sure they have LPG in stock as i need to drive to Somerset from Kent at an unholy hour but as per usual no one answers the phone? Maybe this is because they charge such extortionate amounts of our hard earned for fuel that the french owned company believes it is above answering our questions.
As was pointed out tome by a french truck driver You English cant even stick together when you all think the same way.
I think he may have been referring to the strike culture we have here?
Anyway if at all possible Dont use this station PLEASE
David Degen, Fri 1 Jun 2012
I think that in times where we are all having to pay such high fuel prices we could do without business owners such as this selfishly lining their own pockets in the face of others misery by hiking prices up.Yes I did have a choice after pulling off the motorway into their garage and finding out the outrageous £1.53 for standard diesel. Yes I could have just drove on. But that does not make it right. My local garage is always top of the price range with his fuel and that was £1.48 yesterday. My local Tesco was £1.45. Clackett Lane was £1.53. I will never return there though, so the owner too will pay that lost customer price.
Trevor Baldwin, Wed 4 Apr 2012
WHY DOESNT'T ANYONE ANSWER THE PHONE!!!!!!!!!!!USELESS TO SAY THE LEAST
alli packer, Fri 30 Mar 2012
I visited this services today (15/03/2012) and have never seen toilets as dirty and in bad condition.I have visited lots of services being a hgv driver.
mr c clark, Thu 15 Mar 2012
Do they ever answer the phone? Or is the phone number given on this web site simply wrong?
Brian, Thu 15 Mar 2012
I don't think I have ever seen services with so many broken toilets! Some with signs and sevetal with broken doors. We then went to eat and found The Hot Food Co be to slow and inefficient. When the meal came, the lettuce was brown and the salad was not presented nicely...looked like it had just been dumped on the side. We could not find a table which was free from dirty plates etc. and many tables were cold to sit at due to the large open doors. A good job we are not vegetarian as there were very limited options for non-meat eaters!
H Pettifer, Thu 29 Dec 2011
I have just discovered that Clacket Lane Services have decided to take unauthorised money out of my bank account today...I have not been there in over six months, nobody answers the phone, and there is no other contact information available on the website! Typical!!
Alex Pearson, Wed 21 Dec 2011
I got a parking fine for overstaying 18/11/2011. I never noticed a sign stating the maximum duration. I had met an old friend and all through we remained customer and ate and drunk.
I was rather annoyed. I have driven for 20+ years and have never had a parking ticket.
As customers to the restaurants they owe us a duty of alerting all customers about this unreasonable fine.
Joe, Mon 5 Dec 2011
Discrace, dirty place. Service in the gas station is a joke. Very rude and unhelpful. Anticlock wise.
ioannis, Thu 27 Oct 2011
as we walked into the services we saw a table with some chips on my husband had to go back to the car on his way back he was greeted with three big rats sitting on the table eating the chips.I will never stop here again
jennifer kelly, Thu 20 Oct 2011
The same as Willibub on 18th July and other. My husband and I had been travelling through France since early in the morning, to get to euro tunnel early as I was feeling unwell. Strike at euro tunnel. Went back at midnight and got the 3.40 a.m. tunnel across. As you would imagine we were both absolutely shattered. Pulled up at Clacket Lane services 'take a break' - what a laugh. They only want to line their pockets. They are not interested in what the general public may have been through. We arrived GB time at around 4.0 a.m. As we were in our Camper, we went to bed and believe it or not, slept until 9.0 a.m. ate a bowl of cereal and left. Yes, you guessed it, ten days later, fine in the post. We have tried arguing to it to no avail. Hence today we have swent £50 to the vultures. No way are we using motorway services again until they change. Go off road, use public houses for their delicious meals and look for somewhere decent to stay over. 15.9.11
Ann and Gareth, Thu 15 Sep 2011
I think this motorway services is marvellous, however my favourite part was when I saw a squirrel that was incredible. I named the squirrel marmeduke. thank you very much for a crack-a-lacking experience!
Dan Squirell, Wed 14 Sep 2011
I visited the services (eastbound North) on 31/8.I lost my wallet.I have been completely unable to make telephone contact despite ringing for 2 days now.This is an awful level of customer service.
Geoff Hale
Geoffrey Hale, Fri 2 Sep 2011
Would just like to belatedly say a big thank you to the duty manager,who was on duty on May 18th,and contacted Norton Canes services for me after having left my bag there,with passports,£1200 pounds,tickets for channel crossing etc.Didn,t get his name ,too shaken up,but can,t thank him enough for his efforts.So to me these services are,and always will be the best,along with the honest people at Norton Canes,who saved my holiday.
john, Thu 1 Sep 2011
My son lost his favourite toy at the services on 25/8/11 I have been trying to contact the establishment by telephone ever since, it's now 28/8/11 - does anyone there answer the phone? if you work at the services and read this and perhaps someone could contact me, email supplied
timothy, Sun 28 Aug 2011
we stopped at clacket lane services on our way back from Whitstable. Whilst waiting ourside the food entrance, as i had our dog with me, i spotted a rat which ran right across the pavement in to some bushes. i mentioned it to some guys who were canvassing electronic cigarettes and he said 'are you sure it wasn't a squirrel'. i know the difference betwwen rats and squirrels.My sister then went to take the dog for a walk towards where she had parked the car and the dog went mad as at least 5 rats just ran in front of it.This is disgusting and disgraceful and needs to be addressed by enviromental health.Will never stop there again.
m quinn, Thu 25 Aug 2011
I am disgusted about the upkeep and cleanliness of your toilet facilities at Clacket Lane services on the M25 anti clockwise.
During my visit on Friday 12th August'11 and again Tuesday 16th August'11, i found the toilets to be in a disgusting state. I found toliet paper on the floor, blocked toilets, no toilet paper in some toilets (this could be because it was all over the floor), broken toilet seats and in some cases no toilet seat what so ever. The floors were dirty and the aroma coming from the toilets was unmissable when entering the building and so close to eating areas. I feel this level of hygiene is a disgrace and should not be allowed to get so out of hand.After reading a few other comments on this website it seems to be a recurring problem. I am hopeful that the manager is unaware of these problems as i am sure he/she would not allow Claket Lane to have such a bad reputation.I hope something gets done about these issues as i feel its unfair to the public when we have to worry about what we could catch in such filthy conditions. I have also wrote an email to the manager at roadchef. (http://www.roadchef.com/contac...I hope this issue will be dealt with by management asap.
Rebecca Mcbride, Sat 20 Aug 2011
Just like so many others, I was caught out by the invitation on the motorway to take a break at a Roadchef. This results in a letter a few weeks later charging £80 in fines for the privilege.
Needless to say, I'm not impressed. After spending almost as much just on one meal for my wife and baby they have the cheek to say I took too long over it. It wasn't even a nice place to stop. I certainly won't be stopping there again!
When I find a Roadchef email address to complain to then I'll be letting them know how bad I think their service is.
Come on Britain, stop ripping us off at every corner and service station!
Willibobs, Tue 19 Jul 2011
I would like to say a big THANK YOU to the staff at the Hot Food Co at this station (northbound side). I was anticipating with dread the usual motorway fare but I was served with charm and politeness, the food was hot and had TASTE and the whole experience made a good break.
Madgranny, Mon 4 Jul 2011
I am totally gobsmacked to receive a notice in the mail today (20/6) demanding £80 to park from 09:11 50 11:57 (photo evidence but nothing I'd dispute), "discounted" to £50 if paid by 28/6. Paid it to avoid any extra charges but still charged an extra £1.50 "transaction charge" just to pay on my debit card (how else?).
I had absolutely not the slightest inkling that this was an offence. I drove in and parked. If I had seen a notice to move on after 2 hours, I would have done so,there being plenty of alternative places to stop not far away. I would have paid at a meter or whatever if I had any idea such things were illegal.
Big signs say take a break on motorways. I now realize these are just marketing slogans for service areas rather than sensible government safety advice.
On long journeys through France, I have often stopped and slept for a couple of hours in service areas: very wise.
Is this (either the 2 hour restriction or the exorbitant charge) a feature of other motorway service areas or unique to Clacket lane. On this site page, which I visited only now that I have received this notice, it says the charge is £10. So why £50/80?
Baffling, troubling and surely against public policy?
Jonathan Barker, Mon 20 Jun 2011
I was there friday (3rd June) and have to say the new layout is totally pointless. A very, very long walk to the toilets which took me via everywhere. When I got there they stank.Thought of having something to eat. You can forget the place that charges nearly a tenner for the stuff they call fish and chips and sausage and mash and the Costa which at another services tried to charge me nearly 6 quid for a cappucino and a bottle of water, so I thought I would go to the Wimpy which I love only to discover it is now a McDonalds which I love less. It was about tea time and the queue was massive so I managed to wrestle my way past the gormless array of living dead populating it only to find they had next to nothing cooked. Took the pointless convoluted journey back via the toilets, Slot machines and games arcades (who plays on them?) etc and fight my way past the coach load of grannies that had just arrived and were walking aimlessly in circles looking for the extremely well hidden loos and eventually managed to find my way to the exit.I'm glad I never ate there as the outside was crawling with mice which I have to say looked rather cute.WHY can't we do service staions like the French and why oh why did Little chef not sell out to Autogrill when they had the chance?
Mick, Mon 6 Jun 2011
What is it with these planners....I cant believe the distance from the disabled parking to the toilets !!!!They are as far away as they could be, right at the back of the building and then,a route all round the houses to get to them. We dont always travel with a wheelchair so thank goodness we had it with us this time, otherwise there is no way my disabled husband would have got there. Anyone with limited mobility would have a problem getting to these facilities..
merry, Tue 24 May 2011
28th April 2011 10pm WE drove into service area ,which was in darkness.we thought clossed until seen lights in building. Parked in disable bay as my son is disabled .he nearly had a fall due to no lights.which is a great health issue. after waiting for food due to slow service 'on leaving building rats were on their way in to our disgust .no wonder the lights not on as we went closser to car .a few more rats approached .deffenetly a matter for envioromental health.the health and safety issues to .id never stop there again
lois robinson, Mon 2 May 2011
TOO EXPENSIVE...COMPLETE RIP OFF.
Anonymous, Mon 25 Apr 2011
Yesterday evening, my partner and I visited the anti clockwise service area. We went to the toilets separately. As we did so, we were each accosted by a man and woman soliciting money. My partner was very upset. I tried to find some security to report this and was told there wasn't any - help would have to be called.
This means vulnerable visitors have no on the spot protection. That is an appalling state of affairs.
So travellers be warned. Do not let female or elderly or disabled companions out on their own. You may well regret it.
Ronald Lee, Tue 19 Apr 2011
Joy before you pay it do some research on line www.peppipo, martins money etc you may find you can just ignore it as you may find it not enforcable wink wink
dosser666, Fri 18 Mar 2011
Similar to other users, have just received a demand for £80 for non adherance to parking regulations, having never had a notice until now and certainly not on the day..Stopped to allow a pasesenger an URGENT trip to the loo. No obvious signs that we were on a coach bay other than length of painted line on road. If that was the coach park, it was COMPLETELY empty.J
Joy, Fri 18 Mar 2011
Mr Smith i think you will find that it is legal, as long as the price on the pump is the price you pay then all ok if not then trading standards need to be informed.
Dosser666, Mon 7 Mar 2011
That is illegal.Did they sell the fuel at 139.9? If its advertised on the board at 133.9 then they got to sell it at that-needs investigated.
Mr Smith, Sat 5 Mar 2011
Check the petrol pump and board when you fill up here. I filled up, the board outside said unleaded was 133.9, when I used the pump it showed 139.9! I had to double- check that I hadn't picked up the "premium" unleaded hose - but I hadn't!
Colin Smith, Fri 4 Mar 2011
Just stopped at the services with a caravan in tow. Followed all the "caravan" signs to a non existent caravan area or was it meant to be the layby slot- with space for about 2 vans, if there were no cars parked there- which there were! Had to find a space in the car park- just managed to squeeze onto 2 car bays. (Have never been to a service area without having at least one car parked in the caravan area- they are caravan bays for a reason- and there aren't normally very many of them-if you're not towing, please stick to the car area!)
Fleagal, Wed 23 Feb 2011
Last week on my way back from Stanstead i stopped at Clacket lane services.On my way out (Slip road) there was an almighty bang as my car hit a poty hole and completly destroyed my tyre.I had to wait for 2 hours for the aa to collect me only to find it didnt fit on the back of there van as it was to low (RS) so had to wait another 3 hours for a lorry to collect me and finally got home at 1.00 a.m.I then had to get a new tyre costing £200.It is completly black as you leave services and i could never hope to see the pot hole.This should be filled in straight away before there is a bad accident.Mr T. Dowden seems you had the same experience as me and if enough people come up with the same maybe this can be solved.
Stephen Delaiche 10/01/2011
stephen Delaiche, Thu 13 Jan 2011
I praise Lucy (FoneBitz) for the defence of the services, as I understand it is not the staff on duty that are responsible for many of the issues previously raised about this ervices, but the managers and directors.My recent visit in early January 2011 wasn't extremely pleasant, as the floors were dirty, the McDonalds wasn't well equipped or staffed, and the general running of the services was 'limp' but there is no point complaining to the staff, it is the managers you need to speak to!
Missy, Wed 12 Jan 2011
Can you PLEASE do something about the pot holes on the entrance and exit to the services.After crashing into one on the exit (anticlockwise) last night I now have a buckled O/s/f wheel. There is no lighting so how can anyone hope to see these holes in time. How can I prove it occured at the services? I cant, by the time the steering wobble started I was already on the carrigeway in the middle of high speed traffic.What if someone puts a crack in an alloy wheel and continues to drive at motorway speeds? The thought of a high speed wheel colapsing is one of nightmares.DO SOMETHING NOW!!!
T. Dowden, Sun 9 Jan 2011
I was dissapointed with the facilities-it was quite clear there was a rodent problem. The staff were extremely unhelpfull. The food was of poor quality. There was litter everywhere in the car park. Inside there wasd an aroma of rotting detritus. the wc were unclean. There were glory holes in the cubicles so evidently the place is frequented by perverts.
JOLYON LACEY, Fri 7 Jan 2011
DISGUSTING....... YOU SHOULD NOT EVEN CALL YOURSELVES SERVICES, HOW CAN YOU TAKE A HGV DRIVERS MONEY WHEN THE WHOLE AREA INSIDE AND OUT IS FILTHY, POT HOLES BIG ENOUGH TO DO SERIOUS DAMAGE TO YOUR TRUCK SHOWER FACILITIES SO DIRTY YOU WOULD COME OUT DIRTIER. ONE OF THE SHOWERS ON THE WESTBOUND HAS BEEN OUT OF ORDER FOR MONTHS LEAVING ONE FILTHY SHOWER FOR ALL THE TRUCKERS.(PLEASE IF YOU NEED A PLUMBER I WILL CALL ONE FOR YOU) AND THE NEXT TIME I GET THE EXCUSE THAT THE SHOWERS ARE CLOSED BECAUSE THER IS NO HOT WATER I WILL CALL ENVIROMENTAL HEALTH BECAUSE EVERY PERSON USING THE TOILET FACILITIES CAN NOT WASH THEIR HANDS PROPERLY NOR THE STAFF COOKING FOOD. USE THE PROFITS FROM THE MASSIVE PRICES YOU CHARGE TO IMPROVE. NOT FOR YOUR BONUS
j lee, Mon 20 Dec 2010
Stopped at Clacket Lane services East bound on Monday and West bound today (Wednesday). Only stopped to use the loo as the whole building was freezing cold. If you stop off here you will have to wear artic clothes to go inside... Brrrrrrrrrrrr ... disgraceful.
Carol Rogers, Wed 15 Dec 2010
I pulled into Clacket lane on monday to pick up my coach and was appalled by the state of the road conditions in the coach parking area 'thick ice'. On my return to Clacket lane on the 9/12/10 I was even more amazed that nothing had been done to clear this problem,my passengers were unable to use your facility's as it was to dangerous for them to disembark from the coach.
p farrow, Fri 10 Dec 2010
We stopped at Clacket Lane today after a week in France and the Low Countries. Your Service Area is a National Disgrace. The car park is the one and only place in nearly one thousand miles of driving in some very severe weather, where we risked being stranded. After several days of much improved weather, no one had made any effort to clear your property. There was wide expanses of hard packed snow, with pedestrians having extreme difficulty simply walking. The food was extremely expensive (one sandwich and a cup of hot chocolate totalled more than 6 pounds) but the worst aspect was the simply disgusting ladies toilets, in which several doors were hanging off the hinges. Your business makes us ashamed to think that a foreign visitor might consider this appalling operation to be the norm for the UK. You should close this site immediately, or at least reduce operations to the absolute minimum until you can get to grips with the clear and obvious failings. Your board should be fully aware of the superb example of truly unpleasant service.
Fred Jones, Thu 9 Dec 2010
I am a HGV driver and i must say how appauled i was at the state of your service area west bound on the 02/12/2010 i called in for a compulsary 45 minute break and due to your parking area was still there till 12.45 on friday morning until my company had a recovery truck come in to pull me clear of your solid ice parking area not only that you had the barefaced cheek to charge me 28pounds overnight parking. and i was not the only one stuck in the park some where there for two days so the money you charge each truck per night would have provided several bags of salt. the entrance to your cafe and service area was covered in snow and ice and i witnessed several coach loads of elderly people trying to make their way to the door how they avoided injury i don't know. You should be totally ashamed of yourselfs,
keith baggott, Thu 9 Dec 2010
THE ALL DAY BREAKFAST FOR 2 WITH TEA WAS PERHAPS THE WORST MEAL OF ITS KIND I/WE HAVE HAD. TO COMPOUND THE FELONY THE CAR PARK WAS WARMER THAN INSIDE THE BUILDING. A COLD ROOM BUT WHAT WAS COLDER THE MEAL (IF YOU COULD CALL IT THAT )OR THE DINING AREA? FASTFOOD.CO
D.McLanaghan, Wed 8 Dec 2010
I too am appalled to hear about the treacherous conditions of your car park/ outdoor ice rink which my parents discovered first hand whilst visiting your services. The apparent lack of salt/ grit and clearance of your roads and pavements resulted in my father slipping over and injuring his wrist. Although very painful, luckily he is fit and well for his age so was able to continue with his jounrey but I would dread to think how this may have ended if an elderly person had slipped and fell. Also luckily for you he is not (at he present time) intending to make a claim against your company for his personal injury, but would be well within his rights to do so. Apparently he was not the only one to have taken a tumble during the relatively short time my parents were there so look out for those 'Claims Direct' envelopes hitting your doormat anytime soon. Come on people, it's time to get this sorted out before someone is hurt very badly.
Helen, Wed 8 Dec 2010
I visited the service yesterday between 10.00 and 10.30am the conditions were appalling as no effort had been made to use any grit or clear the roadway. Myself and my wife both fell over and during our stay we saw three other people fall over. We were directing people to walk at the far edge of the path and then around the edge of the building to join the narrow path that had been cleared to the main door. This is four days after the last snow fall and it appears that you have no regard for the safety of your customers. The coach park looked in the same condition and there are alot of pensioners on trips at this time of year.
bob, Wed 8 Dec 2010
We called at the service station on our way from Buckinghamshire to Ashford Kent yesterday 7th December and was appalled by the state of the car park.It was still mostly covered in snow and ice and was totally dangerous for anyone especialy with walking difficulties. Parts of it had been cleared but the parking bays were like an ice-rink. This was 5 days after the last snow fall.I know there is still confusion about the law on snow clearance which so say was ammended this summer but your park was a total disgrace and your manager should be held personably responsable for any accidents.
David from Kent
David Hooper, Wed 8 Dec 2010
I was appalled when visiting today that the car park was completely undrivable. It is on a slope, and once parked, it was impossible to get traction due to the snow which is simply has been left in the car park with no attempt to clear or to grit. Several vehicles had obviously been abandoned as the surface was impossible to make progress on in places. If this was a day when it snowed, it might have been excusable. But the last serious snow in the area was three days ago! Clearly the people who run this place have no regard for their customers, and no regard for basic health and safety. I am not surprised Roadchef is known by many as "Roadkill"!
Also, the charge for cash withdrawals on what used to be a free machine is criminal. I certainly won't be returning. The place simply doesn't deserve the custom those visiting bring.
Julian, Sun 5 Dec 2010
I visited the service area today and found that no attempt whatsoever had been made to clear snow from the car parks or spread salt. The result was a surface that was dangerous for pedestrians in that snow had become packed ice and one that created difficulties for drivers in terms of lost traction in close proximity to other vehicles. The car park bays adjacent to the building were bad whilst the more remote areas were virtually no go areas.
Given that people have little choice but to use your facilities, it seems that you use this monopoly to advantage, providing a service that has little or no consideration for your customers. If this is the best you can do I will avoid Roadchef facilities in the future.
J Rivett
John Rivett, Sat 4 Dec 2010
It is all very well 'road chef' saying LEARN SOME MANNERS. How about some humanity and compassion from the jobsworth who wouldn't allow a customer to bring her dog in from the freezing weather, citing 'Company Policy'? Is it 'Company policy' to allow a dog to freeze to death? Exceptional conditions call for exceptional attitudes. Come on Clacket Lane Services, please start behaving like people and not moronic robots.
C J Wharton, Thu 2 Dec 2010
I can't believe what the woman ranted about male cleaners in a female toilet,what plannet is she on?Firstly I work as a toilet cleaner for public toilets and have never had any one say this.Yes this job is userally a minimum wage paid job (MIND IS),Its high volume users (LOTS OF PEOPLE USE IT),So if you would explain how do you clean it, ok you people moan when its says its closed for cleaning your either busting or have a medical condition, then if you mop a floor with a damp mop it can take 20mins to dry if u let people walk on a wet floor it then looks worse than befor, also some people poo, wee vomit, spit all over the place if its a accident we understand but tell someone u done it not just leave it to stench out the whole place and its not nice. When people moan about toilets id love to see them do the job with userally cheap chemicals that do naff all or rubbish equiptment that is not siutable for the job, then do the hours and see all the crap you have to put up with on a day to day basis for minimum wage and see if they can do it (PROBABLY NOT) so befor you critise a cleaner think about the facts around the job
Anonymous, Thu 2 Dec 2010
My daughter is currently stuck in your car park in the snow by a truck. She has no choice about carrying on her journey as she is blocked in a the lorry can't move on the snow. She had to sleep overnight in her car and went in for breakfast (having left work early at 1.30 lunchtime). Staff have prevented her from bringing in her small dog due to 'company policy' - the dog is shivering and will be unwell if she is not warmed up soon - you have a responsibility to your customers - either enable her to leave your premises by clearing the snow and the lorry in the CAR park or enable her to keep the dog warm - this is unbeleivable - I only hope you do not need her services in the future when she trains her guide dogs and they say it's company policy you can't have one(her little dog is used to help train the guide dogs but is not actually a guide dog or you would have to let it in!)
B Skinner, Wed 1 Dec 2010
One July evening 2010 My vehicle was driven into a car park of Clacket lane Services.We could not find the car park and therefore stopped in the coach park but thought we were in the HGV area. The area was poorly signed.We had never stopped in these services before therefore we were unaware that the car park was behind the main building. The signing was non existant.
However circumstances dictated that we did not remain in the car park for more than 5 -10 minutes. Our engine was not switched off and we never left the vehicle. Nobody approached us during our stop.After 2 weeks holiday we arrived home and found documentation relating to an £80 fine had been dropped on our door mat from the owners of the car park CCP Plus Ltd. There was sign of a parking ticket.Oh dear!! what a classic Scam stating if it was not paid we would be visited be Bailifs etc.The letters are getting more demanding as time goes on and I sure the wording of the letters are sailing close to the "scene of the wind".
Robert Prosser, Sun 28 Nov 2010
I am an employee at clacket lane costa coffee. i have worked here since the place was refurbished and i sincerely disagree with the comments made on this page. clacket lane work very hard to ensure that customers have the best possible experience when they stop here, so i find it extreamely hard to believe some of the comments that have been made. i think if customers have a little more respect for the people that are working hard to make sure they are happy that their experience would be allot more pleasurable. and people please. LEARN SOME MANNERS.
road chef, Wed 10 Nov 2010
At the fastfood restaurant I was told that I needed to wait 10minutes for a jacket potato. No problem- we came back 10minutes later and we were told that we needed to wait another 10minutes.No problem- until when I started to point out that we had been told there was only a ten minute wait I was rudely told that "madam you want fresh food dont you so there must be a wait". We had our drinks while we waited and I was served coffee instead of tea. After half an hour (not the promised 20 mins) we eventually got our food - but no cutlery. I askedfor cutlery and was told it would be brought to me but the man went off to sort out another customer who was questionning a bill. I walked to the counter and asked for cutlery myself. The same woman did not listen well and kept asking me if I wanted cheese on top of or under my coleslaw even though I kept saying that I already had my meal but just wanted cutlery. She then went off moaned at the kitchen hand who was very frustrated by now saying that my order was a priority. He then produced a second plate with a jacket potaoto! Eventually I got my cutlery but the potatoe had a really minute amount of cheese on it and an enormous pile of coleslaw, Lots of other people were complaining about other things too. Nobody seemed to be in charge there were four people there but the kitchen hand trying his best to serve up was overworked when there were three on the counter.
Tamara, Sat 6 Nov 2010
Visited Services on Monday and was delighted to see the fridges filled with BRITISH bottled water - about time.
Nicola Silcock, Tue 12 Oct 2010
All cash machines in the place now charge £2 per transaction, no free machines at all - coffee shop would not take cards at that time so it would work out at £5 per cup. A complete rip off.Why can't they let small traders compete in the car park for trade? Easy answer - massive profits. Surely this is an illegal monopoly?
Rob Cook, Wed 1 Sep 2010
Lucy.....Shame you dont have a life.People spend a lot of money in these services and have a right to complain if they encounter problems.Your responses are extremely rude...Please name a company that has not been effected in recent years with the economy, cutbacks, under staffing and wage cuts are common everywhere. They still have to offer a good service if not more so. The trouble with motorway services we are stuck with you as little other choice.
Marie, Sun 29 Aug 2010
Can recommend the 2 for £10 meal deal especially the 'crispy chicken in a bun'. Also friendly, helpful staff and clean facilities...I have revised my view of these services. Obviously large numbers arriving from coaches males a difference to any services and Clacket Lane is not the largest around but the employees try very hard to please!
Sue Howard, Thu 12 Aug 2010
We stopped at Clacket Lane last week, Saturday 31st July on our return to Kent & found many aspects dirty, neglected & exploitative. The waste bins all over the site were overflowing & the childrens's playground was cordened off with a sign saying it awaited repair - it looked as if it had remained in that dilapidated state for years. There was no bowl of water for the dog (some services do provide this) and we could find no fresh water her dog bowl, never mind for humans. About half the womens toilets were cordened off resulting in long queues (just what you need after a long motorway drive!) & there was no paper in the cubicle I used. The costs of coffee etc are 'off the map' expensive & to add insult to injury, we had to pay £1.99 cash point charges - what a stitch up as M&S etc do not give cash back ! All in all, disgusting, the management should be ashamed of themselves.
Janice, Thu 5 Aug 2010
Clackets lane traveling toward margate from london.We arrived approx 3.30pm there was not a clean table to be had in the dining area. there were only about 4 customers actually at these tables some looked like they had not been cleaned for some time. rather than sit among the debris we asked if we could sit in the Costa area which was very clean and busy. we saw at least 10 couples walk out because of the state of the tables.only 1 member of staff was available and he was serving. i travel the M25 nearly every day this wasthe worst i have seen any of the service stations.i shall have to be pretty desperate to stop here again. the other side of clackets always seems better when traveling to london.
Colin Mallery, Fri 30 Jul 2010
Please never stop at Roadchef.
I stoped after a long drive and bought some coffee and food.
A week later i recieved an unclear picture of my car with a parking notice of 50 pound.
This kind of business can't make revenue out of a good product so they have this scam to steal money from travelers.
Please all support me and ban this business and stop at other rest area where your welkom and get a better product.
marcelkorpelshoek@yahoo.com
Best regards,
marcel Korpelshoek, Fri 23 Jul 2010
I felt that I should know that there are rats infesting the carpark at Clackets Lane Services - southbound. We made a brief comfort stop yesterday evening and saw rats which were certainly very bold and unconcerned about either the vehicle or foot traffic. One in particular was foraging around the main pathway into the facility.
I was also surprised and disappointed that none of the food outlets offered ice cream on their menus.
Lory, Sun 18 Jul 2010
RE: Phil below, if you feel I was rude to you I sincerely apologise. Judging by the date you have written comment you are either my friend Phil having a wind up (most likely), or you are a gentleman that came into my shop trying to charge his phone, and when i said i was sorry but we couldn't as we aren't insured to, then had a tantrum. even though i advised that if he had his mains charger on him he was free to use any of the available sockets in the services.
Re: Bryan's comment below... the Restbite hot food counter is 24hr i believe, as is WHSMith's (for sandwiches and such like). i hope this helps.
Lucy @ Fonebitz, Thu 8 Jul 2010
wayne, all services use a CP limitd scheme now, or similar thing. if your there for more than 2 hours, you have to pay for parking. if you dont, the cameras record you leaving and through number plate recognition, the notice gets sent to your house. there are signs up all over the place saying 'for long stay please pay etc etc'
matt, Thu 8 Jul 2010
I received a ticket from the CP Plus limited as well two months after my trip which is 80 pounds with no notice attached on the windscreen of the car.I had four friends travelled with me and we parked at the Clacket Lane service for some refreshments which ended up a very expensive break and parking.I googled the service and found out people have parking fines in common. what an issue, watchout travellers!
wayne, Fri 2 Jul 2010
There is a girl at Fonebitz who is very rude. Never going to a Fonebitz again.
smug.
Phil, Fri 4 Jun 2010
only thing i find wrong is the road
Archie, Sun 30 May 2010
Can you please andvise if Wimpy is 24hr, if not what is open 24hr for food.
Thank you
Bryan, Wed 26 May 2010
...here at Clacket Lane, we are NOT a Truckstop... we just offer facilities for truck drivers. IF the toilets are in a bad condition, then it is due to less careful drivers like yourself ruining them overnight when we can't get cleaners in. during the day they are cleaned continuously. The ladies toilets are always immaculate... says something, doesn't it guys...!!!Also price of parking is higher here as YOU truck drivers insist on peeing and defacating in the bushes and car park as well as all over the gents toilets AND shower rooms, so WE have to spend more cleaning up after you. I admit the food could be improved, however, due to budget cuts and understaffing we have to make do. i eat here, so why is it not good enough for you? Maybe if you told your driver friends to respect our property more we would have more money to treat you guys. PLUS factor in any maintenance work that needs doing... NO ONE on earth can guarantee that their facilities will be working 24/7, 365 days a year!!! its impossible! if you have an issue or problem, ask to speak to the onsite manager and they MAY be able to discount/help/offer assitance. you don't ask, you don't get. how will we know if there is a problem unless YOU tell us??? Regards,Lucy @ Fonebitz.
Lucy @ Fonebitz, Fri 30 Apr 2010
got yo be the worst truck stop iv ever stopped at !! at £28 a night i would have expected tidy food warm showers and clean toilets !! only way i can describe this place is AWFULL AWFULL AWFULL . iv stayed at many truck stops across the country varying from £8 to £18 and all better than this one , would never stop there again filthy place !!!!!!!!!!!!!
paul evans, Fri 23 Apr 2010
i must admit that sometimes the hot food may not be the best but i have to say that the staff are always pleasant. i agree with Lucy at Fone Bitz re the snow and ice. well done to the guys for trying their best to get the entrances clear
malcolm key, Wed 10 Feb 2010
Wage cuts, staff cuts and understaffing are prominant problems here at Roadchef... if you are not happy with service feel free to ask any staff member to contact the Duty Manager and they will try and help you. Please bear in mind some of us are severely overworked doing double shifts, 7am-3pm 4pm-11pm being common occurances, and no doubt being paid a heck of a lot less than you think we do!!! We reciprocate good humour and friendliness with the same, yes on the odd occaison you may encounter someone less helpful than they should be... do not tar us all with the same brush! i work in the phone shop and we get asked thousands of times a day where the toilets are, or directions to places, or to look at and fix various electronics. we are always helpful and never turn anyone away without trying to first help. Some staff here do not speak particularly fantastic english, but they try their hardest to help, if you are not happy ask another member of staff! I hope this helps... if not, come and see me!(i'd like to point out MYSELF i have driven 70 miles to return and old ladies handbag - for no reward i might add - before as she was most upset and had no way of getting anywhere... so do not call us unhelpful, i take it as an insult!!!)Lucy
Lucy @ Fonebitz AGAIN..., Tue 2 Feb 2010
Snow and ice was not cleared from path's and car parks as the COUNCIL would not let us... believe me we tried. eventually we got so sick of it that staff here mucked in and cleared as much as we could at risk of our own jobs. this land is council owned and they are responsibile for plowing/clearing of snow/ice and therefore if anyone injured themselves the council would be liable, not us at Clacket Lane. i hope this helps.
Lucy @ Fonebitz Shop, Tue 2 Feb 2010
Very poor service and arrogant staff
Mrs, Sat 23 Jan 2010
I travel to the Uk every year in January with my family and have always used Clacket lane services.The kids enjoyed a kids meal in Wimpy.Unfortunately this time the service was so bad nuggets were undercooked no kids toys was provided. The staff does not seem to be interested .When I asked for the french manager I was told he left due to cut of wages. That lad was providing exceptional service in Wimpy sad for the company to loose their staff hope they provide a better service next time.
Johnathan Vauguer, Fri 22 Jan 2010
Have to agree with previous posts--car park and paths were in an appalling state (we were there on 12th December) with snow, ice and frozen slush everywhere. I logged a complaint on their website and, three weeks later, I am still waiitng for an reply/acknowledgement.
S Osborne, Mon 4 Jan 2010
Their has been no attempt to clear the walkways and car park of snow, over the period before Christmas, making it extremely hazardeous for pedestrians and vehicles alike. This is a disgraceful lack of care on the part of the operator.
L Angus, Tue 22 Dec 2009
Whats happened to these services, i have been going here for 2 years on my way to work for my coffee. Why all of a sudden has the service become so slow and the staff seem so disinterested. When i asked the staff they told me it was because of wage cuts and managers had left ? Cmon Roadchef sort it out, i certainly will find somewhere else on my way to work if it does not improve. It is a shame as it used to be great.
Max Evans, Sun 20 Dec 2009
I have to say I am appalled by the service station. I know the weather had been bad but there was no warning that the area was icy, the access road and slip roads were still covered in snow an ice. My husband and I were travelling on our motorbikes. Once at the service station we thawed out and then had to push our bikes all the way to the petrol station. I then trie to leave and ended up with my bike on top of me. I now have a swollen ankle and a damaged bike. To get out of the service area we then had to walk to the end of the slip road with our bikes and then try and join the M25 from a standing start. I am gob smacked there were no warnings before entering the service area and the fact it took us 1hour 30minutes to get going again is a joke. Why weren't the access points salted properly? why weren't there any warnings? We wouldn't have even attempted entering the area if we had known. My husband and I will be contacting a solicitor and will be looking into compensation as my bike is now damaged, I have a very sore foot and we very nearly missed our ferry because of the situation. Even Medway services was better than you guys were. Am very disgusted!!!
Liz Woodington, Sat 19 Dec 2009
Stopped for breakfast today Westbound. Must have been the most disgusting offering I have experienced. I could hardly believe that the "Manager" had the gall to serve it to a customer. This is the second time this has happened, and it is the last. I doubt I will change it, but it is off my chest. Disgraceful service!!
Ernie Stables, Tue 8 Dec 2009
On Friday 20th November 2009 I purchased two watches from a stall which was situated outside of W.H.Smith, however when I got them home one of the watches was not working, and the winder was broken. I returned the watches by post with the gaurantee and a covering letter of explanation. Today the package was returned to me unopened, and said 'Insufficent address ' What now ??
Mrs. Rita Burgin, Tue 1 Dec 2009
Lucy @ Fonebitz AGAIN... why is it that people only write to complain hmm? the fact that on average there is one complaint written here a month, two if you lot are feeling generous... please bare in mind HOW MANY PEOPLE come to our services EVERYDAY... if we were that bad here surely this wall would be awash with complaints... personally, i think that says it all... as for peoples bad experiences, i can catergorically say you must've been very unlucky. and i apologise on behalf of us all here at clacket lane. my collegues here are polite, friendly and professional, when quite often the abuse and comments the receive are not. we encounter racism and verbal abuse here on a daily basis.
as for the comment below about arriving at the services and there being no lights on etc, we ARE a 24hr service station, and it sounds like you may have caught us in a power cut, that is the only time our lights are off. but we remain open for cold drinks and snacks. unfortunately due to the toilets having electric flushes and a lot of hot drinks and food being served here, those services would have been unavailable.
i would also like to thank those members of the public that praise us on our hard work and very long shifts (many staff doing double shifts several days running). if we are greeted with warmth and respect we reciprocate willingly.
Lucy, Wed 25 Nov 2009
Compared with some other motorway service areas Clacket Lane is quite good. One criticism -the Roman Titsey village archaeological display cabinet on the East bound side is covered in dust and labels are facing away from the public, lights have burnt out and it all looks very sad.
Bill Eatwell, Sun 22 Nov 2009
I arrived at these services at around 0130 on Saturday 14th October having driven from Ely. All lights were out, the place was totally closed including the fuel station. No signs, nothing, just pitch dark. I too thought these places should offer some sort of service 24 hrs per day or at lest change road signs to indicate this. What a disgrace !!
Steve Kibble, Sun 15 Nov 2009
Stopped at eastbound services last night (13th October) at about 10.45 p.m. hoping to get a hot meal. Didn't want a gourmet meal, just something hot. Fat chance! The restaurant was closed. Wimpy was closed. Costa assistant offered us a heated-up sandwich! Outrageous. I thought food services were supposed to be 24 hours. Services "Manager" said it was a head office decision. Unbelievable, bearing in mind these services must get busy, being on the Gatwick/Dover route.
Carole, Wed 14 Oct 2009
Went to buy a paper & water at 0730 in the morning...no greeting at all from man on the till. Total bill was £4.04. I had a £20 note and didn't have the 4p so gave him a 10p coin. He looked at it and snarled " what am I supposed to do with that?". Ignorant, nasty, what a start to the day. Aren't these people trained in being nice to customers? Never been to this service station before and never will again. Because of a nasty attitude = a company loses business.
Alison, Mon 5 Oct 2009
I would like to personally comment on these services as I have worked here (Westbound) for 4 years. I am not a roadchef staff member, I am independant in one of the Fonebitz shops inside. And I feel most of the comments are unfair... as follows is my defense of my work place:
Parking fines - outside sources, Not Roadchef responsibility. Complain to CP Plus.
Clampers - Not authorised here, independent. Complain to Individual company.
Price of lorry parking wouldn't be so high if truckers stopped abusing the facilities - urinating and defecating outside. Plus cannot extend parking, no planning permission, so charge is in place so that it TRIES not to be overrun.
Male cleaner in toilets SOMETIMES as can't always get female cleaning staff, would you rather an unhygenic toilet stop or a clean one? And basically calling male cleaners perverts or predators is both ignorant and unfounded... slanderous in fact. Don't be so narrow minded. Most of them work on minimum wage to support their families. Show them some damn respect. The toilets are cordoned off when cleaning so that you never come into contact with cleaners anyway so I assure you, NO Human Rights are infringed. Stupid thing to say in the first place.
All toilets cleaned several times throughout day and night, if you happen upon a dirty toilet, blame the user before you and move to another clean cubicle.
Natwest cash point, is funnily enough not manned or run by the services but by the bank in question, lay blame where its appropriate please!
Most places in here are NOT 24hr as no money would be made, therfore leading to eventual closure of said facilities. There are 24hr hot meals, drinks, WHSmith and toilets... what more do you want?
As for comments of a drug dealer and prostitute working from Clacket Lane and being ""well known" ... this is just a lie! And made me laugh. So no further comment is needed!
Theft from the car park... well any car park is used at the owners own risk, if you contact the police, the police have security camera's in the car park. The services do not.
The comment about "green bacon" etc... all the fridges and freezers are checked every morning for dates of products. If you were unhappy wiuth the food, complain or request different stuff.
Toilets are not placed at the entrance of the services so that people browse the facilities more and spend more, therefore, keeping the services open... if we sold nothing then there would be no facilities here at all. How many shoppping malls/pubs/restuarants do you know with toilets near the door? Wouldn't smell so great if you were stopping for food eh?
So... all in all, those are my comments. The services here are not spectacular or amazing in any way, but they are clean, staffed by good people who are first aid trained, and offer you what you stop for. Personally, Clacket Lane is one of the better services... I've worked at many over the past few years, and these two sites are some of the better ones...
Lucy, Mon 28 Sep 2009
Won't stay at Premier Inn M25 again, we used breakfast voucher at RoadChef.V Long Queue for a cooked breakfast!! (15 mins just to get to front of queue. I thought it was insufficient staff initially, then realised its because 1 man is frying 5 eggs at a time (on a single mini-fryer)whereas the girl dishing up bacon,sausages etc has a row of plates(cooling) waiting for him. How ridiculous of the management not to see it makes them look stupid. Just get fryers sufficient to hold say 10-12 eggs so that every 20 secs an egg will be ready(instead of every 5-10mins!) i.e. no more cross cstmrs.Road Chef bosses > its not rocket science, just test yr own operation at right time (i.e. breakfast at breakfast time etc)the chef was under pressure to supply semi-cooked eggs!!! and Premier Inn bosses should realise people won't stay at clacketts if they are unneccessarily held up (we were nearly late for a wedding)
A G Kemp, Mon 21 Sep 2009
tried to contact by phone after losing a bag with credit cards but could not get through to anybody
alina pritchard, Fri 11 Sep 2009
The worse & the most unprofessional act on asking someone to pay fine without issuing a ticket.
When we ask for a proof of receipt, CP Plus Ltd simply issued a back dated ticket. This is the first ticket that we have got & have seen from them.
The back dated ticket was issued in 4 August 2009 with back dated ticket on 22 May 2009!
The worst daylight robbery in UK Motorway Services!!!!
Chelsea Lim, Thu 6 Aug 2009
DAYLIGHT ROBBERY AT CLACKET LANE SERVICE STATION!!
We had holiday in UK from 15 May 2009- 25th May 2009. We supposed to have a lovely memory in UK until we received a fax regarding fine at Clacket Lane station.
On 2th July 2009 which is 1 month & 8 days after we came back to Singapore, my UK colleague faxed me a ticket fine of £80 sent by CP Plus Limited.
On 2nd July 2009, my colleague emailed & asking why we did not received any ticket while we are in UK.
The respond given on 3rd July 2009 was:"Subject: RE: CNN 8065373 for BL51 CRKDear MadamThank you for your email.I can confirm that i have placed this matter on hold whilst i request a copy of the parking charge notice from my client, this will enable us to confirm why the ticket was issued and if an error has been made."
On 6th August 2009, for the FIRST TIME we received a parking notice with CP Plus Limited pre-printed on the document it had a date of this alleged infringment.
How do we know we where in the wrong since no ticket was placed on the car????
I really cannot believe that this is happened in UK whereby the company who incharge of the car park, simply issued a fine ticket to someone who had left the country for more than 2 months (The ticket was issued with the back dated date).
It is a common practice in other countries to immediately issued a ticket and placed on the car.
This "daylight robbery" & UNPROFESSIONALISM on this matter really give us a very bad impression of visiting UK again!!!
Drivers, to your own benefit, BEWARE OF CLACKET LANE SERVICES!!!!
watch out for the wheel clampers ... they hid in the trees and undergroth when your time expires by 20 mins they clamp u so watch!!!! £195 please sir ...
john brown, Fri 31 Jul 2009
This is more of a query. Is there a footbridge taking you from one side of the services to the other side? e.g. if the car is parked on the eastbound carriage, is it possible to be dropped off on the westbound side where one would have to walk across the footbridge to pick up the car?
Sobia Ellahee, Mon 22 Jun 2009
I always like to look at the historic artefacts on display there, but I was dismayed to see that they are now thick with dust..These objects need proper care and cleaning
Mrs Denise Lindsay, Tue 16 Jun 2009
One of the best services i have visted, Managers and staff so helpful and friendly, a rare find these days let alone to find in a motorway service area. Great breakfast and was nice and clean. Keep it up.
Nigel Banks, Thu 11 Jun 2009
Isn't it amazing how they never respond to all these complaints! Maybe this whole "Internet thing" is too difficult to navigate?
Concerned, Wed 20 May 2009
Drivers beware!Unprofessional Clampers at Clacket Lane services with charges of £190 +.Clacket lane clampers target Truckers and Light goods vehicles with poor monitoring and clamping.Some areas of their site are poorly sign posted and they do not advise the motorist that they cannot return within a certain time.They offer poor help numbers or incorrect help numbers so to get your money. Beware as you too could get caught. It has been reported to me that they only target commercial vehicles as they believe the owners will give into their demands for money as their vehicles have a full load.As many as 16 vehicles were clamped in one night @ up to £300 per clamp release. Avoid Clackett lane services at all times if you can. If you find yourself clamped by their poor monitoring,call the super hero ANGLE GRINDING MAN. He could save you too.
Harry, Tue 19 May 2009
i am a lorry driver and i feel that the charges for the truckers are extortionate as i was charged £24 for parking for 9 hours so why are we truckers getting charged £24 when we are not parking for 24 hours this is day light robbery
Alistair smyht, Fri 27 Mar 2009
Got a Wimpy, I will say no more!!!!
Ra, Sat 7 Feb 2009
as a lorry driver all i can say is:way to expensive to park £25+ is pathetic
not enough spaces
lorry park stinks
useless facilities
i could go on and on and on but it just winds me up
please sort this out and think of your customers and not your profits!!
ian aucock, Sat 17 Jan 2009
I stopped for a comfort break at Clackets Lane toilets on sunday. Unfortunately it was anything but comfortable. There was a sign in the ladies toilet informing women that there was a male attendant on duty. There was no indication of when he might be turning up. To find a man inside an enclosed area signposted 'ladies toilet' is tantamount to sexual abuse/harrassment. To avoid the distress of this possibility I was forced to use the disabled loo.What about young an old lady who hasn't closed/ locked the door, or young girls (minors) suddenly finding themselves alone with a stange man in an enclosed area supposed to be the ladies toilets? I feel this is potentially compromising both the cleaner and the girl. I would like to know how cleaners are supposed to enter opposite sex toilets when they are in use without causing acute embarrassment to the users and themselves? General Occupational Qualifications exist in law specifically to protect our privacy in this kind of situation ie if the employee is likely to work in the presence of the opposite sex who are undressed or are using toilet or washing facilities. I would like to know why why these are being ignored? This is an infringement of article 8 of the Human Rights Act (HRA).I feel outraged, insulted demeaned and humiliated to be put in this position and if I was a man it would be indecent exposure. for women to be entering mens toilets when in use. In fact this is reverse discrimination as men are not even in a cubicle and may not have a choice. Most normal people do not want clean loos at the expense of privacy and dignity. Denise Ham
John & Denise Ham, Wed 14 Jan 2009
We generally stop at these serives to and from the O2 Arena. Toilets have always been clean when I've used them. The only comment I have is that the higher mark up at Costa (for example) is appalling, particularly when the people who work there don't seem at all interested, and also don't always understand when you pass your order to them!
Bev, Wed 31 Dec 2008
rubbish.stopped here when travelling by myself with 2 month old baby in tow. nowhere to breastfeed, not even a chair in the nappy changing room, which was small and stank. looked for a manager, or a sign that someone was in charge, nothing. staff I approached were clueless and looked at me like I was crazy. will be avoiding in future
rhi, Tue 2 Dec 2008
Lovely Coffee, but £3.95 for a sandwich! Rip off! Long Queues and the natwest cashpoint was acting wierd. Lovely(!)
James, Sun 2 Nov 2008
I have had my credit card details used shortly after using this service station.Otherwise our visit was quite pleasant.
Anne, Wed 15 Oct 2008
Visited this service station during morning and the cold tap was fully running in basin in ladies toilet. I tried to run off but could not and could not find anyone to report this to.
Miriam Carter, Fri 3 Oct 2008
The place is haunted. No kidding. 1:25 am last night West Bound there was a group of well ... aparitions. Looked like mist but clumps moving individually and, I know this sounds blonkers but they looked like bikers. The guy at the Costa was outide having a cigerette and as I went in we both heard bike engines revving - no kidding. It was really really spooky. Anyone else notice this?
Jimmy Jones, Thu 18 Sep 2008
Family of 4 returning from Holiday in Crete on Friday night (29th August). It was a very long day and we were all spilt up on the flight (2 young boys in tow) and needed something to eat and drink on out journey home.
Made the BIG mistake of stopping here at 11pm. Most eateries (and shops) were closed. The main area had some sandwiches left over, bought two and a bottle of coke. Couldn't believe it that this cost $9.57. Service was also horrendous.
Went back to care onlt to find sandwiches were inedible. Returned home with very hungry and tired family.
Major issues - hours of opening - quality of food - quality and professionalism of service.
Graham Smith, Tue 2 Sep 2008
The staff are scamming the place, not registering till, pocketing cash etc. I have seen this on at least three visists. There's also a drug dealer operating out of the carpark out of a motorhome and I suspect she's been there a while though I only clocked it for sure the othr day. A number of women are plying their trade in the woods nearby - this is well known now. And this is despite the police's obvious attendance (I'm told they have to target the lorries). I don't really ave any comments to make about these things ... just to let you know really.
Vincent Blackstone, Wed 13 Aug 2008
Truck drivers be aware one of our drivers stopped anticlock at 13.30 28/7/08 to use the toilet. On his return someone had cut his straps and stole his cranes foot pads. £180 pair to replace.
Tony, Tue 29 Jul 2008
I’m a French lorry driver and on 20/02/2008, I was travelling from France to Coventry and I’ve stopped at Clacket Lane Services (Clockwise) to use the toilets. As usual, the lorry park was full and I didn’t want to park badly. As I was pulling in, an artic was leaving a park space between the motorway and the lorry park. I’ve parked there just for five minutes to use the toilets. I’ve stopped at 6:15, went into the service to use the toilets and came back to my lorry 5 minutes later. I had a big surprise when I’ve found your two agents clamping my lorry. I’ve told them I’ve only stopped for five minutes but they didn’t want to listen to me at all. All they’ve done is told me to pay or show me a picture of a tow truck.I’ve told them that I didn’t noticed I was parked on the wide load bay (and I didn’t see the yellow marks on tarmac because they’re in poor condition) but they just wanted me to pay. My trailer was partly loaded with an express for east Moseley and I couldn’t lose any time there. I had to pay but now, I’d like to complain about the way I’ve been treated by these two agents. They were arrogant and impolite. I could feel a bit of racism against the French.The worse was when they’ve done an Italian lorry just behind me which couldn’t move because of a breakdown engine. The Italian lorry still at the same place 24 hours later.I was ready for a moment to call the Police but I couldn’t because of my urgent delivery but the way I’ve been treated and done seems as racket.I’m driving between France & United Kingdom since 1984 and I always used the services as best as I could. I’m not like most of lorry drivers that don’t use the toilets but urine on the side of their trucks or in a plastic bottle and throw it away later on. I always pay when I park overnight and always park in designated parking area.I’ve left Clacket Lane services just after I’ve paid the fine of £255.00 at 6:30.
Pierre Marie Girod, Sun 25 May 2008
On the evening of Sunday 20th April my husband and I and our 7 month old baby were travelling back from our holiday in Glocestershire and we stopped in your service station for a quick bite to eat and freshen up. I took our baby into your baby changing room which firstly smelt absolutly disgusting and I was appalled to see that the bins were all overflowing it looked like it hadnt been cleaned for a week.
On Monday morning our son became very sick and then had servere diarrhea as he is never unwell we took him to the doctor who said he had picked up Rotavirus, strangly none of the others that we went on holiday with had picked it up and it was only us that had called in at your services on the way home. On Tuesday my husband got it and Wednesday I then got it neither of us could look after our son as it was so bad so my husbands mother had to come and stay and help. We had to have the doctor out every day as our son was so ill it took him a whole week to get over it. It would be interesting to know how many other people picked it up from your baby changing room.
I think your staff need to realise the importance of cleanliness as this virus is spread through feaces and I can assure you it makes you very sick and leaves you feeling very unwell.
claire Hayward, Fri 2 May 2008
I would like to know how you can warrant charging £25 for overnight HGV parking with a meal ticket. I parked there overnight on 21st Feb, and it was a disgrace the parking area stunk of urine, it was dirty, noisy with trucks blocking you in so you are unable to deprt early. wash facilities are dirty and the food both expensive,dried looking and horrible. Perhaps someone in charge needs to get down there one night and see it for themselves. I for one will never use this facility again and intend to write to the RHA on what can be done to get cheaper, cleaner and better parking.
Michael Tuddenham, Sat 23 Feb 2008
gents toilets - WCs filthy with semen stains on the walls broken seats and smellycooked food - disgusting and overpriced ie. 1 rasher of bacon £1.00staff - pleasant and helpfullthis situation has been ongoing for the last couple of years i have complained to a manager twice but nothing has changed
moin hashmi, Thu 31 Jan 2008
I call in to the north services every morning to buy a paper at about 7.00am.I have found all the staff very friendly,cheerful and efficient.I want to make special mention about one girl in particular whose name is Mary.She is consistantly friendly and charming even at that time in the morning when all the customers are miserable and grunting.Will you please make sure that she sees this and give her a pat on the back,well done.
Phil Ansell, Mon 10 Sep 2007
Outrageously priced "food", at £1.05 per item: undercooked and distinctly unhealthy-looking sausages, toast stupidly pre-piled vertically to maximise sogginess, a week's salt per slice of green bacon, along with surly staff...oh - and they don't clearly display the prices for the goods, presumably so you'll commit to spending anything and be too embarrassed to complain about being ripped off by the time you each the till. Advice: Insist on dragging the managers out at every opportunity and haranguing them at this typical example of rip-off Britain at its worst. Anyone who's spent two minutes in French or Italian service areas, with their palatable food, proper salads etc. will wonder in awe at how Brits manage to put up with such places without throwing up.
Jonathan Smith, Tue 6 Mar 2007
the hotel onsite is very pricey and i think things lived in the bed, avoid!
Bill Mountain, Mon 19 Feb 2007
We were unsuprised to find the majority of outlets closed, but the resturant was still operational and refreshments we served and adequte, although we had to wait for a few minutes until a staff member was evident to serve us.
RedHillian, Thu 4 Jan 2007
As a romantic gesture my boyfriend decided to treat me to a bouquet of red roses from Clacket services. Unfortunately, by the time we had reached our house (only 45 minutes later!) the roses were wilted, and on seperating them and arranging them, discovered, much to my dismay, that the leaves were dead, and mouldy. Considering they were a costly £10 I am disappointed with the quality.
Emma, Tue 24 Oct 2006
Walking very difficult for me; my only reason to stop here is to use the toilets but, at both sites, they are situated almost as far as you can get from the entrance - and you have to struggle past hordes of people and great mounds of goods for sale that have been placed in the middle of the walkway. Why can't designers put toilets right at the entrance, which seems the most obvious place for them, and confine the clutter to the retail spaces?
RS, Thu 10 Aug 2006
It's a shame you have to pay alot of money to park your lorry for the night and find the toilets and washing area in a mess.Sorry People in the UK wake up and see how things are done in other countries before asking a lot of money.
Dutch int.truckdriver.Rob
rob, Thu 10 Aug 2006
East bound track - pleasantly surprised to get salmon & scrambled egg for breakfast in restaurant (not found anywhere else)- very nice. Shopping stalls in the main corridor make for clutter when two or more coaches about - otherwise a nice breakfast taken in cool clean surroundings.
Stephen Poulton, Sat 3 Jun 2006
This was one of the worst services I had been to for a long time. We were towing a caravan. Be wary, this site is used by coach companies as a transfer point. Could not get into the caravan area as it was full of coaches. Directed to an area not suitable and not big enough to park in. Services were so busy that it took 25 minutes for my partner to use the ladies. Which by this time were disgusting.
Trevor Patterson, Wed 18 Jan 2006
Thank the lord for the petrol prices have been cut down. 86.9 for unleaded, 90.9 for diesel. Not bad, eh?
Anonymous, Mon 2 Jan 2006
The Westbound services are my all-time favourite. They are clean, parking is easy and there is even a nice piece of grass to sit on. There is a display of Roman pottery found on and near the site too.
Malcolm Coghill, Mon 19 Sep 2005
Perhaps best known for having some of the most expensive petrol around and having signs in different launguages on the slip roads telling you no parking. But other than that it's a standard corporate uk service area.
Sarah Morris, Mon 29 Aug 2005
Clacket Lane Services M25 is a 1 burger rated service area.
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