On Saturday May5th my friend and I visited the restaurant at Micheal Wood Services on the M5 Motorway,having purchased coffee we sought a seat, not one clean one was available due to the disgusting mess on all seats and tables,there were chips on all parts of the floor area and uncollected crockery on most of the tables. We felt that if the food and hygene people had paid a spot check the area would have been closed down immediately. Having read other comments regarding this situation it would seem that gery little is being done to rectify it. As a large national company you should be ashamed as this does not show you in a very good light to international visitors to this country.

Graham Taylor, 10 May 2012

Its the first time I have ever used this MSA and to be honest I would stop here again despite some of the negative comments.

There isn't an MSA on the motorway network that is perfect but I found the facilities there good. Whilst most comments relate to day time visits, I have to say that Michealwood has at least given some thought to those of us that work nights as drivers. Toilets were clean and food availible not bad.

Gary Farrimond, 22 April 2012

Called in this station on Saturday 18 February.There was not hot water in gent's toilet basins and no soap

paul Ripley, 19 February 2012

I have never been to this service station, maybe i never will. But you people seriously need to get lives...
how can you moan about a service station, its a place in the middle of the motorway where you stop and get an overpriced sandwich, some of the comments act as if you had planned to spend the day there
that is all

ian, 18 February 2012

I stopped off at Michael Wood on my way to Cornwall last night with my car needing a relatively quick and simple repair that I didn't feel was safe to do on the hard shoulder (an intercooler pipe had popped off and I wasn't getting any boost from the turbo)

I stopped on the petrol station forecourt as it was the only place that was lit. I had been lying on the floor trying to put the pipe back on, when one of the staff from the petrol station tried to make me leave and park elsewhere! He seemed to think that it would be safer for me to go and find a darkened layby somewhere, where I would run the risk of another vehicle running into my car and knocking it onto me. He also tried to tell me that it is illegal to work on a car in a petrol station. As far as I can tell, this is not the case.

Sorry to be so negative, but what else could I do in my situation? If i had pulled onto the hard shoulder and rang the AA, the traffic wombles would probably have showed up and blocked the inside lane, then when the AA had showed up, it would have taken him 5 minutes to repair my car. I'd have thought common sense would dictate that my approach was safer and easier for everyone!

J Moore, 11 February 2012

Just called in to Michael Wood Services South hoping for a coffee to revive a tired head and body. Diapointed to find it closed. No coffee, nowhere to sit for a rest. Nothing. Even the shop and Wild Bean Cafe at the petrol station closed. Is it not a condition of getting the franchise to operate 24 hours a day? At this time of night (0035hrs) is exactly when coffee is needed. Anyone can run a cafe during the day. Franchises should only be given to those prepared to open 24 hours a day.

Richard Ettey, 30 December 2011

Mrs Cooke, the justification, I'm sure, is that cheap skates like yourself go in to 'use the toilet' and not buy anything else in this giant facility which is provided 24/7, heated and ventilated to the satisfaction of the masses. Moreover you're so tight fisted that you went up to get a pot of hot water rather than paying for another pot of tea, I bet you're also one of those people that complains when tea is served in mugs at some establishments BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE YOU! Shame on you! (I don't work for Welcome Break but people like you just make me laugh!)

i dont like mrs cooke, 12 October 2011

We never ever use these places normally because of the inflamitory prices. However we were desperate to use the toilet,And as i walked in i was faced with a terrible smell and the toilets themselves were absolutly disgusting, every 1 was stained and i realy felt dirty using them, Then i went into the cafe for a cup of tea and was shocked to find that a pot for 1 is a staggering £2-15p so i got a pot for 1 + 2 cups poured most of the tea into the 2 cups then returned to the counter and requested a pot of hot water that cost 00 then toped the cups up so it cost me £2-15p for 2 Cups so theres a money saving tip for you so next time i will take my own cups and tea bags and get the water free lol, But
we were sat near the cuboard were they keep the knives,forks ect and was horrified to see the rubish behind this cuboard. I complained to the manager and stated if there was rubish like that in the restraunt i dread to think what their kitchens are like. If people boycotted these places like i will now they may open their eyes and at least close the place down for a decent clean

mr and mrs cooke, 6 October 2011

We use the Michael Wood Services as a convenient half way point for our Northamptonshire based grandchildren to be dropped of by their parents for us to take back to Devon for a holiday. We have experienced the shambles of the alterations to the car parking layout of both North and South bound Services and following a particularly shambolic visit in the middle of July, I immediatly complaind to the Customer Services Manager. I have today (21st September!)received a reply to the effect that there are 343 parking spaces Northbound and 362 South bound, and that there had been no further complaints since mine. I will also be sent some Welcome Break vouchers. Whoever designed the new parking layout should be ashamed - the site is a death trap. We witnesses near misses as drivers dithered about which entrance to use and dodging the two way traffic to get to the exit slip.
We shall avoid this service area for all other trips on the M5 - such a shame as it used to be a favourite stop.

Jill White, 21 September 2011

Having just returned from towing my caravan from Devon I called at the NEW MICHAEL WOOD SERVICES.I was quite excited as on previous journeys the revamp looked as if it was going to improve services.What a Shambles!!!.The allocation of spaces for caravans on the right side of the services on the Northbound side is ridiculous, 8 places . If you have a camper van parked in the allocated spaces opposite ,it is near on impossible to drive a twin axled caravan out of the allotted caravan parking space. You will either rip the wing of the vehicle in the lane next to you or the front of the camper van parked opposite.Did anyone give any forethought to this , or is it just squeeze in as many as possible. In future I will not use the allotted caravan space, but will park with the lorries.I understood new laws were introduced for motorway areas to provide caravan or elongated vehicle places for disabled travellers, Where are they Michael Wood? Sedgemoor have them why can't you?Today there was a queue coming off the motorway waiting to enter the NEW SERVICES AND CARAVANS WERE COMING IN THROUGH THE EXIT WAY TO TRY TO FIND HOW TO PARK THEIR UNITS. WHAT A JOKE. England take a leaf out of the German Auto Bahns.. adequate space for lorries, caravans , cars with showers, toilets , picnic areas and NO CHARGE FOR OVERNIGHT STAY... On the motorway we read "TIREDNESS KILLS, REST " OK but at what cost? This is laughable Michael Wood. Travellers avoid and use alternative areas.....

Yvonne Harvey, 17 September 2011

would like to complain about the appalling food at this service station.
on our way home from devon from a holiday called for breakfast.
the plates were stone cold the food was cold and can say it was the worst breakfast my husband has had, i had a bacon bap that was only suitable for a navvy.
no sauce or butter was avaliable.
the staff were all young people and seemed to be overwhelmed by what was the best way to serve food.
we are sorry to say we will give this service station a miss in future and tell others to do the same
.
,

irene middleton, 4 September 2011

Having had reply to my complaint of 28th May I waited to visit again which I did today 4th August at 1.30pm
However surprise, surprise nothing has changed!
Extra 7 Ladies toilets again roped off with still no sign to tell women they are there, despite being assured by letter from training manager that this would be done on 28th June
Having read other complaints on this site management seem sadly lacking at this service station
We had a meal inside with a young man clearing tables and sweeping up around us as we ate who then disappeared leaving a pile of rubbish on the floor near our feet!
Wonder what training he had received?

Karen Goldstone, 4 August 2011

Having used these services on and off for years i have slowly watched them decline and seen the management stand by and watch this happen they obviously don't take anyones view into account because they are of the oppinion "WE'VE HAD YOUR MONEY YOU CAN LEAVE NOW" been a cartransporter driver i have stayed at micheal wood on a few occasions but after my last visit on the 10/07/2011 that will be my last after these so called improvments to the hgv parking area i found the bays at least 6 or seven feet to small for my truck leaving the car on the front of my truck dangerously hanging to far out into traffic i was then awoken numerous times by other vehicles doing trailer changes and swapping loads at 3 am this is meant to be a rest area in which i paided alot of money to have a 9 hour rest in this was impossible due to the above comments i could go on about about the discusting state of the showers in which i would not wash my dog in never mind myself the toilets that were blocked the poor staff attitude but lets face it what's the point i proberbly won't even get a reply to this e mail because as i have said the management of welcome break are just not interested such a shame because 2 or 3 years ago this was one of the best in the country and beleive me i have seen them all

Del Ogle, 20 July 2011

We have always stayed overnight @ Michaelswood with our caravan as it halfway to our destination in the West Country. We have a meal on arrival at night and breakfast in the morning before leaving. Unfortunately this year will be the last as we had such an unpleasant experience this year with everything from the caravan parking to the restaurant.The changes to the parking areas have made it almost impossible to park safely with a caravan. The entire restaurant experience both evening and morning was unpleasant due to uncleanliness of all areas, utensil containers, milk flasks etc, and the general incompetence of the staff although I don't blame them as they can only be as efficient as they are trained by Management who seemed conspicuous by their absence ! Come on Welcome Break get your act together and restore Michaels Wood back to it's former glory !

Jan Bott, 18 July 2011

Never again will I use this services, Tell caravaners to avoid it, it is not up to perpose!!

Mrs Phillips, 14 July 2011

Always stop here when coming back from our hols, eat our own sandwiches its a lot cheaper. All Service stations have been overpricing food,petrol,sweets for years so nothing ain't going to change that, cause some will always pay and then still moan.

D Land, 11 July 2011

I have written to welcome Break on 28th May 2011 regarding the ladies toilets at Michaelwoods Southbound
This service station has been very poor for the last 20 years but having been redesigned I thought they might have managed to improve access to the ladies wc
There are always queues outside this wc during busy periods due to its poor design
However on my last visit there was no improvement so I wrote to them enclosing a letter I have dated 1991 stating improvements would be made
To date I have received no reply to this latest letter
Perhaps we all should complain directly to Rod McKie the CEO of welcome Break

Mrs K Goldstone, 27 June 2011

A disaster area for caravanners, , even HGV drivers are complaining. I will not stop here again.

anonymous coward, 21 June 2011

This is a note to all caravan users. Don't bother stopping at Michael Wood services anymore. The management must dislike any one with a caravan. I visited the services on 17th June 2011 at 14.00hrs and counted 10 spaces for caravans to park since they re- designed the parking area. I suggest you either stop at the 1 before at Bristol or carry on to the services just before Worcester. I will also be notifying the Camping and Caravanning and The Caravan Club to tell it's members about the poor and lack of parking facilities caravan users. What a shame because Michael Wood services always had good services to offer travellers

Phil Budd, 18 June 2011

By the look of the comments, management clearly are not interested in listening to their customers. The so-called improvements have now made this another caravan unfriendly services. The idea of taking a break should be for safety, and not just to fill the pockects of your organisation. I appreciate caravanners do not spend as much as ordinary car drivers, but you have a duty to provide a safe area for all drivers to take a break in. You new caravan area which I visted on 4th June is a joke and clearly not designed for the amount of caravans that it needs to be. Again I had to use the HGV area which although improved, is not suitable for caravanners. I really hope that the improved parking facilities affects your profits, as clearly you only appear to be interested in this and not safety.

Steve Borg, 6 June 2011

Last night, after suffering delays heading southbound from J4 to J6, my family and I decided to stop for some rest/food. Once inside in the eating area we found ourselves clearing our own tables and seats, actually having to wipe them down before seating. The food waste on the floor and greasy tables were completely unacceptable. i have never experienced any motorway services in our country in this disgusting state, upon complaining I was given the usual'It's somebody else's fault story and that all the outlets share the responsibility'. Well, clearly there is no one doing heir job here and It is just totally depressing to know that the over priced food here still does not reflect a better service or even a clean environment. I could put up with high pricing if there was a positive outlook and obvious signs of quality but there is none of these and I for one will never visit this area again, We should take a look at our European services, in particular those in most of France, they put us to shame. Great britain?? I think not, where is your pride people?

Mr Justin Woodcock, 9 May 2011

If you want to see the plans for the finished redevelopment go to this site, it might not be as bad as some people think

http://www.stroud.gov.uk/docs/planning/planning_application_detail.aspAppRef=S.10/0135/FUL

Matthew, 7 May 2011

I am utterly bemused by the new layout at Micheal wood services on the M5.I cant see how this is an improvement or who will benefit from it.It now seems that caravanners are unwelcome and the area for trucks is now much smaller,surely they will now have less customers.The site used to have excellent access for long vehicles with lots of parking even in very busy periods,these benefits have been lost in the new design.

David Small, 2 May 2011

I left a comment on here a while ago regarding a member of staff who worked here who was so helpful and kind. So whilst heading South on holiday I decided to stop here again and drop off a thank you card to Scott (the staff member) only to be told that he had been forced to leave by the new Director. The young lady told me that it was such a shame as he had worked hard on improving the services. I must say from this visit I could see that for myself as the whole site just felt dirty and un-loved.

I have stopped here for the last 15 years, but not anymore I will now stop at the services before this one. Such a shame.

Amanda Payne, 28 April 2011

This service area was like going back in time - it was dirty (buns overflowing inside around the seating area, tables were full of remnants of drinks and food from previous visitors. The floor was very dirty.
Staff were chatting but not cleaning up or collecting trays of overflowing crockery left on shelves which customers had moved to create a space to sit and eat and drink their food.

A visit to the toilet had many cubicles with no toilet paper, some rolls of paper were available on the sanatory bins - not very healthy! The notice outside the toilet area asked for a donation after using the 'lovely toilets' -shame on the people running this service area for allowing such a dreadful Welcomebreak service area.

Please do something about it.

Anna Clark, 15 April 2011

Have used these services many times but never again unless you can improve access for caravans.
The turning circle is to small for unit with a long car and caravan it would be much better to have a drive through slot.
Also note that there is no facility for disabled caravaners my wife was in extreme pain after the long treck to your main site,we are not alone i know of many more caravaners that also have similar problems.
I hope that after this complaint you will take note and strive to make improvements that lead to better service.

mr Hambidge, 11 April 2011

As a trucker this services was frequently an ideal, convenient place to take a break in recent years. The Truck Parking area was well laid out and spacious and also highly suitable for caravanners (I am also a caravanner). Unfortunately in recent weeks the Truck Parking area has been undergoing redevelopment and now looks to have been ruined. The layout looks as though it has been completely messed up with small spaces and manoeuvring now severely and seemingly permanently restricted. During the on-going work it has , on occasions been absolutely impossible to park there, and when I have I have been 'dicing with death' in order to get inside the services as there has been no proper pedestrian walkway from the Truck Parking area. I used to think this was one of the best services around for Truckers but it has now been 'developed' into one of the worst. Looks like they only now welcome cars containing families.

Gerry, 29 March 2011

i actually worked here for a year and the car park has to be in a state to make it better..the winter isnt busy so is the best time to refurbish. Anyone who moans that it is expensive..what do you expect..they can do that because it hits a target audience. I think its a great station with very friendly staff

sami green, 10 March 2011

For several weeks it has been a building site! The access to the car park is very badly signed, we went straight through once. It is appalling at night. there are no warnings on the slip road. Nothing on site to say what on earth is going on.

Bill Craven, 16 February 2011

complained on site to member of staff theresa boyle who i found to be arrogant and probaly better suited in a position away from customers and the public in general,obviously cant deal with complaints,i doubt my complaints where ever recorded,never ever again and i will pass the word on

james, 22 December 2010

While my heart goes out to those people who work at motorway services I'm sure they would able to be employed by similar chains not based at motorway services. If things are so bad then work elsewhere ( don't tell me u can't)

anonymous coward, 21 December 2010

Amazed at these comments weather your paid £6.00 an hour or £25 it won't stop what is happening on service areas and being paid more will not change your attitude ok yes it will for a little while then you will be back moaning again. At the end of a day the customer wants service not our fault what you get paid and not our fault if cut backs take place or staff are sick. We want service as we are paying a premium price and you and your team should remember that. Yes your quite right people should write to the CEO's of these company's (How do you know they dont). I know that CEO's are well aware of this web site but wont reply to comments on here for fear on there behalf that they will have to do something about these problems and then they would have to admit what is going on in thier service areas. Ceo's will play lip service they know what is going on they are in charge of blue chip company's they are not stupid but like everything else in this world thier the fat cats taking the cream and not having to face what you guys have to face everyday, but hey ho that's life get over yourself embrace the fact you are working accept you are not going to change the world and give the customer service, or you can vote with your feet and find another Job.

anonymous coward, 9 November 2010

I would just like to say that next time you feel that you need to moan about a motorway service area just remember this,

The staff are paid just above the min wage and are expected to work bank holidays, weekends and late into teh night for no extra money. Staff are regularly called in on their days off to cover sickness etc with no thanks. The cleaners are expected to pick up the mess that the customers can not manage to get into the bins and clear up after the foul and truly disgusting behaviour of the lorry drivers. Ask yourself would you pick up human faeces for £6 per hour? they do. So I take my hat off to them because they do a stirling job given the circumstances, if you want to complain write a letter to the CEO at head Office.

Keep up the good work guys.

Anon, 8 November 2010

My comment is not about the services, but the staff.

I was recently travelling from Birmingham to Cornwall to see a Customer and I stopped at Michaelwood as I was travelling with my dog. I opened the boot of my car to put my handbag in whilst I walked the dog and stupidly closed the boot with the keys inside. Being a new car the doors were all locked and the only way to open the boot is with the remote control. So here I was locked out of my car with no money, no phone with a dog and to top it off it started to rain. I asked a young lady for some help who called a Gentleman called Scott the Facilities Manager who came to assist.

After checking to see if he could get into the car for me Scott searched on the Internet for a mobile auto locksmiths and arranged for them to come and get me in my car. The locksmiths were going to be about an hour before they got to me so Scott kindly let me sit in his office with my dog as I could not take him in the building and did not want to leave him out in the rain on his own. Because my purse was locked in my car I even got a free cup of Coffee.

I would like to say that this was a true example of customer service at its' very best and it is a shame that you are not treated the same everywhere you go. Welcome break should be proud for employing such dedicated and helpful staff. 5* Service Thank You

Amanda Payne, 24 October 2010

Food was poorly cooked and luke warm and the staff serving were very unhelpful. From what I saw of the staff this company must recruit outside schools as they all looked like children. Only one person trying to clean the seating area which was obviously a struggle for him. But on a positive note I would like to say that the services looked cleaner since my last visit in Februaury. Also had great Customer Service from a Manager who went out of his way to assist me and my Wife. I did not get his name but I think he was the Repairs Manager.

Anon, 23 October 2010

Goodness!

Why do people feel the need to moan so much, this country is becoming a country full of moaners. Service Stations are busy places and of course on occasion things may slip a bit.

Just think how hard it is to keep a smile on your face and stay positive when you've had idiots moaning at you all day!

I dont work at a services and never have but do work for a well known company and know first hand how idiotic and petty a small minority of the British public can be!

Keep your heads up service station workers, some of us appreciate all your hard work :)

Jannercelt, 17 October 2010

Do go to the KFC here if you want terrible service by staff who really dont want to serve you, then they will take your money and virtually throw your order at you. You might even do what i did and then walk over the service bridge with your KFC in tow and sit in your car and open your food bag only to discover they somehow managed to burn to a crisp the Zinger burger bread bun. Lovely staff and well presented food - What a credit to KFC

Garry Straw, 6 September 2010

I know it is probably not worth saying but there is something wonderful about sharing your name with a Motorway Service although it is very scary when you first see the signs for it and you do turn to other people in the car and ask if they see their name or yours.

Michael Wood, 2 September 2010

im currently working here for the summer period and so far i have found that lots of people assume that we are all con men and ripping them off. Yeah the coffees expensive and the sandwiches are nearly £4, but alot of the other services i have been to have nowhere near as nice staff as us! and we are always prepared to help.. If your not rude about it. you dont see us complain when you all rustle up the newspapers because you dont want the top one!! or when you spill the coffee on the floor and i have to get that stupid oversized WET floor sign. Or my personal favorite where im alone on the till as staff need breaks and there is a slight queue and you begin to roll your eyes at me!! but come on were all there to be helpful and have a good time with people.. most of you will be going somewhere nice afterall.. :) And if we can put up with u lot then come on surely u can put up with paying a couple of quid more!!

now seriously.. all organisations have good and bad points. our service station has great customer service no matter what you have read. if you have a genuine issue all our staff will be as helpful as possible and considerate to your situation. and im not just saying that!!

Little tip... the whole point of welcome break is to have a break from all the jeremy clarksons out on the road. so instead of rushing in, toilet, back out... hang around, relax, replenish and refuel (btw im not upselling there :)) because its a really nice place and people there are there for YOU! so come in and have a fandabydosey break..at WELCOME BREAK!!!


(Top gear is good too by the way!! this island is clarkson island and it has the greatest amount of clarksons per square mile..... in the world lol)

look forward to seeing you!! and ur monies :) joke people blimey take a break.. at WELCOME BREAK!!!!!

ok enough brand promotion now. bye everyone!!


NEXT PLEASE ;)

Cashiernumberoneplease, 21 July 2010

Just left Michael Wood services after enduring an appalling breakfast service. The "breakfast bap" was hilariously overpriced even by service station standards and devoid of effort or quality. The cutlery was dirty and upon complaining we were greeted by a tenuous apology and offer of a clean fork. Not the first visit to these services but certainly the last.

Rob, 17 July 2010

i would like to give credit to the people who work here, i deliver to these services and quite often get mistaken for a member of staff and 50 percent of the time i get people coming up to me saying oi your coffee machine is on the blink or hey wheres this no please or thankyou from most customers, when i say sorry i dont work here people just look at you like crap and just walk off , these guys put up with a lot of crap from customers which i witness very often so next time think before you moan to the staff and be polite to them would you like to be spoken too like you speak to them i think not, hats off too the guys there ;-)

anon delivery driver to services, 9 July 2010

We stop here as a family going south every year as the first break in our journey to Cornwall. We've always found the site reasonably clean, the staff friendly and helpful. We do travel in May before the bank holiday, so kinda out of season. But this break is always the start of the holiday for us. Of course with small boys we do seem to make lots of stops and start the holiday several times in the day ...

Ant, 11 May 2010

I found the service area extremely crowded and they must improve their gents toilets.

anonymous coward, 19 February 2010

My name is Michael Wood, can't remember if I have been to this service station, there all pretty similair ain't they?

Michael Wood, 4 January 2010

I stopped of for a burger king on today and the order was wrong, it was really busy so i wasn't that bothered but as I'd paid for something more expensive i wanted what i paid for... the girl was happy enough to change my burgers to the correct ones but the replacements were wrong too..

the 3rd burgers were correct but were cold and pretty much slapped together. I was very disappointed as i only have a burger king 4 times a year...

disappointed, 27 December 2009

I love this place. I go there every time, to and from Birmingham...Well maintained, good food and drink to offer, and toilets are nice.
All in all, a great Service station, and I will continue to go there, and recommend others do also.

Tom Nuttall, 2 November 2009

ok then barry vincent, i was working that day when the insect was found in your drink in fact i was the person that you told, there is no way that it was in there when you got the drink, i obviously made the drink and i would have noticed if somethin was in the cup, you had a regular filter coffee. and there is no possible way that it go into your drink from the filter coffee as the coffee comes from the filter into another filter before it goes into the container and then when it is poured out it is again filter through the tap!!! so the crack is that you brought the insect, put it in the drink and ther you go a full refund...free food and beverages!!! good 1 m8

anon, 27 October 2009

Shocking. We stopped at the southbound services on Sunday 20 Sept 2009 for a cup of tea. None of the tables in the conservatory was clean. There was food waste and rubbish on the table and the floor. Two staff were chatting in the wash up areas. It was a disgrace. The amazing spectacle was seeing people actually sit down at these tables to eat!

Rob Squires, 21 September 2009

Update re 5th June
After waiting for toilets to be sorted a Phonecall to teh HR at the site was made re the Toilets and building mound of rubbish at the rear of the main building.
The wash room has now warm water in the gents and rubbish from the kitchen area is slowly going but the rodet problem still remains. Rubbish in the bin and by closing the lid on teh skip bins would help in reducing the problem.
As for the comment from Anon 15th October 2008--- yes Hgv drivers do get meal vouchers for food but please not this in in the cost of paying to park at a cost.
Also Re Anon 25th June i understand that having both sides open costs. So why only do they open both sides on ban holidays and when the schools break up ???? oh yes to take more money,,,, so why not stagger the opening of both sides??that way mon, wed, fri south bound open, sun, tues, thurs, northbound and alternate the saturdays.

As for food ad drinks etc people dont mind paying if what they are getting is of good quality.and I dont have a problem with teh staff i find them all usualy polite and helpfull

Adrian, 26 August 2009

Brilliant services. One of the best, despite how busy it gets. people should stop moaning about nothing.

johnboy, 25 August 2009

I couldn't possibly agree more with the comments of anon. (25 June 2009) I think the way a small minority of customers treat staff in fast food outlets, shops and service areas is disgraceful. I'm a young man just out of my teen years working at a sports shop and while thankfully, I haven't been as badly abused by customers as anon claims he and his colleagues have been, some customers are so impatient and walk off if they're not served within 40 seconds, moaning about what crappy service they’ve received. They don't realise that at peak hours, this is impossible and they have to wait for some things. What happened to the days when firms didn't tolerate any abuse of their staff and staff member's rights were respected by customers? I recently stopped quickly at these services on my way to South Wales to buy a peanut butter Kit Kat and was served by a lovely youth. He provided me with excellent service and I had a nice little chat and joke with him. I understand that some services in this country are awful and people have a right to complain about them. However, to be rude to the staff about it is disgusting when it's not even anything to do with them. If you really feel strongly about poor service you've received, write to the manager about it. Don't abuse the staff, they're only doing their job!

n/a, 30 July 2009

We purchased sandwiches and coffees at Welcome Break - 'Eat In'- and as my wife was finishing her coffee she discovered to her horror an inch long flattened insect in the bottom of her mug. This particular establishment claims to focus on quality & value providing handcrafted coffees! In our opinion, rogue insect apart, they were the poorest coffees we have tasted for a long time. One cannot help but feel that there are issues regarding food hygiene standards that need addressing here.

Barry Vincent, 28 July 2009

i currently work at michaelwood services, 1st of all they shut one side at ten but the shop is open and the eat in is open on the other side, i dont think this is a problem? whats the point in paying staff to work in both eat ins at night when only few ppl come in during half ten and half 6am. i am also absolutly disgusted in the way that customers treat the staff. i mean come on most of us are 16-20 year olds who are still in full time education, we are just wanted some extra income for necessities etc. so why do you customers think you are in a higher class then us? its not fair to be spoken to with attitude or moaned at for the size or price of things. do you think thats anything to do with us? for god sake we just work there, trying to make some money whilest studying. well i do enjoy my job only because i love who i work with. we get some lovely customers who we want to be nice to and serve with a smile. but then we get the assholes who are nasty and swear at us, believe it or not we have had people trying to start fights with us, or dragging staff over counters, just because of something which is not our fault. so next time you go into a service station, you gotta realise that for most of us this is not our career choice and we are studying. we are nice ppl too, so be nice to us!!

anon, 25 June 2009

Service area southbound.
Used the male toilets at 23:00 hrs Thursday 4th June 2009
I must say they looked pretty clean the only two problems were
1. They STANK not just a light smell but stank of stale urine.

2. There was NO hot water to wash your hands only cold water.

the rest of the area apart from the shop is closed you have to x the bridge to the northbound service area for anything that is to resemble Food.

Adrian, 5 June 2009

I worked here whilst doing my A Levels during 89-91. It seems by reading comments and my recent visit that they have maintained the standards. Back then we were often winning customer service and best cuppa awards, and for every complaint we got we would receive 2 or 3 complements. The staff were rewarded for complements received if they could be traced to particular staff.
Reading here, it seems people are still happy, but they still get the moaners! It is a very busy service area at holiday time, so if you want it perfectly clean and get quicker service, and want more time spent preparing your food, travel later!

Steve, 1 March 2009

Yes, but just who is (or was) Michael Wood?

Martin Stansfield, 24 January 2009

It makes me chuckle that people complain about the price of service station food... Hello!? Everyone should know by now that they are generally overpriced!! If you are planning a long journey, plan to make a stop at the supermarket first!! It's not rocket science, but common-sense and forward planning!
Also, people complaining that the food is microwaved... Of course it is! If you go into any branch of a large chain establishment they WILL microwave the food! You can't expect them to have fresh food prepared and ready to go all the time... What an insane waste of food that would be!!
In my eyes there are only a couple of things that can be complained about and that is service, which will depend on your server and how their day has gone and the volume of other customers, the cleanliness of the station - although we must remember how many people use it a day, and possibly the layout of facilities!
I have used MWS on several occasions, the facility is generally clean and the food has always been acceptable, but then, what do you expect from a service station?
Wake up people!!

Sophie, 22 January 2009

After losing air in a tyre we had to stop to pump up again. The air hose was filthy and so strong it took two of us to drag it around the car (as I am disabled) marking everything it touched. The fight to pull and keep it out meant we had to pay 20p a wheel as it kept stopping.
A dirty and exhausting method of coughing out excess money and the embarrassment of arriving at our destination dirtier than a pair of tramps left us underwhelmed with the experience.

Gwyn Kemp-Philp, 14 January 2009

often call on the way to/from cornwall for a long break, toilets ect normaly clean and staff usualy very helpfull/freindly.

M Roberts, 17 November 2008

Well I work at Michaelwood and whilst I'm not defending it, I do wonder at some people.

Surely everyone knows that motorway services charge the earth for a cup of coffee, so why do you complain, and furthermore, why do you complain to the people who work there and don't set the prices?

I also do not feel pity for the HGV drivers, not only do you get paid a hell of a lot more (fair do's, you do do a more important job) but you also get meal vouchers, so you don't really pay for your meals.

Most of the staff who work there get £500-£700 a month, when you pay peanuts.......

Anon, 15 October 2008

please sort out the shower on the northbound side in the gents toilets the water just dribbles out

ed nicklin, 28 September 2008

Stopped north bound on Friday evening to change and feed the baby. A modern services with good acilities but in need of cleaning.
The toilets were bearable but the floor dusty and dirty and certainly not been swept or cleaned in weeks. The baby change room was equipped with toilet, sink, bin, changing table AND a safety seat to strap baby in while you sort yourself out, but the changing room is also in need of a clean.

Carpark has parent+child spaces. The restaurant has free disposable bibs, microwave and bottle warmer. Unfortunately the comfy chairs had been closed of for the evening and again the tables and floor were in need of a clean.

Would not be my first choice as a place to stop, but I would stop again if necessary.

Mrs Walker, 27 September 2008

One of the best I'd say. Huge carpark with separate and equally huge amount of space for coaches, caravans, lorries. Safe central walkways to the amenities buildings. Feels 'nice' - surrounded by trees, feels like you could be somewhere abroad! Amenities building itself well appointed, clean toilets, large dining areas.

David, 2 September 2008

dont mind paying extra for good coffee but this coffee was appalling. service was even worse! threw coffee away in disgust.

phill ireland, 31 August 2008

I am not sure who owns this services - but I would have liked to imagine that it was an independant. Obviously not, as you seem to have followed in the footsteps of the other services on the south section (Bristol to Exeter) of the M5.
I have already mentioned to other services that I have travelled the full length of the M5 in the last few days (both ways, obviously) and have been appalled at the level of supplies and service in the petrol stations at each and every one of them.
I was very disappointed that I found; no hot food on the counter, the coffee machine was faulty and that there two of the petrol pumps were coned off.
Is this a regular occurence in the busy period?

tim, 7 August 2008

Ladies loos - Saturday morning. Took 10 mins to get in and 5 mins to get out. Very crowded. It would help if you could please put up a sign on the wall opposite entrance saying "More toilets this way" with a left-pointing arrow. People in the queue just didn't know they were there.

jill, 30 June 2008

blinding absoloutely blinding, and the young rather dashing boy behind the till at WH smith on sunday wernt bad either, thuwaaa if i was 10 years younger

julie howard, 4 April 2008

A few months ago I stopped off at around midnight to get a coffee. It cost nearly £3.00 and I'm almost certain that dishwater would have tasted better. That said, it did the job of waking me up as I poured the coffee down the drain, I was so angry that they could get away with such a piss poor service.

Tommy Baker, 25 March 2008

A few months ago I stopped off at around midnight to get a coffee. It cost nearly £3.00 and I'm almost certain that dishwater would have tasted better. That said, it did the job of waking me up as I poured the coffee down the drain, I was so angry that they could get away with such a piss poor service.

Tommy Baker, 25 March 2008

What a well-laid out site. We were in a caravan and were impressed that there was a specific area for us with room to drive in and park. It was well sign-posted and with paths for us to walk with chidren safely to the services. The toilets were spotless too. Well done and thank you.

Mrs Anne Kershaw, 13 August 2007

We stoped at this service station on the way back from minehead and the toilets has been refurbished and they were in very good condition!

Jake3007, 29 July 2007

the burger king staff were very helpful, fast and considerate

luke aldridge, 1 July 2007

I think it is great. I like the crisps and the large selection of coffees from the primo maker. I like the trees that surround the service station. I sometimes feel like I am in Sweden

Alex Duncliffe, 30 June 2007

Hi I used to work at michaelwood, I completly agree with what everyone has said. What puzzles me is why you went in there?? you know its expensive and rubbish so carry straight on to where you heading?!?!?! And yes there are no staff because incase you hadnt noticed its in the middle of knowhere and not many people live in the surrounding area and those who do dont turn up. Yes you can go from north to south, by footbridge only, the alternate routes are extremely complicated.

Anon, 28 May 2007

rubbish two large cappuchinos £4.80 yeah and they wherent good

phil causeway, 6 May 2007

Two sandwiches and two coffees and one bag of crisps. The price? £16. And that was to take out. And they didn't have anything to carry it out in! Start your journey at a supermarket and grab your food there. MSA are a truly incredible rip off.

Jim Cowan, 26 February 2007

i was most un impressed when i visted your site last evening while i`m a truck driver and sadly have to use your over price sites at nine oclock in evening had to wait for meal as no meals prepared only cook to order @ 9pm ?? when i did get my over priced saugage and mash the sauages had where cook to death so hard i could not cut them with a knife like it was burnt to death in micro wave the made out gravy granules which was very strong taste which was just as well with the sauages
no point compaining as foriegn staff not the best for understanding english
while i understand you profit thing truck drivers are still on piss poor wages and dont see a meals costing £6.50 plus being uneatable shit go to europe and see how its done ?????

Phil Trude, 10 February 2007

On behalf of the University of Plymouth Rowing Club I would like to say how wonderful this service station is, we are regular visitors to the facility on trips up country, and would be lost without it! The only fault we have is with the price of Ginsters products, and for rowers heading to big races this is a staple food substance!

Ben Wilcox, 23 January 2007

yeh not keen on these. Oh why are they called Michael Wood Services and not Archie Ramsbottom Services?

steve, 12 January 2007

This service station is crap!!!!! DO NOT go there. There is not many staff and the food is a disgrace. Their opening hours are not very good, plus they havent even got facilties for animals.

Miss Smith, 24 December 2006

poor all round

james roberts, 15 December 2006

Does anyone know if you can cross over from Northbound services to southbound?

lee, 7 December 2006

This has to be the worst services I have ever been too. It was 7pm last saturday night and everything was closed - it was like a ghost town. Absolutely horrible - do not go to this services unless you really really need to.

Iz, 16 November 2006

Thank God - a service station where the nappy changing room has a loo in it. This may seem a small matter, but for anyone who has travelled with a small baby on their own, its a God send. Thank You Michael Wood Services!

Harriet Butler, 13 November 2006

Stopped there about 9.30pm most things were closed, the coffee primo was open, but the burger king was closed- not much choice in the matter but to get a pasty, flapjack and crisps for £3.50- rip off.

richard Inglis, 4 November 2006

Service is slow and stuff is VERY expensive

Jake, 28 October 2006

Foof was terrible, it was supposed to be freshly cooked but it was microwaved and this was at 8.45pm.
Would never stop here again.

Andrew Kyle, 20 July 2006

Not the best services on the M5

Sharon, 5 June 2006

Stopped here on the way home from Devon - although it wasn't too busy, the food court was seriously understaffed and it took ages to get served.

Mark, 12 August 2005