The UK service station dubbed Europe’s biggest with ‘mini shopping centre’

When you’ve driven for hours, a much needed stop off to grab a bite to eat and stretch your legs can be very welcome. Now one service station is being lauded as the greatest the UK has to offer and could even rival its European counterparts.

Fans of Cobham Services, nestled between junctions 9 and 10 of the M25 in Surrey, say its huge offering is so good it deserves “royal approval.” Another visitor added they could “spend the entire day” there in reply to a viral tweet picturing its huge lineup of shops and restaurants.

Its convenient location, on the UK’s busiest motorway which is often laden with traffic delays, is the biggest this country has to offer – and is also described as one of the most used in Europe.

Lovers of the pitstop have joined in to praise the location after a post on social media platform X by user @biglunty. He tweeted a picture of a sign showing off its range of eateries and shops and said: “nah man what a lineup”.

They include a 24-hour McDonalds and Starbucks, KFC, Greggs, Nando’s, Pizza Express, Chopstix noodle bar, El Mexicana and Tapori curry bar.

As well as places to eat there are also retail stores including WH Smith, Top Gift and M&S Simply Food. There is also a self-service launderette facility, a Regus Business Centre, Ramada Hotel which includes a gym and a large Shell Fuel Filling Station.

It features ample parking for cars, trucks, caravans, motor home, trailers and coaches there are electric vehicle charging points. Plenty of loos and washroom facilities are also available.

Pret A Manger also launched at the services in late February, creating 22 new jobs.

Tom Dobson, CEO at Extra MSA Group which runs the site, said: “Customer satisfaction is paramount to us, and we continuously strive to enhance the experience for those who visit our service areas.

“We are therefore thrilled to announce the addition of Pret a Manger to our lineup. Pret A Manger’s commitment to delivering high-quality, fresh food aligns seamlessly with our values.”

More than a 1,000 fans have expressed their love for the site on Google using its review function. One said: “Always an amazing place to stop for breakfast…..it’s very popular and always busy. Good selection of restaurants, something for every palate.”

Another said: “What a great pit stop! Toilets were clean and although I had no intention of using them – was impressed there were shower cubicles too. They added: “Something for everyone.”