PLACE TO BE
Drivers ‘go out of their way’ to flock to motorway service station named ‘Europe’s best’ with famous Sunday roasts
Read on to see the best of what the unlikely attraction has to offer
DRIVERS have admitted to "going out of their way" to flock to the motorway service station dubbed "Europe's best" for its cheap beer and famous Sunday roasts.
The site has become an unlikely tourist attraction and has won acclaim for offering cheap beer, good food and a fun day out for all.
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Visitors from far and wide gather at the Red Lion Truck Stop in Northampton, just off the M1, to enjoy top grub for bargain prices.
The mock Tudor building represents an oasis within the concrete desert of the surrounding industrial estate and attracts everyone from high-flying businessmen to long-haul lorry drivers.
Indeed, a survey of truckers saw 40% rate the Red Lion as the best stopover in Europe.
But staff also report throngs of office workers, families and regular Brits stopping in for lunch on a daily basis.
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Weekend revellers also rush to the bar to sample the £3 pints and hearty food.
Menu bestsellers include spicy fajitas, home-cooked curries and bumper breakfasts, as well as good old-fashioned pub grub and top-notch roasts on Sundays.
And the vast range of facilities on offer are perfect for road-weary visitors.
Customers can enjoy a hot shower, stock up on trucking supplies and even do their laundry.
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Local resident Clair Rawlinson told : "I go there with my partner around twice a month.
"We just think it's nice to support local business and we know it's good quality food at affordable prices.
"We'll go for lunch or dinner and we have breakfast there too sometimes.
"It's always a pleasant place to eat and has a great atmosphere."
That view was backed up by John Peters, from Wickford, Essex, who stopped in with his partner Lauren Downey.
The pair had been for a day out at Alton Towers and called at the Red Lion for some post-rollercoaster refreshment.
John, who became acquainted with the establishment through his work as a coach driver, praised it for serving affordable, tasty meals and not "junk food".
He added: "It really is a great spot right by the motorway, so you can just jump on and off the M1.
"It's a lot cheaper than a services too. I'm not surprised it attracts and appeals to everybody - not just truck drivers."
Speaking of which, lorry driver Mark Cox admitted driving "20 odd miles out of his way" to settle in for a breakfast, which he said was "great quality".
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And there's more on the way, as owner Ali Sadrudin, who runs the Red Lion with his wife Zarfeen, plans to install EV chargers and even build a hotel down the road to secure its world-beating status.
It comes after a service station expert, who has spent £10,000 visiting 495 different locations, revealed which one was their favourite.
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