Innovative M5 service station, Gloucester Services Farmshop and Kitchen is taking a starring role in a new Channel 4 documentary series.
Starting on Monday 7 August 2023, A Cotswold Farmshop showcases the people, products and landscapes that make up the refreshingly unique Gloucester Services.
Across six episodes, the documentary explores the colourful characters that keep the wheels turning at the family-owned motorway services which opened in 2014.
Born out of a partnership between neighbourhood development charity Gloucestershire Gateway Trust and family business Westmorland Family, the buildings feature a sleek design that focuses on sustainability with grass covered roof and wooden beams.
Proudly putting local produce at the centre of its offering, the business sources goods from more than 130 producers within a 30-mile radius.
Such is the popularity of its offering that Gloucester Services has become a destination for many, with some families even taking day trips to visit.
It's also forged itself as a foodie hot spot thanks to its patisserie as well as its delicious deli, butchers, fresh fish and cheese counters.
The community-focused services concept began with the opening of the first family-owned UK services in 1972, as a result of the M6 motorway running right through the Dunning family farm.
The Dunning's made it their mission to create a space where travellers could receive a hearty welcome and enjoy a good meal using local produce, while taking in the stunning surrounding landscape that so many would normally drive straight through.
The documentary focuses on the family's ethos and how the team at Gloucester Services have embraced it with gusto.
Founder of the Gloucestershire Gateway Trust, Mark Gale was the social change entrepreneur who approached the Dunning family with the idea of building the services.
He said: 'With 28 million cars and 40 million people passing by the areas along the motorway creating noise, pollution and demands on public services every time there was an accident, we needed to look at how to create an opportunity out of a problem.'
Chair of the Westmorland Family, Sarah Dunning, said: 'We set up Gloucester Services in a way where the benefits to the local community are embedded directly into our business plan.
'The more we sell, the more income Gloucestershire Gateway Trust gets, I love that concept because it's a win, win.'
One of the many successful initiatives run by Gloucester Services is its Bridging the Gap scheme; a pre-employment course that helps people who come up against barriers when trying to get into work to develop skills, boost their confidence and take part in a guaranteed interview to join the Gloucester Services team.
A Cotswold Farmshop premieres on Channel 4 on Monday 7 August 2023 at 8pm.
