A new era in improved motorway services has been promised with the recent opening of the only motorway service area on the new M6 Toll in the Midlands.

The £15m motorway service at Norton Canes in Staffordshire, has been developed in an ambitious move to bring ‘high street quality’ facilities to the UK’s motorways.

Chief executive of Roadchef, John Greenwood, said: “Historically the motorway services industy has suffered from a poor reputation, but we are now creating a service that rivals the best that the high street can offer. Norton Canes is the latest example in our programme of investment that has resulted in an investment of £30m in our estate. At Norton Canes we confidently believe we have created by far the best motorway service area in the UK.”

The standards set at Norton Canes form the blueprint of all future motorway service area operations within Roadchef, as they bring their other 20 sites in line with the new concept. Facilities include state-of-the-art toilet facilities; open plan dining areas and white tablecloths, with table service for diners eating after 6pm; outdoor water features and seating, and an exercise trail with viewpoint and picnic areas. A Travel Inn with Touchbase business service adjoins the complex.

The launch follows the earlier opening of the BP Connect filling station on the 68-acre site, which is one of BP’s largest petrol forecourts in the UK, featuring 24 petrol pumps, and a Wild Bean Café.