How to Eat at a Transport Cafe

Catering mainly to professional truckers and HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicles) drivers, a Transport Cafe is a welcome haven after stressful driving. In addition to serving food, many of the cafes are equipped with parking facilities, lorry wash, accommodations, toilets and refreshments. Stop here, get some rest, eat your fill and rejuvenate yourself for the next haul of your journey.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Find out which Transport Cafes are along your route and where they are located. Consult the excellent "Guide to Truckstops in England" produced by the Highways Agency, which gives detailed information regarding location addresses, available facilities, opening timings and contact information for a great many truckstops located near the Highways Agency network of motorways and major A roads. You can phone the Transport Cafe ahead of you arrival if you need any further information.

2. Ask fellow drivers for their recommendations. Many regular drivers have their own favorite stops along a particular route, and they can tell you about the facilities and offer advice on where the food is consistently good.

3. Arrive at the Transport Cafe, park your vehicle in the designated parking area and go inside. Take a seat if you like the decor and the general ambiance of the place.

4. Consult the menu and order your meal. Transport Cafes generally run to simple, traditional fare. Some places offer a Set Meal, with generous portions. The rates are inexpensive. You can order food like sandwiches, salad, steak and kidney pudding, black pudding, fried eggs, bacon, sausages, baked beans, chips, cooked tomatoes, mushrooms, burgers, scones, fried bread, plain bread, butter, tea and coffee.

5. Make sure that the food is well-cooked, looks appetizing and the cutlery is clean. Enjoy your meal. Have a cup of tea or coffee later.

Tips & Warnings

• Order a well-balanced meal with plenty of vegetables. It's important to eat healthy, particularly when you're traveling.
• You can look up the interactive "Guide to Truckstops in England" on the Highways Agency website or order a free copy. Email them at [e-mail]. Quote reference HA5/06.
• No matter how highly recommended a place is, the food quality may vary if the cook is having a bad day.
• If your meal is not up to par, politely inform the Transport Cafe manager.

Resources

• Look up the Truckstop Guide at Highways Agency
• Some good information about Transport Cafes
• The Oakdene Cafe in Wrotham Kent
• A look at Classic Cafes