The small takeaway Greggs unit at Boship, built into the existing amenity building with its own entrance. This layout is typically found at Greggs in Moto services, to find it at an A-Road EG operated building is very rare. Greggs opened at Boship in 2018 & has proven to be popular at the site. EG have certainly been very keen to advertise it around the site (it has more signposts than Starbucks). An odd choice of EG to put Greggs here, as it will create competition with the existing Starbucks. EG do use Greggs widely across their sites, but typically, Greggs is only found inside larger former Little Chef buildings which have been transformed into mini food courts, such as Ilminster. Greggs is especially popular on the roadsides as they tend to keep their prices consistently low, making their products more affordable than Starbucks. Additionally, Greggs having its own entrance means customers can access it quickly from their car, rather than having to navigate it inside the amenity building. This is particularly useful for HGV drivers. Greggs hasn’t been updated at all since 2018 & consists of the typical decoration (e.g. a blue logo, black interior walls and a chequered floor). Greggs lacks any customer seating of its own as EG’s expectation with the brand is that customers take their food/drink away. Moto have the same idea with their Greggs outlets, however, some of theirs are located next to communal seating areas. Greggs are now a very common sight along the roads, with many opening in petrol stations as small kiosks (often replacing Subway). EG are also now introducing Greggs drive thrus. The success of Greggs along major UK roads is now being mimicked by the likes of West Cornwall Pasty and Pret A Manger. Greggs was empty during my visit. This is largely due to the early time of day. Greggs was well stocked however, and all the baked goods were fresh. The small size of the unit can mean queues form outside this Greggs. Overall, Greggs highlights the changes in customer wants and needs by the roadside now compared to 30-50 years ago. Large restaurants (such as Little Chef) used to be at every A-Road and Motorway services and we’re always very popular. However, now customers want food quickly and prefer takeaway options, causing these restaurants to close due to lack of custom and be transformed into fast food and takeaway units, like Greggs.

Photo taken on 12/08/2024 by Tom Moon.

Assigned to galleries: Boship, A22, Greggs, EG Group