Roadchef Northampton Services in South Northamptonshire

Horrible place for HGV drivers. Same old story, general public get to park on the doorstep while HGV drivers have to walk half a mile to get to the overpriced shops. HGV drivers are considered the backbone of the country, so why after a days work are we expected to walk half a mile in pissing down rain to get food and a shower….? ITS NOT ON

Strange drive through experience Ordered two hot sandwiches and two drinks - a cappuccino and a chocolate frappe, on the latter I was asked if I wanted coffee in it and cream on top - yes please I said Then waited AGES Two sandwiches and hot coffee appeared “Where’s the Frappe?” “You didn’t order one” “Yes I did - you asked me if I wanted coffee in it and cream on it” “No I didn’t” Weird Cannot believe I say that long for ONE drink and two sarnies - I had to check it wasn’t on the bill, it wasn’t but all the same - Bizarre

We called into this service area on our way north on Tuesday 19th December. The outlet facilities were good but the only thing that let it down were the toilet facilities. The stench of urine was absolutely foul despite the guy in there cleaning constantly. They really need to invest in some good quality cleaning materials as this marred the visit of what could have & should have been a pleasant break from the long drive north.

The ambience is caring and professional. I ate from the noodle place. The staff were attentive and knowledgeable about their food choices. The chicken goujons chips and coleslaw I ordered were fresh and delicious. The Chicken was cooked to perfection. Well done all.

Staff working hard to give good service at McDonalds. Much improved since last time I came. Fast table service. Very helpful and clean. Took rubbish away from table promptly. As I settled with coffee to do some e mails

Driving up the M1, needed lunch, stopped at next cafe and had choice, Costa McDonald's and Fresh food review. Last Costa meal was tasteless, so plumped for Fresh Food Cafe. Excellent coffee, Jacket with cheese and coseslaw, even threw in some extra as I'd eaten the filling too fast. Clean friendly and tasty. Very Impressed. Normal food, tasty and not expensive. Well done.

waited 25 minutes for cold burgers and chips. Staff working at a snails pace. several people complained about the time it was taking. Would have taken the meal back if I had time after waiting so long but had to continue journey. Extremely poor service and meal. Never again

These are quite nice services, more to them than just a little bunch of shops that have gone on holiday together. Parking was easier than some. It felt safe to breathe in the toilets. It could do with a KFC. I didn't get whet the massive green dinosaur was about.

All I wanted was a Costa porridge, but they had sold out. The charming young assistant suggested I buy a similar item from WH Smith and she would make it for me. Not a big deal, not a world changing action, just a very nice solution to a tiny issue in a busy life. Well done to her, and her colleagues.

Worst macdonalds meal ever, tastes as if everything had been left cooking for ages, burger was so dry, frys tasted old, we had to send back chicken wrap as the chicken was so tough you could not bite in to it

We were travelling through the early hours of the morning to Dover. We stopped at these services. The Costa wasn't open so we couldn't get a hot coffee. It was practically deserted. This was not a great stop while travelling

Terrible service for a McDonald’s. I had to wait 20 mins for my order, the member of staff was to busy on her mobile phone (twice she was on it) to worry about serving customers, this was not a very quick service for a fast food restaurant.

Thank you for the tasty & reasonably priced food for a service station. Unfortunately the service was very slow, which which appeared to be lack of staff - only 1 lady serving & 1 lady preparing the food, despite this they we’re managing efficiently & attentively but slow.

We visited on a busy Saturday morning, the Fresh Food Cafe had no queues so we went there and ordered two coffees. The lady serving us was abrupt and rude, no please or thank you, coffee was hot but weak and watery. Would not return

We used the toilets at this site which were clean. We then went to the Costa where the service was friendly and enjoyed a lemon tart and two good coffees for under £9.

Reviewed before and this is a good service area with McDonalds, Costa, WH Smith etc. My friends were at the Fresh Food Café when I returned from a comfort break. I agreed that a sausage bap would set me up for the journey. I ordered an extra hot coffee but was told by the woman serving that it was not possible as machine made, not sure how 'fresh' that is. I did return for some milk and was told in no uncertain terms by the same woman 'I said there's a jug', shocking. When the buzzer went off, I collected my bap, so small with sausages sticking out at all angles. Not great quality either. It'll be McD's next time.

We normally stop at Toddington coming from London but decided on here instead. We had breakfast at the Fresh Food Cafe and although it looked nothing like the photo it was okay, still a touch expensive but that's what you expect from a service station. Overall lots of parking but i felt the toilets need more attention

Heading Northbound weekday stopped at 1pm for lunch. Debated over the All-day Breakfast or the Fish & Chips, but in the end elected for the Chicken Tikka Masala. Normal price £7.99, special offer 2 mains for £12.99. For some reason we did have to wait nearly 10 minutes for the order to be fulfilled, but it was well worth the wait and was delicious. Plenty of it, so although we demolished the Naan bread (£1 extra) we left the poppadoms. So lunch for 2 hungry adults including coffees came to less than £20,

Normally a fan of Costa (over bucks) but poor today Coffee fine Turkey festive sandwich was awful and at 5 quid not good value at all

Stopped here on way to Matlock from London. Ate at the Fresh Food Cafe. 2 breakfasts, tea and toast came to about £20. Good amount of parking and clean toilets. Good choice of places to eat for a quick stop off.

I stopped off here and really wish I had continued north. I had ribs and fries with onion rings oh and a soft drink. For half a rack of ribs you get 4 small ones. Not fresh crispy fries and the soft drink is from a can. The place was clean and staff were cleaning all the time but the whole eating area did not feel that comfortable. Only a few places to eat and really not that much choice. Food was ok but not the best . Toilets were clean. Not worth a stop unless you are desperate for the loo.

Called in early on a wet Saturday and no complaints.Used the facilities which were fine although you'd expect that first thing in the morning perhaps. No toilet attendants around as far as I could see.McDonalds Sausage and Egg McMuffin in pleasant surroundings; efficient and friendly service.

We popped in to use the loos and grab a quick snack on our journey home. We used the Macdonalds this was as pleasant and as clean as any other Mcdonnalds.

We used the Costa Coffee here for a break while on a coach tour. It was okay but nothing special. It was good that the server was willing to help bring our stuff to our table (my partner is blind and guiding her while carrying a tray can be challenging!)

Ordered what I read from the menu chilli as I’m none carbs dietary wise.Opened the take away box and found a small scoop of tasteless chilli and loads of chips. Didn’t say this on the menu!!.Would have taken back if it weren’t for the queues of people waiting to be served.Never again !!!!

This motorway cafe is kept beautifully. A big difficulty if you are less mobile, is that the toilets are a long way from the entrance.There are various eating outlets and WH Smith’s shop. There are ample tables and chairs to eat at.Recommend a stop here.

Popped in here for a break on the way north on a cold and miserable day. Unfortunately what should have been a relaxing stop from the busy motorway wasn’t possible because there seemed to be no heating inside the services and half the lights were out so the seating area was very gloomy. We bought sandwiches at the Fresh food cafe which were very dry, though the curried parsnip soup wasn’t bad. So not recommended if you have a choice.

Just called in these Services! Appalling! Bought two muesli topped yoghurts from the Fresh Food Cafe, after we ate them we noticed they were out of date! Told the guy but he wasn’t interested! The Costa Coffee pastries were stale too! Service so slow! Also cold in there and decor not good at all! We won’t be coming back! Avoid!

We stopped here yesterday, on our way home from gatwick.We had the porridge with blueberries & seeds, and it was wonderful.Creamy and tasty.They had other options too, but this is the one we both chose.Probably about the best thing we have ever eaten in a motorway services.well done to the staff.

Stopped here to use the toilets and grab a coffee. Facilities weren't that clean but I have seen worse, had a coffee from Costa's which was as to be expected and then on my way.

unlike the last two services I have visited I will say the staff here were polite and friendly. That is it - no more positives. Unpleasant surroundings and inflated prices on cheap tack. Toilets that smelt awful - and I mean really strong stale urine. Not pleasant and not a safe feel. Interesting to note that muffins etc in the coffee shop were left ready overnight for the next day - nothing like fresh.There is no real need for the entire place to be so bad and it is about time the public got a better experience for their money at these places.

Loads of building work going on, car park is messed and the 1960’s steel classed building doesn’t look very inviting. They need to throw some money at it to keep up with the others.

The general services are clean and fairly modern. We went for a !freshly cooked" brerakfast, where you order and get a buzzer for when your food is cooked. Great! However, the fried eggs were anything but fresh ... yolks broken and solid as if under a heat lamp??

Took a break whist travelling northbound to Alton Towers. It is not that big. Service station was clean. Toilet facilities was adequate. There was someone there to keep it clean but it was very cold in the toilets. Mainly because they left external door open possibly whist they were cleaning.Travelling up from London, we wanted a McDonalds breakfast because we know what to expect. The previous 2 service stations prior this did not have a McDonalds. The one after this also has a McDonalds.It's an ok service station with a WH Smiths. It was ok for a pit stop. Would return

One word, stunning. We visited the Northampton Services on our way to London. Upon arrival we quickly realised that we had struck gold and that this was unlike any other on Britain's extensive motorway network.The shop, nay superstore, is frankly incredible. An Aladdin's Cave of trinkets and treats. Whatever you need you'll be sure to find it at Northampton Services. From bottles of Shiraz, to emoji teddies and slap bands this place has it. There is a lovely wooded seating area outside where you can relax, soothed by the calming sounds of HGVs and children. Eventually we ended up selling our family home and buying a second hand winebego. Which we now permanently live in, on the site, making small wooden animals to pay for food and drinks.All in all, this place is superb and should be a bucket list venue for anyone in the UK.

Visited Costa Coffee at the Roadchef Northampton service station on the M1 at Junction 15A. By 11am all morning pastries had been sold. Pleasant coffee and snack and a small selection of newspapers available to borrow.Did not have to queue long and generally better that a lot of the other services on the M1.

I have never stopped in a Red Chef motorway service station before today and, I have to admit, I shall try not to do so again. It seemed the poor cousin to other service stations with more variety and options for eating. This was basically a food court with four options, and a small WHSmith attached, popular with family and children - they were running children's activities like baloon-making. We picked meals at the Fresh Food cafe and, after a search found a table that could seat four with an additional seat. The food was ok and the staff were pleasant enough, but the overall environment seemed outdated and not my idea of fun.We didn't need petrol, which was just as well as the price at the BP gas station was astronomical. Signage to escape from the car park onto the motorway was also pretty poor.

At Fresh food café I managed to get a full English breakfast before midday (breakfast advertised as stops at midday). The staff were friendly and passed me a buzzer for when it was ready. Quickly it was ready and cooked perfectly. I thought i'd add a review for their good work.

we were in a queue to get served when it was our turn the sales lady apologised for the wait as she was the only one there and only one chef, we ordered 5 breakfast are breakfast arrived but no hash browns we asked the lady she said are you sure I told her to come to the table and see for her self she said don't worry and gave some on a plate == guys get your act togeather

Stopped for a 40 minute break during a coach trip, nice clean facilities, standard overpriced sandwiches, drink and crisps, McDonalds on site. Warning if you overstay, There are fines to pay

Returning from holiday when we stopped at Northampton Services for break.Had a coffee and panini in the Costa outlet, service was quick and efficient.Used the toilets within the service area and found them not very clean and several of the cubicles were in need of attention, with damaged doors and missing locks.On experience of this service area I will not be stopping again.

Needed a early morning pit stop whilst travelling North, plenty of parking with a small choice of food outlets which were clean and tidy.

The toilets are clean, however they can get busy. We went to the Costa where I had Green tea. It tasted fine but it was dear! Also the staff were friendly. Overall, it's average

At least there are relatively calm areas within this bustling services on the dear old M1 motorway.Most of the time people merely mill about looking vacant, but you can get a fuel refill in terms of junk food and drink, and - more importantly - syphon away the previous service break's intake.Prices are highish, but nothing quite readies you for the petrol prices, which seem to add 15p or more per litre to normal prices.Plan your trip so you put petrol in the tank anywhere but here.

This Roadchef has all the off motorway services you would expect plus a Mcdonalds;W.H Smiths,Cafe plus self-service Costa Coffee.You can get a concession if staying at the nearby Day's Inn. good selection of sarnies plus a clean place to eat any take-away food..

I stopped at the southbound services today and was disgusted to see a member of staff being spoken to like crap from a clearly higher up manager. She was raising her voice and said in clear hearing of the customers that was around that she doesn't know what his problem is but he needs to speed up, he seemed rushed off his feet and the services were very busy, the weather was quite hot and his uniform is all black , not sure on how long he had been on shift but this was about 2.50ish pm but even if he was going a little slower under the circumstances then surely she should of taken him aside instead of being humiliated in front of everyone. The services on a whole are very good although the bins were quite full but given the location and the facilities then im sure this happens from time to time and this guy im taking about was already in the process of emptying the bins but clearly wasn't going quick enough for this woman.

There’s a Costa Coffee, Mc Donald’s, Fresh food cafe, WH Smith and a Spar super market here. Typical motorway services place. Toilet’s were nice and clean, plenty of free parking. Good experience overall

We used the McDonalds at this service station and we were quite impressed. It was very quiet when we visited. The tables were clean The young man (Sam) who took our order was really friendly and not robotic like most McDonalds staff. He made us feel very welcome.

not very good service station.no place to eat other than MacDonald.the tables need cleaning.no staff about.seats ripped.not very good services .clean up

After a less than fortunate experience down the road in Daventry- we stopped in to the services for some food. The woman who took our order in fresh was absolutely lovely. Had to mention this! Clean and friendly staff

Not a bad place to stop, though could have been a bit warmer - and the food was pretty good at the Fresh Food Cafe.

I've been stopping at both the Northbound and Southbound regularly for over a decade, and like many people have a love hate relationship with motorway services. They should be such a joy, bringing rest and refreshment on long journeys, but so often leave you dashing back to the car for the comfort of peace and your own surroundings to nurse your empty wallet. The familiar brands (like Costa and McDonalds) often fall short of the High Street standards due to staff turnover and the perception that customers are on one-off visits and will not notice/complain about sub-standard service/products.So why both write a review? Well over the last few months, Watford Gap has not incurred my wrath, and has actually been consistently delivering a pleasurable stop, clean surroundings, welcoming staff and good Costa coffee. Over and above all that, I stupidly dropped my phone there a couple of weeks ago. When I realised and was able to phone a couple of days later, I was immediately told that they had it safe in lost property and asked me to get in touch to arrange to collect it. In fact, they let me post a reply paid package to post back to me - the management there were great ... Royal Mail, not so great or speedy.BUT my faith in motorway service chains has improved (though big brands will never match the experience of the independent, locally source competition).

27th Oct 17Coach stopped here for a quick comfort stop. The very helpful girl on the Costa stand took my travel cup rinsed it round for me before filling it up with coffee. Also you get 25p off for using their travel cup! She apologised for the delay but in fairness was only waiting about 2 minutes. Counter was very clean and display was inviting

Very busy when I called, confusing car park. Toilets very busy but clean although most hand dryers appeared out of order. Sandwich OK and the cold drink was fine. A bit shambolic to be honest. Why do the French, Germans, Belgians and Dutch have Far, Far better service stations???????????????????

These Services are pretty good in the Cosmic all of things. The toilets are well looked after, the retail outlets are diverse and even the drive through Costa was open. Iz and I had a McD and it jolly good it was too.

These services are so large and impersonal that it is so good to see a 'Costa' , you know you will always get a good coffee and good eats. We noticed however that the quantity of shortbreads has been reduced to 7.An indirect price increase. Coffee still consistently good.

I have just had arguably the best bacon sandwich ever purchased in a good outlet.The fresh food cafe at Northampton services are serving quality bacon its perfectly cooked crispy but not overcooked.I asked for it on brown bread and the helpful staff did not make a fuss,You would not believe how many rolled eyes and rude responses I have had to this question. Well done and the typhoon tea was excellent also.

For many years I have wondered why motorway service stations do not have drive throughs - it just seems the logical place to have them.Imagine my joy when I find a drive through at these services.What would have been excellent turned rapidly average... the drive through was closed.

I'd like to make an official complaint I'm on a restricted diet for health reasons and the only things I could eat on the menu at the fresh food shop were porridge and jacket potato with butter. (No other stores at the services had anything that wouldn't make me ill). I explained my situation to the staff at the fresh food shop and asked for porridge to which they replied "we don't serve it at this time". I'd like to add that it doesn't specify a cut off time on the menu anywhere. I then asked for a jacket potato with butter and the staff refused and insisted that I have a topping (none of which I can eat). After a bit of a discussion I was left in tears accepting that after half of a very long journey that I would just have to be hungry which is absolutely not good for my health. Nobody at this shop would help me!I have never experienced such bad customer service and the 2 members of staff had an extremely poor, unfriendly, and rude manner about them with no willingness to help me in any way what so ever

Stopped here on my way to a business course. It wasn't open the last time I had come this way, so it was nice to be able to stop and give it a go. The facilities were clean and well looked after, and the staff polite and helpful. Drinks were freshly made and service was quick. Always nice when customer service and food prep good in a fast food restaurant.

There are very few good service stops in Britain. This is about average. A couple of franchises selling overpriced snacks inside an ugly building. Clean lavatories are a bonus. The next stop north is even worse.

A 'normal' pit stop on the way to relatives. Loos were clean and shop not overly priced, for a change!

stopped here twice now has im a trucker food from the fresh bar is not worth eating i had burnt fish and lack of food for money dont bother eating ere

I came back with my family from the holiday where we took the break during the way . I get freshly food in Ma Donald chicken wrap and large fries my wife who liked coffee get very tasty vanilla latte which she drinks in Costa Coffee Always you can take the shower there too Good place for the take the breath during the way.

Came here on a Monday afternoon so it wasn't super-busy.The toilets well clean and well maintained.They have a good selection of food chains and shops.We popped in to Costa to order a green tea (£2.39), which is obviously expensive, but you never expect a good deal in a service station...

Travelling to Northampton with time to spare, my son & I stopped off for breakfast at the Roadchef Northampton Services as we pulled off the M1.The services are clean & tidy with easy access to M1 / A43.Mcdonalds, Costa Coffee, Café & WHSmiths - everything you'd expect and need.

Stopped here while travelling back home. This services are very clean and tidy and have plenty of places for you to eat at. I enjoyed my time we spent here and would stop here again if we were passing.

Stopped here many times and the Fresh Food cafe never fails. The staff are first class and the food is extremely good - cooked to order. Would recommend.The toilets in the service area are well looked after and the Spar shop (new) is well stocked.

well pleased in need of a bit to eat stopped on the way north and had a hour to kill place is always clean stopped here once before as ever clean and tidy toilets nice food area and a big surprise a little spar shop so pork pies sausage rolls and scotch eggs bread and ham for butties when we get home under a £10:00 very good prices also dos alcohol very good prices for a service stop over we were on a coach from Italy so alcohol ok

We use this service area quite frequently, and our last visit was perfectly satisfactory. The food is pretty standard motorway fayre but there are occasions when needs must whilst on a long journey so this is a convenient pit stop.

So who gives motorway services five stars? Well the Roadchef at Northampton Services was spotless with two people allocated just to keeping tables clean and clear. I visited at about 1pm on a Monday, when there was lots of coach interchange traffic around but the Roadchef was taking it in its stride. I went to the Fresh Food cafe and opted for the crayfish tail salad, not very confidently, but my salad was made to order in under 5 mins. The generous portion of crayfish was juicy, and the salad included four types of leaves, shredded carrot, cherry tomatoes and two different types of dressing. For absolute perfection I could have wishes for cucumber and onion, but for £7.99 I though that was good value, and a big mug of tea was £2.40. I'm sure this service used to be called something else and was horrible, but now new standards have been set. A jacket potatoes £6.99, or maybe macaroni cheese is calling me on the way home,

I had burger, fries and onion rings at the Fresh Food Café. It is more expensive than the McDonalds next door, but to be fair, it was a very tasty burger, and in my opinion worth the little extra that it cost. Would recommend.

I avoid motorway service stations like the plague, you know the drill, overpriced mediocre food in lacklustre surroundings. But occasionally needs must. Now, while clean, the surroundings were still some way short of anything special. However the real surprise was the really rather good chicken curry, rice, and naan bread from the Fresh Food cafe. The curry had a good flavour, the rice was light and fluffy, the naan tasted good albeit not as light as a naan from a Birmingham Balti house.At £15 for two it was good value but, in our case, their meal deal meant our children ate for free, whatever that means. I thought I must be on the road to Damascus!