Britain's newest tourist attraction... a truck stop on the M1! Visitors flock ... trends now

A service station along the M1 has transformed from pit stop to premier destination after being named the best in Europe - with visitors flocking to its renowned pub, restaurant and gift shop.

The Red Lion Truck Stop in Northampton has become an unlikely tourist attraction, drawing in visitors from far and wide to sample its cheap beers and famous curries, burgers and Sunday roasts.

Already a mecca for lorry drivers, with a whopping 40 percent of truckers voting the pit stop the best in Europe, it's now become a hit with ordinary families and peckish punters looking for top nosh that's also light on the wallet.

During the weekdays, the establishment is even frequented by office workers or businessmen, armed with laptops, who pop in for a coffee.

The truck stop has also pinned itself on the map for nightlife with revellers hitting up the coveted spot on the weekend, lured in by £3 pints. 

Drawn in by the 'good quality food at affordable prices,' many are even choosing to have all three of their square meals at the unique facility, while families regularly visit during the weekends for a Sunday roast.

Claire Rawlinson, 50, of Kettering, Northamtonshire, who works in Tesco, said: 'I go there with my partner around twice a month.

'We just think it's nice to support local business and we know it's good quality food at affordable prices.

'We'll go for lunch or dinner and we have breakfast there too sometimes.

'We don't have any children but at the weekends you do get families with kids and all the locals in there - its a popular place.

'It's not just lorry drivers who go there and my partner loves it too for the curries as you get a good portion size there.

'It's always a pleasant place to eat and has a great atmosphere.'

John Peters, 41, and Lauren Downey,31, a carer, from Wickford, Essex, stopped by The Red Lion on their way home from Alton Towers yesterday.

Coach driver John said: 'I knew of this place through my job and knew it was better than any services on the way home.

'It doesn't sell junk food and it's really affordable with generous portion sizes. We had a burger and chicken.

'It really is a great spot right by the motorway, so you can just jump on and off the M1. I knew it would be perfect for lunch and a little break.

'It's a lot cheaper than a services too. I'm not surprised it attracts and appeals to everybody - not just truck drivers.'

What sets the Red Lion Truck Stop apart from its counterparts is its unparalleled array of services and attractions.

Its vast amenities include laundrette facilities and showers, allowing drivers to freshen up and rejuvenate after long journeys, ensuring they hit the road feeling recharged and ready for the miles ahead.

A shop can also be found, stocked full of all the essentials, including hi-vis jackets phone chargers and tools to make sure visitors hitting the road aren't caught short of anything, ahead of their long journeys. 

Lorry driver Mark Cox, 42, from Doncaster, South York, said he would even divert from his route to go for food at the Red Lion truck stop.

He said: 'I've driven 20 odd miles out of my way to come here for a breakfast today.

'I'd say the best thing about it is the food - I have something different every time and it's just great quality.

'I've had steak pie, the pizzas are also lovely, I've had the 'Big Bellybuster Breakfast' today, which I shouldn't have done really as I'm on a diet.

'I've been to a lot of truck stops in England and I can 100% say this is the best one - there's nothing else like this place in the country.'

Conrad Thorp, 62, of Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire, added: 'I've been using this site for years when it started out as a pub.