WHSmith store at Sedgemoor North, situated opposite the entrance at the centre of the amenity building, with the food court to the left and toilets/BK to the right. WHSmith opened in 2008, replacing an own-brand convenience store. WHSmith remains open 24 hrs and although, on the face of it, it’s a basic brand, it’s very important at Sedgemoor North as it’s one of 2 units which remain open overnight and it’s the only shop here (no Waitrose). The latter works in WHSmiths favour here as there’s no competition, like at WB sites which have Waitrose stores. In front of WHSmith are some original 1987 brown floor tiles, which were traditional of this batch of Trusthouse Forte. I like these floor tiles and they make the site feel very retro indeed. WHSmith spills out to the “lobby” area and is a fairly small shop, selling travel basics and snacks. This store houses a StarbucksOnTheGo stand in addition to a Krispy Kreme cabinet. WHSmith are also the key holders for the Disabled toilet here. WHSmith was practically empty during my visit, as was the rest of the site, which is rare for the M5 during the summer holidays. WHSmith is signposted from the M5 Northbound and is included on the Welcome Break totem pole for the site, but isn’t advertised at all otherwise.

Photo taken on 24/07/2023 by Tom Moon.

Assigned to galleries: Sedgemoor (North), WHSmith, M5, Welcome Break