Located just off the A74 (M) between J11 and J12, the services are owned by Westmorland which runs Tebay on the M6, Rheged and Gloucester on the M5.

Westmorland offered the first family run motorway services on the UK roads and have no franchises or fast food on their forecourts.

Their services’ story began in 1972 when John & Barbara Dunning, Cumbrian hill farmers, set up Tebay Services when the M6 cut though their farm. They opened a small 30 seat café serving home cooked, locally sourced food.

Gloucester Services on the M5 in 2015 was thereafter named Best British Newcomer at the Observer Food Monthly Awards and opened by HRH Prince of Wales.

Cairn Lodge Services is now to follow suit with an extensive refurbishment to include, but not limited to; the renewal of windows and doors, redecoration throughout and a brand new main kitchen and seating area.

During the works, the recently completed Farmshop, new foyer and change place facilities will remain open, with a provision of Hot Food and with the Farmshop fully operational.

Ian McEwan, akp joint managing director, said: “With our origins also as a family run business, akp began trading 28 years ago and strive to offer our clients the same approach today that we did then; delivering a personal service, taking pride in each and every project and offering something different - a more modern approach. So, working with the Westmorland Family and its wider Board felt like a natural partnership, with their forward-thinking approach and vision.”

Stephen Rudd, director of structural & civil engineers, Will Rudd Davidson, said: “We were delighted to be involved in the refurbishment development of Cairn Lodge Service Station, working closely with Unum Architects, Allan & Hanel and akp to successfully deliver the project. It’s a great team collaboration and enjoyable to be a part of.”

Graeme Davidson, director of Allan & Hanel, added: “We are delighted to be continuing our relationship with Westmorland and the design team, By-Jane, Unum Architects, Will Rudd Davidson and Kerr Associates, on the refurbishment and modernisation of the Cairn Lodge Services. We have also worked successfully with AKP on other refurbishment works and feel that they will be a great fit for this project.”

Works are due to commence mid-September and will complete late November.