This February sees the Orwell Crossing, a family run Ipswich based business, celebrate seven successful years of trading after establishing an outstanding reputation for its exceptional service, locally sourced food and unbeatable prices.

The Rout family opened the Orwell Crossing in 2004 to offer lorry drivers a warm and welcoming rest stop with home from home facilities with quality and choice of food. Little did they know that within their first seven years of trading they would attract a customer base that was bigger than most independent businesses could ever dream of.

While the Orwell Crossing is still a safe haven for lorry drivers with 190 parking spaces overlooked by CCTV, its 24-hour opening, first class washroom facilities and numerous forms of entertainment, its local customers make up the majority of the venue's clientele.

Dickie's Restaurant at the Orwell Crossing, which has been nationally recognised as serving the 'Best Breakfast' by readers of Truck and Driver Magazine, has built an excellent reputation on its exceptional food, including the daily carvery at just £6.50 and extensive menu of traditional favourites, most of which are available for under £7.

Many of the freshly prepared meals include home-grown vegetables from the Rout's family farm and meat from locally based butchers - a welcomed dining experience by locals, tourists and business users, not to mention lorry drivers who are all too often faced with the unhealthy offerings of a greasy spoon.

Co-owner Karl Rout said "We're very lucky with the staff we've got which is why we strive to given them every opportunity to develop within our company. Our trainee chef makes the most delicious Belgian chocolate cheesecake!"

The Rout family are delighted to celebrate seven rewarding years on Friday, 4 February when country singer Nicky James will be performing at Olive's Bar from 8.30 pm. "This year the anniversary of our business falls on a Friday which is the day of our popular country music entertainment - an event which has become a huge part of the Orwell Crossing's success." said John Rout who works alongside his brother Karl in the family business.

Since opening the live music entertainment at the Orwell Crossing has extended to Thursday, Friday and Saturdays nights as well as Sunday afternoons due to popular demand. Visit the website to view the venue's varied programme which includes pop, rock, country and live acoustic - admissiom is absolutely FREE!