Get you up to speed: London’s quirkiest office becomes unlikely tourist attraction | News UK
A small office located on Blackfriars Bridge in London has become a tourist attraction due to its unique position and views of the River Thames. The office, known as the Riverside Room, is used by rail staff and has drawn attention from both commuters and tourists.
Access to the Riverside Room is highly sought after, with station staff required to book the space in advance due to competition for its use. Blackfriars Station caters to hundreds of thousands of passengers weekly, highlighting the strategic importance of the office’s location.
The office on Blackfriars Bridge has attracted attention from both tourists and local commuters, with visitors expressing admiration for its unconventional design and panoramic views. Staff have reported high demand for the space, with bookings described as a “hot ticket,” indicating that the novelty may lead to further restrictions on access to manage usage.
What remains unclear — It is not specified how long the Riverside Room has been in use or if there are plans for its future.
Quirky office on Blackfriars Bridge becomes unexpected tourist attraction
A quirky office built on a London bridge with a commanding view of the River Thames has become an unlikely tourist attraction.
The office is located on Blackfriars Bridge and is used by rail staff, with public transport from Blackfriars Station literally on its doorstep.
It is kitted out with a TV monitor and heating to protect workers against the gales blowing off the water.
The modern glass-fronted office sits on the traditional metal framework of the bridge, and spotting it is tricky if you don’t know where to look.
But the small rectangular building has become a social media sensation, with many dubbing it ‘the best office in London.’
WTX took a look at the office, aptly named the Riverside Room. Eagle-eyed onlookers can spot a TV, tables and an air conditioning unit in the space perched above the Thames.
Station staff must book the office before using it, and access to the room is described as a ‘hot ticket’.
A member of station staff told us: ‘The office is just great; it has amazing views.
‘We book it for meetings, but there is a lot of competition for it. The views are amazing, and it’s away from the hustle and bustle of the station.’
He joked: ‘There are big squabbles over who gets the room. Everybody wants to be in there. It’s very special.’
But station staff are not the only ones with eyes on the exclusive office.
Tourists and commuters have noticed the space, which can be seen high up above the station entrance sitting incongruously on the bridge.
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German tourist Michael Fuchs, 21, said: ‘I’m an architecture student and have been taking pictures of London bridges.
‘I saw a post on social media about this office, so came to have a look. It’s weird; it doesn’t look in keeping with the existing bridge, but it’s cool. I’m telling all my friends about it in Germany.’
Another tourist, who did not want to be named, said: ‘I did not see the office at first, but it’s very cool how it is built on the roof of the station.’
Meanwhile, Marsha Reynolds, a property worker whose office is near Blackfriars Station, said: ‘I can’t lie, I am jealous of that office. It’s got an amazing view and looks very cosy.
‘Not bad for commuting either, with it being in the station. The view from my office is a car park, so yes, I would gladly swap.’
Blackfriars Station serves hundreds of thousands of passengers each week, and nearby office space is among the most expensive in the capital.
The area is also served by Blackfriars Pier, where tourist and commuter vessels dock.
Another station staff member summed up the ‘gem’ of an office.
‘It’s just a wonderful space,’ they told WTX.
‘I don’t think there’s anywhere like it. When you are in there, you can look over London with a cup of tea, nice and snug.
‘It’s like having VIP seats. I’d live in there if I could! There’s no doubt it’s the best office in London.’