London’s quirkiest office becomes unlikely 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.’

Metro 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.

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 Metro.

‘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.’