South London railway station in the running for best in the UK

A South London railway station is in the running to be crowned the best station in the UK.

Thornton Heath station, in Brigstock Road, was named London’s best station this week, making its way through to the semi-final of the national World Cup of Stations 2024, taking place tomorrow.

The World Cup of Stations awards, hosted by the Rail Delivery Group, celebrates the importance of the railway network and its role in supporting small businesses, communities and the economy.

This year, 48 stations across the UK are competing for the title of ‘Station with the Best Local Businesses’, which will be selected following a series of public votes.

Thornton Health was up against Bowes Park, Richmond and West Hampstead Thameslink in the London heat on Monday, coming out on top, with 37.21 per cent of the vote. 

The station has now secured its place in the semi-final, where Tracy Scott and Tweng Tweng of KCK Jamaican Takeaway of Thornton Heath will challenge Alan Gajdzik and his Country Line Buffet Bar at King’s Lynn in Norfolk, and Jaqueline Elsey and Pawel Szala of Runaway Café at Lewes, East Sussex.

The winner will then be pitted against the victors of two other semi-finals on Friday, with the overall champion announced on Monday.

Thornton Heath station is served by Southern, and operates trains to central London hubs Victoria and London Bridge. 

Jenny Saunders, customer services director at Govia Thameslink Railway, said: “I’m delighted that three of our station businesses each won their initial heat and have made it through to the semis.

“It just shows how brilliant they are and how much they are valued by their communities.”

The contest is under way after a new report from WPI Economics found that, on average, train passengers in the UK spend £32 in towns and cities from which they depart and £7 per journey on independent businesses inside stations. 

Martin McTague, national chair at the Federation of Small Businesses, said: “Not only do railway stations house an array of businesses, they are vital for providing visitors with easy access to high streets, upping footfall and fostering trade. 

“This competition is a great way to shine a light on the excellent and varied small firms based in and around stations across the UK.”

You can vote in all future rounds, and see all competitors, on the Rail Delivery Group website here.

Pictured top: KCK Jamaican Takeaway staff at Thornton Heath station (Picture: GTR)