Thornton Heath is London’s best station and could become UK’s too

Thornton Heath station was one of four London stations, alongside Richmond, West Hampstead Thameslink and West Hampstead Thameslink, in the running to be named the best regional station for London in the World Cup of Stations award for 2024.

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

The World Cup of Stations awards celebrates the importance of the railway network and its role in supporting local businesses, communities and the economy. (Image: Govia Thameslink) This year’s focus is on the businesses that make stations vital community hubs and drive local economies, with 48 in the running.

Now that number has lessened as the winning stations from each of the 12 regions battle it out to be named as the UK’s best.

Tracy Scott and Tweng Tweng of KCK Jamaican Takeaway of Thornton Heath are set to go head to head with 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 in East Sussex, with voters asked to vote for their winner on October 17.

Tracy Scott and Tweng Tweng of KCK Jamaican Takeaway of Thornton Heath are set to go head to head King’s Lynn, Lewes and Axminster in the semi-final. (Image: Govia Thameslink) 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 stations will also go up against Axminster managed by South Western Railway, with the winner to go up against two other semi-finalists on October 18, before the national champion is announced on October 22.

Jacqueline Starr, Chief Executive Officer of Rail Delivery Group, said: “Local businesses in stations up and down the country are proving to be at the very heart of the communities they serve, and we want to shine a light on the very best stations in England, Scotland and Wales.

“All of the stations nominated are making a positive impact on their local community, and the variety of businesses at stations is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the staff, as well as the importance placed on supporting local businesses.”