Home to The Shard, The Place and More London, London Bridge has seen extensive improvements in recent years, transforming it into a 21st century business district.
The specific area of London Bridge is occupied by a large range of companies however the wider Southwark area is especially popular amongst media organisations and generally creative businesses. The region has seen many large, modern buildings erected within recent years attracting a wide variety of businesses looking for contemporary, comfortable serviced office space in which to work. Interior design within London Bridge office space is generally simple yet chic. They include minimal but effective amounts of decorative features and usually stylish and attractive furniture completes the fashionable look. The area is very aesthetic, close to the iconic River Thames and the architecture has been developed to fit in with this attractive area. Avoiding the extremely laid back style associated with quirky areas such as Shoreditch, London Bridge is a professional yet fashionable location in which to rent office space.
Schae Kinson
Expert Opinion
Recent redevelopment has bought young creative companies to this area, generating an on trend place to work. Famous office buildings including the Shard and More London are included in the architecture of London Bridge which provides great views from the desk.
London Bridge Developments and History
Possibly the most famous part of this area of the city is that of the captivating Shard. The building, which was only completed in 2013, sits at 800 ft. tall and is the largest in Western Europe offering spellbinding views for over 40 miles from its magnificent viewing platform. The structure is a multi-complex which was built with visions of a ‘vertical city’ in mind from architect Renzo Piano and comprises of extremely high spec office space, award winning restaurants, a 5 star hotel – Shangri-La and exclusive residences. Sitting twice as tall as any other building in the city’s skyline there is no other place in which the entire city can all be seen at once.
Before the London Bridge was built, the only way to cross the Thames from the north bank to Southwark was by ferry or a few very unstable wooden bridges. As numerous wooden structures were destroyed by fire over many many years, Henry II decided that a strong and sturdy stone crossing was long overdue. The construction took 33 years to complete and has withstood the test of time. When the original bridge was complete it stood 275m long and 20 Gothic archways lined the route along it. There was a chapel, a collection of shops, impressive houses which stood seven stories high, elaborate gates, a drawbridge, waterwheels and a mill; for us to view today this would be a magnificently bizarre sight.
Local Insight & Information
Being the oldest bridge in London and having become a tourist attraction within itself, the area is now filled with many fascinating and iconic destinations as well as there being a wide choice in leisure and business facilities throughout the area. Being across the river the surrounding scenery is beautiful and the whole area is very vibrant and aesthetic with architecture from the very old to the very new, both are utterly mesmerising. The bridge is now more than 600 years old and apart from a slight bit of repairing and remodelling is still in its current form to this day.
The area of London Bridge is home to the UK’s oldest food market; being so close to the River Thames and the waterways transport system made this the ideal location to sell produce bought straight off the boat. Borough Market today consists of more than 100 stalls and stands selling goods from all over the country including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, cheeses, breads, coffees, cakes and patisseries all of which are sold fresh each day of the week. Some stalls within this market even sell rare produce which has been imported from overseas making this market definitely worth a visit for that unique ingredient.
Or, for an alternative unique shopping destination why not visit Hay’s Galleria. Built in the 1850s and again being conveniently close to the Thames, this site was originally used as a delivery docking site where ships from around the world would offload goods giving it the name the ‘Larder of London’. The market today is filled with traditional craft stalls and the walkways are creatively decorated to reflect its nature. Anything from jewellery to paintings, ceramics to designer children’s wear can be found amongst the stalls and permanent shops which are open daily. The focal point of this market however is that of the 60 ft. kinetic sculpture designed by David Kemp which is assembled from moving parts, water jets and fountains.
More on Location
Walking around this London Bridge area, wandering down the quieter streets and alleys, is the best way to stumble upon the rare eateries of the area. Champor-Champor is one such restaurant which is not overrun by tourists however, now being located close to the Shard it is not too difficult to find. The name of the place translates to mean ‘mix and match’ which perfectly reflects this imaginative location both in its décor and its dishes. Each wall is painted in brilliant colours and adorned in eye-catching masks, carved teak and the addition of candles and acres of Thai silk creates a romantic atmosphere within. Dishes fuse together the tastes from the East and West of Asia but the music which plays in the background as well as the beautiful art which fills the room is from all over the world. The place is both cosy and trendy and is ideal for couples or small groups.
Key Transport Links
If you fancy a little post work relaxation and a tour around this area of the city, there is no better way to travel than that of the Thames Clipper. Available from the pier of London Bridge this comfortable and unique source of transport departs every 20 minutes so queues are usually fairly short and the boat provides an alternative way to cross the river for morning commuters.
Being guaranteed a seat from comfortable leather chairs in the centre to slouchy couches near the windows or even a breezy seat out on deck, this is a relaxed and impressive way to see the city. The boats even have climate control so tours are equally as pleasant whether in summer or winter. The company have grown since they began with a single boat in 1999 to today carrying more than 3.8 million passengers a year on over 15 catamarans.
Other transport around this area of the city is equally as convenient and frequent with London Bridge Station offering links to the Jubilee and Northern lines as well as connections to Southeastern, Southern, Thameslink and bus services. Monument tube is also in the close vicinity and offers links to the Circle and District lines. DLR also runs in this area with Tower Gateway only an 11 minute walk from the bridge.
Looking for a no obligation quote?
Simply fill in the details below and we will get back to you in next to no time.
Looking for a no obligation quote?
Simply fill in the details below and we will get back to you in next to no time.
