The Ideal London Railway Station We Designed: A Vision Far from Euston

Euston Station tends to attract strong opinions, especially during the party conference season when journalists head out on packed trains to places like Manchester, Birmingham, or Liverpool. Despite a recent renovation, the station still carries the infamous reputation of being one of London’s least loved. It’s often compared to something out of Squid Game with an added Boots store, and even after its multimillion-pound facelift, Euston remains a chaotic mess for commuters. The enormous advertising screens flash slogans so intensely that they seem to burn into your vision, while the crowds, described by the Office of Rail and Road as "unacceptable" last year, still make waiting and rushing for trains a stressful experience.

Outside, the scene is just as uninspiring. Gone are the days of Euston's grand Victorian arch, now replaced by uninspired modern blocks. Yet instead of dwelling on the negatives, perhaps it’s time to rethink what a perfect London station could be. Taking the best elements from each of the city’s iconic rail hubs—yes, even Euston—we’ve imagined an ideal terminus. Think of it as a commuter’s paradise, complete with a luxurious hotel, panoramic views of the Thames, and a quirky mascot to welcome travelers. Enter our fantasy station, “St Paddfriars Bridge,” the best of London’s railways, reimagined.

Our ideal railway station would borrow the best elements from London's iconic stations, starting with the charm and elegance of St Pancras International. Fully restored in 2007, St Pancras is much more than a mere transit hub—it’s a destination in itself. From Europe’s longest champagne bar at Searcys to the vintage allure of the Booking Office bar, the station exudes old-world European glamour. Its crowning jewel is the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel, home to the renowned Midland Grand Dining Room, a dining space once labeled as the "new Chiltern Firehouse." With its luxury and top-tier service, this hotel sets a high standard, earning a 9/10 rating from expert reviewers. Naturally, we’d want all these elements in our perfect station.

For a touch of whimsy, we’d look to Paddington Station, home to the beloved Paddington Bear. Paddington has become an icon, with his bronze statue, gift shop, and commemorative bench attracting visitors from all over. While we wouldn’t take Paddington himself, we love the idea of an endearing mascot—perhaps we could find another charming, exotic, talking animal to give our station a little magic.

In short, our dream station combines the elegance of St Pancras and the heartwarming charm of Paddington, creating a place where travelers feel both pampered and delighted.

No other London station quite matches the cultural and historical richness that surrounds Charing Cross. Step outside, and you’re immediately in Trafalgar Square, a stone’s throw from world-class museums and iconic landmarks like Buckingham Palace, Parliament, and the Thames. Covent Garden, Piccadilly, and countless other attractions are all within walking distance. If we were to design our perfect railway station, we’d place it in a similarly central location, ensuring that passengers are immersed in the heart of London from the moment they arrive.

For atmosphere, we’d channel the unique charm of Marylebone. Sir John Betjeman once likened it to a "public library from Nottingham that has unexpectedly found itself in London," and we love that serene, almost quaint feel. With around 17 million annual passengers, Marylebone is far quieter than the likes of Vauxhall or Liverpool Street, and its frequent brass bands only add to its allure. We’d happily embrace this quieter, more community-oriented vibe at our dream station.

Of course, our station would also borrow from the cosmopolitan energy of Liverpool Street. Serving as a gateway to both the City’s financial district and the creative buzz of Shoreditch and Hackney, it strikes a balance between suits and briefcases on one side, and the hipster culture of East London on the other. While Victoria may cater to lost tourists with broken suitcases, we’d prefer the lively, business-oriented crowd of Liverpool Street, injecting some of that dynamic hustle into our ideal station.

One feature we'd like to borrow from Victoria Station is its nostalgic charm, reminding us of the golden age of rail travel. Once the starting point for journeys to the coast aboard the Brighton Belle, or connecting travelers to France and Belgium via the "Boat Train," Victoria still holds traces of that rich history. Even today, steam trains occasionally pull into the station, a delightful nod to days gone by. From the station’s architecture, you can still clearly see its origins as two separate terminals serving Brighton and Chatham. Across the road, the 1909 shopping arcade has recently been restored to its former glory, after a £1.5 million facelift. And while we're at it, Victoria’s two Marks & Spencer supermarkets are coming with us to our dream station, providing all the essentials.

As for breathtaking views, nothing quite compares to what Blackfriars offers. Since its 2011 reopening, the platforms at Blackfriars stretch across the Thames, giving passengers a stunning panorama of London’s skyline. From one side, you can see Tower Bridge, St. Paul’s, and the skyscrapers of the City, while the other side treats you to Parliament, Somerset House, and the Southbank Centre. Blackfriars’ dual access, from both the north and south sides of the river, adds an extra level of sophistication—something we’d like to replicate in our dream station.

We were tempted to place the Shard right next to our station, but instead, we’ll draw inspiration from Blackfriars’ beautifully designed shopping complex. Following its 2018 renovation, the station boasts a blend of high-end and quirky shops, including Whittard for top-quality tea, Hamleys, Ted Baker, Reiss, and Oliver Bonas. Not to mention the shuffleboard bar, Electric Shuffle—because who wouldn't want a bit of fun at a station? All of these elements will contribute to making our dream station not just a transport hub, but a true destination in its own right.