Val Shawcross at official opening of Blackfriars Station shops

Val Shawcross, London Assembly member for Lambeth and Southwark and chair of City Hall's transport committee, visited the station last week for an event to mark the official launch of the new shops.

The new Bankside entrance to the rail station opened in December 2011 but it took three years for the first business to set up shop.

Coffee shop Bon Voyage opened last December, and more recently Borough Market-based florist Chez Michelle has opened a branch at the station selling flowers each weekday afternoon.

The third and final shop will open soon but the tenant has not yet been named.

"Blackfriars has become a destination station for regular commuters and leisure travellers alike, both for its panoramic views of London and easy connection to the city," said Charles Horton, chief executive of Govia Thameslink Railway.

"The quality products and services that are on offer to our Thameslink passengers really complement the smart surroundings.

"Using independent companies ensures that our passengers enjoy a variety of products that they may not otherwise receive, such as homemade jams from Borough Market or fresh flowers from the famous New Covent Garden Market."

Val Shawcross added: "The new Blackfriars Station is a beautiful and stylish addition to London's transport network and has brought big benefits and better access to all the South Bank has to offer.

"I hope the new businesses will have a happy and successful time in their new home south of the river."