As many of you will know, Battersea Power Station has recently undergone the make-over to end all makeovers. Having once supplied electricity to the likes of Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament, the disused Power Station has now transformed into one of London’s hottest shopping, dining and leisure destinations.
The Grade II* listed building has had many of its old features restored, preserving tasteful echoes of the station’s architecture and history. And from October 14, it will be opening its doors to the public for the very first time.
But what would a day out at Battersea Power Station look like? We hear you ask. Keep reading to find out…
Shop ‘til you drop in the 20th century Turbines
From outside, the building’s historic turbine halls appear very much unchanged. But enter and you’ll find retail heaven. While Turbine Hall A’s interiors reflect 1930’s Art Deco glamour, Turbine Hall B has a more industrial 1950’s feel – but both are equal in their fantastic shopping opportunities. Browse the latest trends in the likes of Calvin Klein, The Kooples, Mango and Uniqlo or indulge in some glossy new products at Space NK, Le Labo and Kiehl’s. You can also bury your head in a book at Battersea Bookshop or start your Christmas shopping at Curated Makers where over 40 local and independent small businesses have been curated into a craft lover’s dream. In addition to the Power Station, a new pedestrianised high street, Electric Boulevard, will also open between the south entrance and new Zone 1 Underground station. Here you will find Zara, specialist opticians David Clulow and Korean food and culture hub, Oseyo. Find the full list of shops here.
Tuck into delicious food offerings
Feeling peckish? Battersea Power Station is also home to a wealth of irresistible eateries to keep you well-fuelled while you wander. There is a mouthwatering meal to be found for every occasion, many offering beautiful riverside views. Outside the Power Station, eat your way around the world from the Mediterranean at Megan’s at the Power Station, delicious Japanese fare at Tonkotsu and fresh British seafood at Wright Brothers. If you’re in the mood for a tipple, visit the local Battersea brewery and urban winery Vagabonds. Venture into the Power Station and you will find newly opened gourmet kebabs at Le Bab, an all day vegan menu at Clean Kitchen Club or simply to-die-for pancakes at Where The Pancakes Are. Browse the full list of eateries here.
Admire London from 109 metres high
A visit to Lift 109 begins in the Power Station’s magnificent Art Deco Turbine Hall A. Through a carefully curated ensemble of original records and multi-media displays, visitors will delve into the building’s rich history, architectural significance and lasting presence in popular culture. State of the art features include a giant interactive multiplayer touchscreen where guests can collectively ‘generate’ energy – watch the lighting installation above whirl and glow brighter with every touch!
As you journey onwards and upwards, constellations of light will guide your way as the circular glass elevator ascends 109 metres. At the top of the north-west chimney you will find an unbeatable panoramic view of the London skyline.
Sign-up for early access tickets to Lift 109 here.
Stop for a cocktail with a side of 1950s cultural history
Experiential bar company Inception Group are set to open an exciting bar in Battersea Power Station’s historic Control Room B. They’re the brains behind London hotspots like Mr Foggs and Cahoots, and we trust that they’re the right folks for the job. The swish new space will feature mid-century furniture and glassware, accentuating the stunning centre-piece bar. Here patrons can enjoy innovative cocktails, each influenced by the Power Station in its mixology, all while getting a close-up look at the Control Room’s original dials and controls. Find out more here.
Be Entertained
The colder months are fast approaching, and with it comes cinema season. Treat yourself to a five-star experience at The Cinema in the Power Station, with premium seating and an exclusive members bar. The crystal-clear laser projection screens and state-of-the-art surround sound are guaranteed to give you a movie night you’ll never forget! The Power Station’s boutique Cinema in The Arches is also a lovely place to catch the latest flicks. Or if you’re an avid theatre-goer, watch a play at The Turbine Theatre, set up by award-winning director and producer Paul Taylor-Mills. For something a little more hands-on, enjoy a game of mini-golf at Birdies or explore an alternate reality at DNA VR.
Treat yourself to a night of luxury in art’otel
Located within Battersea Roof Gardens, art’otel is one of London’s hotly anticipated openings. The 164-room hotel was designed by award-winning Spanish artist and interior designer Jaime Hayon, and boasts a long list of uber-luxurious features. Arguably one of the hotel’s main attractions, JOIA comprises three spaces on the building’s top three floors. Here, guests can enjoy a rooftop bar with an infinity pool and a show stopping restaurant, showcasing the unpretentious yet remarkable cooking of Michelin starred chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. art’otel will be opening later this year. Find out more here.
Exciting things to come…
Battersea Power Station already has a thriving collection of food and drink options, but 2023 will welcome a 24,000 square foot Arcade Food Hall along with three standalone restaurants. Visitors can also look forward to fun-packed days at Bounce, the interactive game parlour that also happens to serve delicious food and cocktails. And for the fitness and wellness fanatics, luxury health club Third Space, and boxing gym BXR will also be setting up shop with even more to be announced soon. Find out more here.
Don’t want to leave?
If the rich variety of cultural, historical and leisure and entertainment prospects at Battersea Power Station is a bit of you, why not make it your permanent stomping ground? At Battersea Power Station you can buy and rent gorgeous apartments across the development, with private gardens and stunning views that are only moments away from all the action. From luxury health and fitness spas to private resident’s clubs and lounges, private cinema rooms, 24 hour concierge services and a vibrant, friendly community, this state-of-the-art destination is the ultimate urban paradise. Find out more here.
To celebrate the new opening, Battersea Power Station will also host the ‘Festival of Power’ on October 14-16, 22-23. This free, five day celebration will offer roaming entertainment, interactive heritage trails, an Arcadia light show and so much more.