Drink, dine and discover the London landmark.
Battersea Power Station is London’s ultimate comeback story. Once a lost landmark, it’s now home to world-class experiences. The building and the surrounding area have been transformed with a touch of luxe and a lot of love. It wasn’t long ago that this was a derelict district, best remembered from music and movies – Pink Floyd’s Animals, anyone?
Following a £9 billion regeneration, it’s become a hip, happening hub. It now buzzes with innovation – housing the new Apple headquarters, the United States Embassy, the Penguin headquarters, and an ever-growing list of bars, restaurants, and shops. Thanks to buses, boats, and its very own London Underground station, it’s easier than ever to stay and soak up the scene. Follow FACT’s guide to Battersea Power Station.
Start the day with Rocket Padel
Padel is causing a racket around the world. Padel clubs and championships have caught on to the craze and are popping up across the country. The sport is a cross between tennis and squash, and can be played in singles or doubles. If you want to rally around, head to Rocket Padel. The venue boasts four panoramic indoor courts with 11-metre-high glass walls, offering views of the River Thames. Plus, there are spectator areas and changing rooms.
GO: Visit www.rocketpadel.com for more information.
Have breakfast at Where The Pancakes Are
Where The Pancakes Are has an excellent problem: there’s so much choice. First, it’s the sweet or savoury pancakes, then it’s the toppings on your pancakes. Banoffee Marshmallow, Black Forest Berries, and English Breakfast are just some of the options. All the pancakes are made with buttermilk batter and are freshly made each day. There is also a dairy-free, gluten-free, and vegan batter. The popular place is busy on weekends and filled with families and pets. Book to avoid disappointment.
GO: Visit www.wherethepancakesare.com for more information.
Shop, shop, shop
Battersea Power Station is an amazing Art Deco marvel, and is divided into two halls: Turbine Hall A and Turbine Hall B. While we were out shopping, we spotted a local celebrity – Romeo Beckham, strolling around in his slippers. Browse high-street favourites including Levi’s, Jigsaw and Jo Malone London, or treat yourself to luxury labels such as Genesis, Mulberry and Tommy Hilfiger. The whole experience feels far more relaxed than the busy shopping streets. Best of all, you’re completely sheltered from the rain – it is London, after all.
GO: Visit https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk for more information.
Treat yourself to lunch at ARCADE
ARCADE comes FACT-approved – so much so, it was the venue for the first-ever FACT Dining Awards London. Home to 13 kitchens and two bars, it’s the perfect place for anything from a quick bite to a lingering lunch. If you and your dining partner fancy different cuisines, no problem – you can tuck into burgers at Manna while they dive into pizza at Gracey’s. And if food envy strikes (and it will), just order more. It’s laid-back, lively, and there’s a daily happy hour from 8pm. We can raise a glass to that.
GO: Visit www.arcadefoodhall.com for more information.
See the sights in The Chimney Lift
Go up, up and away at The Chimney Lift. Discover London’s industrial heritage in a thrilling way. Visitors can step back in time and explore a recreation of architect Sir Giles Gilbert Scott’s office. Discover the construction of Battersea Power Station, which comes to life on an illustrated wall. The highlight is the glass lift ascent to the top of the north-west chimney, offering spectacular 360-degree views of London’s skyline and a rarely seen angle.
GO: Visit https://batterseapowerstation.co.uk for more information.
Watch a movie at The Cinema in The Power Station
Lights, camera, London. The Cinema in the Power Station and The Cinema in the Arches are the stuff that silver-screen dreams are made of. If we had to choose, we’d stay in the station – it all feels meta, given that this was the setting for films from A Clockwork Orange to The Dark Knight. The experience includes two screens and private boxes for two to four people, complete with its own mini-bars. Take your pick from Champagne, craft beers, cocktails and fine wines. And, if you want to keep it blockbuster, there’s popcorn.
GO: Visit www.olympicstudios.com for more information.
Dig into an Indian dinner at Dishoom
Dishoom’s flagship restaurant is famous for its queues that stretch around the block. Go off the beaten track to Battersea, and you don’t have to wait. The concept draws inspiration from Mumbai’s old-school cafés. Now, it’s a tough decision whether to come here for breakfast, lunch or dinner – we’re not judging if you do all three – but dinner is essential eating. The Black Daal is a silky, smooth dish that launched a thousand copycats. The Cherry Berry Britannia is a beautiful biryani that celebrates the special Indo-Anglo relationship.
GO: Visit www.dishoom.com for more information.
Stay at art’otel Battersea Power Station
When you’re at art’otel Battersea, you half expect the supermodel Twiggy to be checking in. Packed with personality, the hotel boasts bright, bold colours, and it feels like stepping back into the Swinging Sixties. Designed by the Spanish artist Jaime Hayon, it is located on Electric Boulevard and draws inspiration from the neighbouring power station. The hotel is home to 164 rooms and suites, inspired by arts and culture, and features a collection of records – our room had that Pink Floyd album. Sweet dreams are made of Battersea Power Station.
GO: Visit https://artotellondonbattersea.com for more information.
