Verge discovers the best of Battersea Power Station, and what makes it one of the hottest must-visit destinations in London.
Welcome to Battersea Power Station, an iconic landmark nestled along the banks of the Thames River. Once a symbol of industrial prowess, this historic site has undergone a remarkable transformation since its relaunch. Today, it stands as a vibrant hub of culture, entertainment, and leisure, offering visitors an array of exciting experiences to explore and enjoy. From trendy eateries and chic boutiques to captivating art installations and scenic riverside walks, Battersea Power Station beckons with a blend of old-world charm and modern allure. We collate our top 5 highlights on what makes it an undoubtable London highlight:
A packed calendar of food, beauty, and lifestyle events:
From Rooftop Aqua Aerobics at art’otel to Supper Clubs at Tapas Brindisa, for fast-paced Londoners and eager visitors, there’s no shortage of activities to get stuck into. Take this month for instance – there’s an Urban Food Fest Artisan Market popping up on 20th April, ready to take you on a journey of delicious desserts, locally made art, and creative crafts, with each purchase at the market earning you a free soft drink. There’s also Oyster Masterclasses hosted by Wright Brothers (and again once per month for the rest of the year), where guests can also pick up a spectacular goodie bag that’s included in the ticket. Fast-forward to Christmas, and you can enjoy an array of festive entertainment, whether it’s gliding away on its riverside ice rink or enjoying the views from the carol-playing Ferris wheel. No matter what the season, you can keep up to date with the latest event listings here.
Culminating with epic 360 degree views of the London skyline from the top of Battersea Power Station’s iconic chimneys, Lift 109 is one of the most popular attractions for both local visitors and those from afar. The experience begins in the Power Station’s magnificent Art Deco Turbine Hall A, where you can immerse yourself in an exhibition of original records and multimedia displays to discover the rich history and architectural significance of the landmark. A thrilling ascent through the lights will then lead you to a one of the most unique panoramic views in London. Tickets cost £17 for adults and £12.60 for children, with family and group packages also available.
Exclusive Beauty Available Only at Boots Battersea
While Boots may already be a high street favourite, at Battersea, it’s opened as THE new beauty destination store, serving up over 250 show-stopping brands, new services, and exclusive masterclasses. The store offers Boots’ first supersize beauty studio, with free beauty advice, tutorials, and demos, whether it’s a skin scan, scalp analysis, or beauty consultation with its specialists. Most excitingly, Battersea exclusively offers Dermalux LED Light Treatment, using non-invasive light waves to accelerate natural skin regeneration and repair to leave you looking your best. You can book in your one-to-one consultation, and the Dermalux LED Light Treatments (£60 per session) right here.
There are over 50 world-class cafes, bars, and restaurants that call Battersea Power Station home, set inside its Halls, on the riverside, and along Electric Boulevard. Dishoom is one of our top picks, with their ever-popular menus of Bombay comfort food featuring signature Roomali Rolls, succulent Grills, and flavoursome Biryanis – and of course, Kulfis, the sweet creamy treat you just can’t leave without. For quick-fix favourites, you can’t go wrong with the trending Hawaiian superfood bowls from Poke House, or picking up some bao buns and sushi from Itsu – that’s if you aren’t stopping off for that cheeky Nando’s. You can find incredible fresh pastas at NOCI and Fiume, mighty ramen bowls at Tonkotsu, and pancakes ‘beyond your imagination’ at Where the Pancakes Are. Battersea Power Station has one rule – nobody leaves hungry.
Escape the Power Cut at Control Room B
The highlight in the ‘fun and games’ category undoubtedly belongs to Control Room B and its mind-blowingly fun Escape the Power Cut. Perfect for escape room enthusiasts and code cracking fanatics, it involves 90 minutes of stepping behind the Control Room’s original control desks and solving puzzles, deciphering cryptic clues, and unveiling mysteries as you race against the clock with your team and cocktails in hand. Tickets are £55, and include 2 cocktails to guide you on your way.
If escape rooms aren’t your thing, Battersea Power Station also plays host to Bounce, the ping-pong favourite famed for its atmosphere, delicious pizza, and AI powered self-scoring tables – and that small but vital matter of its bottomless brunches. Birdies crazy golf is also well worth a visit, with an absurdly Instagrammable 9-hole obstacle course you can enjoy alongside some exceptional cocktails.
Getting to Battersea Power Station couldn’t be easier, with its very own Zone 1 Underground Station and 6 TFL buses serving its stop. You can also hop on an Uber Boat by Thames Clippers, take a scenic cycle to one of the 500 spots available at its Bike Hub, or drive over to its 200-capacity car park.
Whether it’s for dining or drinking, immersing yourself in one of its many activities, or simply soaking in the riverside ambiance, this iconic destination leaves a notable mark on every visitor. And with regular additions to its event listings, restaurant portfolio, and roster of big-name retailers, we have no doubt its best era is yet to come.
You can find Battersea Power Station at Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW11 8DD.
