Head south of the river to Battersea Power Station to find everything you could want this summer, with a fun sports twist, says Amy Hughes
Explore Battersea Power Station this summer © Charlie Round-Turner
The newly restored Battersea Power Station has put the area firmly back on the map. Whether you’re after some retail therapy, entertainment or family-friendly fun, there is something for everyone.
Let the games begin
Throughout the summer, the Power Station is hosting an exciting array of sports and games-focused activities as part of The Battersea Games (to 3 Sep) and best of all, many of them are free to enjoy! Watch the hottest sporting fixtures including the Women’s World Cup, or catch a series of sports and games-themed films being shown on the big outdoor screen thanks to The Cinema in the Power Station.
Fancy a bit of friendly competition? Take on your friends and family in a 100m track race beneath the famous chimneys, go head-to-head in a game of ping pong or tackle one of the giant board games including chess. On the weekend of 5-6 August, the upper ground floor of Turbine Hall B will be transformed into a vintage arcade, and the ground floor will welcome an indoor rock climbing wall the following weekend (12-20 Aug, 10am-6pm; £5).
Don’t miss one of London’s hottest new viewpoints while you’re here, Lift 109. Ascending the northwest chimney, you’ll be greeted by breathtaking 360-degree views across the capital’s skyline. And if you’re looking for some respite from the summer sunshine, stay inside for a little retail therapy. There are many internationally renowned brands to be found in the Power Station, from the likes of Nike, adidas, ME+EM, Ralph Lauren, Hackett and lululemon, to beauty brands Rituals, Kiehl’s, Aesop and Jo Malone London among others.
The Battersea Games © Backdrop Productions
Refuel in style
All that activity is bound to work up an appetite and you’re in luck because Battersea Power Station is also a buzzing hub for all things gastronomical. There are more than 30 cafés, bars and restaurants including Le Bab, Where The Pancakes Are, Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen & Bar and Poke House, as well as some exciting street food pop-ups outside by the river, so you’ll never be short of options.
Control Room B in Turbine Hall B © John Sturrock
Having opened just last month, Arcade Food Hall is a vast space inspired by international street food markets. Choose from Thai cuisine at Phed Power, Indian fast food at Hero and Middle Eastern shawarma at Shatta & Toum. Arcade also features three standalone restaurants including the popular – and Bib Gourmand awarded – restaurant BAO.
For drinks, head to Control Room B for a unique all-day cocktail bar experience surrounded by the original dials and controls. For a high-end option, you can’t go wrong with JOIA rooftop bar at the recently opened art’otel London Battersea Power Station. Stay here to enjoy London’s hot new destination for even longer.
Nearest station: Battersea Power Station (Northern line) or Victoria (Overground, Circle, District and Victoria line; walk south towards Chelsea Bridge and cross to the south side of the river where you’ll find the Power Station)
