Romantic day out? Tick. A lot of food? Tick. Quirky bar? Tick. River view, city view, shopping, a boat instead of a tube, lights, music, and shows? Tickle me! Because I must be dreaming. Is it really possible to have it all? Yes! Because you’ve arrived at a special destination – Battersea Power Station.
The first time I heard about this London wonder, it was in relation to Pink Floyd’s album, where the infamous building became the iconic cover.
Almost a century ago, Battersea Power Station supplied electricity to the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, and a fifth of London’s population. However, it closed in the 1980s.
Now it supplies entertainment on a large scale.
In February 2024, Battersea Power Station hosted a Light Festival – free to visit and spectacular to enjoy. I couldn’t resist the temptation, jumped on an Uber boat, and arrived there for the first time.
It was a thunderstruck experience for all the senses. A huge building with four symmetrical chimneys pointed at the dark sky under the full moon. A giant blue butterfly next to the sleeping fountain, where an adventurous labrador tried to test the waters…
I walked down the riverside, glancing at the nearby restaurants, totally enchanted by the enticing aromas from Italian, Indian, Malaysian, Spanish, and British gastronomic masterpieces…
Everything here is about electricity. If there’s a boulevard, it’s Electric Boulevard. If you want a cocktail, you can choose between the Voltmeter, Ammeter, or Synchroscope. The bar is located in the former control room, hence the name. Prices bite a bit, but the perfect rock playlist compensates for the pain.
Inside the building, you can indulge your inner shopaholic (I’m trying not to – they are too good!).
Most of the restaurants and cafes are dog-friendly.
Since then, I have visited Battersea Power Station several times – in all seasons, and I’ve probably tried all the places around, except Lift 109 – which brings you to the top of one of the chimneys for 360-degree views of London.
Battersea Power Station is easily accessible by overground train, tube, and boat. You can take an Uber boat from most of the London piers – from Greenwich to Putney.
Now it’s time to come back – to experience the Christmas spirit at Battersea, to ice skate while looking at the giant 30 ft Christmas tree, and trying not to fall!
London Day Out 