Does this London landmark have it all?

Words: Agatha Zarzycki 

If anyone was up to the task of creating a ‘cathedral of power’ on the Thames to define London’s skyline, it was Sir Giles Gilbert Scott (the architect behind Tate Modern and the iconic red telephone box), interior design legend James Theodore Halliday and eminent engineer Leonard Pearce. Fast forward nearly 100 years, and Battersea Power Station, now a heavyweight retail, leisure and cultural space, continues to impress. There’s good reason it has attracted more than 30 million visitors in the last couple of years alone. 

In 2024, the powerhouse was the first ever project to earn the title of World Gold Winner in the Heritage category at the FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards. The Grade II*-listed grandee is around the corner from chic Chelsea and is super commutable via a new Zone 1 Tube station, so its 150-plus shops, restaurants, bars and leisure experiences (think immersive exhibitions and an open-air cinema) are just a 15-minute commute from the city centre and West End and only a 45-minute drive from London Heathrow.

The history

Battersea Power Station began operating in 1933. Just three years later, it made its first film debut in Alfred Hitchcock’ thriller Sabotage, and its fame only soared from there. Superman III, The Dark Knight and the ‘death by naked chase scene’ in Monty Python’s The Meaning of Life are also on its long list of credits, as is Pink Floyd’s Animals album, in which the power station shares the spotlight with Algie, the floating inflatable pig that broke free and floated 60 miles to Kent.

But the Art Deco icon isn’t just about its broody brick exterior (six million bricks, to be exact). During World War II, RAF pilots used the cloud-like vapour from its chimneys to navigate in the fog, and throughout the power station’s peak in the 1950s and 1960s – the fourth and final chimney wasn’t added until 1955 – it generated a fifth of London’s electricity, supplying both Buckingham Palace and the Houses of Parliament.

Then in 1983, after 50 years of operation, the powerhouse was decommissioned, marking the end of an era. Proposals for its future ranged from a theme park to a football stadium and the permanent home of Cirque du Soleil – all strong contenders. But when it comes to the beloved London landmark that Battersea Power Station is today, there’s no competition (not even with the world’s largest contemporary circus producer). The opening was no mean feat, either. It took eight years of restoration, following three decades of attempts. The wait was more than worth it. 

The food

It’s no surprise that Battersea Power Station triumphs in the gastronomic game. With more than 50 restaurants and bars, you’re spoilt for choice, from alfresco dining on the Thames at lemon tree–flanked Fiume serving Amalfi-inspired dishes to grab-and-go options such as Kova’s artisan coffees and pastries. 

A family favourite is Bread Street Kitchen & Bar: it doesn’t get much better than Gordon Ramsay’s expertise, a New York vibe, and a free meal from the kids’ menu (for children ten and under) when an adult dines from the à la carte menu.

Also deserving an extra special mention is the hugely popular Arcade Food Hall serving 13 global cuisines, which has changed up locations from inside the power station’s original boiler house to outside on the historic coaling jetty just for summer. Sounds dreamy? We thought so. 

The shopping

Looking to pick up some skincare staples, an outfit for a garden party and that gift for your child’s birthday all in one go? Battersea Power Station has shops for every possible style and scenario. Get your high-end high from the likes of British luxury fashion house Mulberry and sustainable womenswear brand Reformation. Or, for more economical elegance, enjoy a splurge at Mango, ZARA or Uniqlo. 

Love a good sweat sesh? Grab your gear from On or Canadian yoga wear guru Lululemon, then reward your future workout efforts with hydrogel face masks and lip butter balms from SpaceNK. The shopping extravaganza isn’t just for adults, either. Good luck steering the kids away from the LEGO or Transformers stores (the latter is the first standalone shop in the entire world). 

The experiences

Yearning to step back in time to the power station’s coal-fired peak? You can explore the boiler house and its two grand atria, featuring skylights showing off those famous cream chimneys. From there, head to the historic turbine halls. Turbine Hall A is all about original Art Deco glam (replete with a vaulted skylight, fluted pilasters and Italian white marble wall tiles), and is where you’ll find Lift 109, shooting spectators 109m up the northwest chimney for spectacular 360° views of central London. 

Meanwhile, Turbine Hall B, completed in 1955, gives a glimpse of modern minimalism influenced by post-war austerity, and is equally exciting – especially Control Room B, the original control room that’s been transformed into a cocktail bar. Our favourite summer activity? The new Jurassic World: The Experience at NEON, a large-scale immersive exhibition where you can get up close to the dinosaurs from the franchise’s latest film.   

The greenery

Serene relaxation spaces for a post-shop winddown abound here, and the award for biggest summer stunner goes to the six-acre Power Station Park, overlooking a 450m stretch of the Thames. There are even free deckchairs to enjoy the riverside rapture on a part of the bank previously not accessible before Battersea Power Station existed. 

Lounge on the lush lawns while admiring views of Chelsea and shimmering skyscrapers including the London Eye and The Shard in the distance, or walk along the park’s peaceful pathways, bordered by tall evergreens, pretty perennial blooms and fountains (don’t miss the large mirror pools reflecting the Power Station). Top tip: make time for Battersea Power Station’s open-air cinema, only on during summer and located on the coaling jetty. 

Explore the London icon