From its stunning, yet often overlooked, park to the vibrant arts scene and fantastic local restaurants, Battersea is quickly becoming one of the most desirable London districts to call home.
A vibrant and bustling area with plenty for visitors of all ages to enjoy, Battersea has already established itself as a “place to be” in South London. It’s enviable zone 2 location, coupled with multiple, and ever extending, transport links including the tube, train and ferry, mean Battersea is only a matter of minutes away from central London. With a blossoming of chic restaurants, cosy cafes, edgy art galleries and gorgeous boutique stores, Battersea somehow manages to blend the bourgeoisie style of a cosmopolitan city with its authentic local community charm.
Where to eat in Battersea
Family run, rustically elegant, and serving seasonal, home-grown produce, there’s plenty to love about Nutbourne restaurant. The third venture of brothers Gregory, Oliver and Richard Gladwin, the Battersea restaurant sits nestled on Ransoms Dock near Battersea Park, making it the perfect spot for dinner after a day enjoying the outdoors. There’s a charming terrace overlooking the waters for those balmy summer nights while, for chillier months, the cosy interior is further warmed by the wood fired BBQ grill. Serving a range of dishes from big sharing platters to small plates, and hearty meals to mouth-watering puds. The ingredients are sourced from a combination of wild foraging expeditions and local farms, including the brother’s own, bringing country charm to this busy city restaurant.
For those times when you crave authentic home cooked Italian food, pure taste without the frills, Mother is perfect. The relatively new restaurant, located at the recently renovated Battersea Power Station, serves up top-notch Italian grub from organic sourdough pizzas to authentic Italian antipasti. Not to mention their tiramisu which is to die for! The flavours wafting off the entire menu scream “family recipe”, while the relaxed, unpretentious décor completes the “at home” feel. Their Instagram tagline, “Italian food without all the nonsense!”, says it all.
What is life in a London neighbourhood without a trendy pub to call your local? Thankfully there are plenty of fabulous alehouses in Battersea ranging from traditional old ins to stylish gastropubs. They all have their own charm but our favourite has to be The Lighthouse. Family friendly, frequently showing a whole range of sports games (including the Superbowl), as well as hosting a variety of events and regular special offers, the Lighthouse is certainly a beacon for pub lovers of every age in Battersea. As well as being the perfect place to pop in for an afternoon pint, the pub serves up a surprisingly elegant menu including some divine vegan options and those beloved pub food classics.
Where to drink in Battersea
Whether you fancy yourself as a sommelier or you’re just looking for an elegant evening out, The Humble Grape has plenty to boast about. A classy wine bar, the venue offers everything from tasting sessions to live music evenings, all within a fabulously rustic-chic setting. It’s the perfect place to meet friends for a sophisticated evening.
Southsider Cocktail Club
Open brickwork, designer graffiti, and a shed-like exterior, the Southsider Cocktail club epitomises every hipster cliché – and you’ll love it! Unquestioningly one of the trendiest spots in Battersea, the varied and creative cocktail menu, friendly staff and fabulous location make this the perfect spot to start your evening.
Where to play in Battersea
Although lesser known in comparison to its London rivals, Hyde Park or Richmond Park, Battersea’s oasis of green is arguably just as beautiful and gloriously uncrowded even on the hottest of summer days. Battersea park lies at the heart of the local community. From boating on the lake to wandering through the 200 acres of meadows and woodland, there’s plenty of nature to explore.
Meet up with friends at the iconic Peace Pagoda before heading to the Pump House Art Gallery, situated in the centre of the park. For families, head straight for Battersea Park Zoo. With its small but diverse selection of creatures, from exotic monkeys to adorable donkeys, there’s plenty to keep the whole family enthralled. If there’s still energy to spare the zoo play area is an ideal way for the kids to let off steam.
The Battersea Arts Gallery is a champion of experimental theatre, giving new talent a platform to explore their art and the community a chance to witness the cutting edge of performance art. As well as booking up and coming shows, the centre runs a variety of theatre and music clubs. It even has a children’s interactive play area, providing a gateway into performance for Battersea’s talented young people. There are also plenty of well-established shows that also call the BAC home, with a constantly developing program that blends acclaimed shows with up and comers.
Battersea may not have the only Go Ape in London, but it does have the most central and arguably the best! Battersea Go Ape is a rope climbing, zip-lining, treetop swinging adventure sure to bring out the monkey in all of us. Having hit the high ropes, you can carry on the fun with a round or two of crazy golf. A fantastic way for young and old to get active and get their adrenaline pumping, all in total safety. You’ll go bananas for it.
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