Your guide to living in Battersea
Situated south of Central London, Battersea has had a resurgence in popularity since the makeover of its iconic Power Station. The neighbourhood itself has excellent transport links and easy access to parks, restaurants and shops.
Where is it?
Bordering south of the Thames, next to Putney and above Clapham.
What's the transport like?
There’s plenty of accessible routes to access Battersea. Catch the Victoria, Circle or District tube lines if you don’t mind a 10-20 minute walk to the centre of the neighbourhood. You could also catch the 156, 344 or 436 buses directly to Battersea park. Battersea Power Station now has its own Zone 1 underground station, so you can walk into the centre straight from the Northern line.
Where do the locals go?
Parks:
Battersea Park is a large 200 acre Victorian park. It has a riverside promenade, a large lake, children's play areas and a children's zoo, as well as access to the Pump House gallery, and multiple sports facilities! Rent out one of their pedal boats in summer to take a trip around the lake, or book in at their mini golf for a putt in the park - make an evening of it and order a glass of wine and pizza for after your game.
Events & Activities:
Battersea Power Station was once a powerhouse that provided a fifth of London’s power, but has recently been developed into a one-stop for just about anything you can think of. Check out their theatre, luxury cinema, or crazy golf - they even have a spa! And not to mention their extensive range of shops and restaurants. You could easily spend a whole day here without leaving the premises.
To experience ‘boundary pushing’ theatre, visit Battersea Arts Centre. Tickets for all of their shows are sold on a pay-what-you-can basis, making it accessible for everyone. You can also sign up for a place at their world-leading beatbox academy, or get involved in one of the many workshops that they offer.
How does spending an afternoon playing with puppies sound? At Battersea Cats and Dogs home you can do just that! Book a tour to see up-close the work they’ve been doing since 1850 to help re-home and look after thousands of cats and dogs!
Events & Activities:
You’re spoilt for choice of places to eat at Battersea Power Station. Try Noci for freshly made pasta, Roti King for incredible Malaysian dishes, and Cinnamon Kitchen for delicious pan-Indian food - just to name a few!
Holy Cow is an authentic Indian restaurant. Although it’s strictly takeaway, Battersea park is nearby and makes for excellent alfresco dining. Head over for a lunchtime treat and choose from a tiffin box or naan with your choice of vegetables, fish or meat.
If you’re planning a date night (or a fancy meal with friends), check out Humble Grape. Order a selection of small plates or build your own charcuterie with the option of seasonal chutneys, sourdough and cheese accompanied by 400 wines from around the world!
The best pubs:
Four Thieves is a pub first and foremost, hosting a weekly quiz, comedy, karaoke and live jazz nights - but most importantly, serves a fantastic pint. However, their first floor hosts a huge retro arcade in what used to be an old Victorian music hall. This place is a guaranteed crowd pleaser and the perfect place to take a group of friends on a Friday night.
If you’re on the hunt for a sunny beer garden to spend the afternoon, The Lighthouse is the place to be. Sip on one of their speciality frozen cocktails or a jug of Pimms or Aperol spritz from their summer drinks menu. Nibble on something from their snacks menu, or order a pub classic meal to satisfy any hunger cravings! Lost Society is an excuse to get a little dressy. Sit in their art-deco inspired lounge, or outside in their botanical oasis. On a Saturday they have an in-house DJ to keep you dancing until the early hours, and Sunday’s are reserved for their Brazilian nights which include live bands on rotation playing everything from samba, Brazilian jazz, pagode & bossa nova! Make sure to head down on a Wednesday too to make the most of their £7 cocktails! We recommend ordering their signature Guadeloupe Daiquiri or a Smouldering Sunset.
The best coffee shops:
Ever wondered what Filipino coffee tastes like? Find out at Kapihan (spoiler alert: It’s very good). The star of the show though, is their baked goods. Try a Bibingka Lamington - a rice flour and coconut milk cake that's beautifully dense and delicious. Or order a Halo Halo which is a popular cold dessert in the Philippines! The cafe itself is sleek and drenched in natural light, making it the ideal spot to relax on a sunny morning.
Pear Tree Cafe is located inside Battersea park beside the lake. Brunch fanatics can rejoice at their all-day breakfast menu featuring everything from avocado toast, to acai bowls and pancakes!They also host live music from Wednesday to Saturday between 6pm and 9pm, while serving up sourdough pizzas and burgers.
Coffee lovers should make a point to visit Doppio Coffee - they really know what they’re talking about! This coffee ‘warehouse’ makes a mean espresso, and also sells a range of artisan bakes fresh on their counter daily from Seven Seeded Bakery. Why not also grab a bag of one of their house blends so you can recreate your favourite coffee at home? Or at least attempt to!
Shops:
It goes without saying that Battersea Power Station is a go-to for shopping. There’s something for every price range including ranging from high street favourites to up-scale designer brands.
Grab a bouquet for yourself from Battersea Flower Station, a local plant shop and florist. Their self-described ‘magic’ garden centre is laden with bunting, swapping for fairy lights in the winter months. Their team is a passionate bunch (pardon the pun), who are keen to answer any plan-based questions you may have, from how to revive your dying houseplants to which flowers to include in your bouquet.
You’re not a true Londoner until you’ve sought out your local car boot. Battersea Boot is held every Sunday on Battersea Park Road. A new vase or a vintage suit for under a fiver - you never know what you might find rooting in the treasure-trove of goods. But make sure to head down early to nab yourself the good stuff!
What’s it famous for?
Battersea Power Station is undoubtedly the most notable landmark in the neighbourhood. When it was up and running, it was a magnet for London’s stray animal population due to its heating system, explaining the long-standing cat and dog’s home. In pop culture, it also features on the cover of Pink Floyd’s Animals LP, 1977 and inspired the whole A side!
Want to know the average room rent for Battersea, and other London postcodes? Check out our latest guide here!