24 Hours in Battersea: A guide to London’s newest luxury hotspot

You have 24 hours to spend in Battersea. What do you do? The London borough, which is home to the Battersea Power Station, is one of the city’s hottest and fastest growing new neighbourhoods. From luxury apartments to new hotels and leisure shopping destinations, Battersea has something for everyone.

With so many different options to choose from — whether it is picking a luxury hotel to stay or finding the best places to shop — it can be a very difficult decision to make. So in the second instalment of Tempus’s 24 Hours series, we have scoured Battersea for the most exceptional, interesting and fun things to do the next time you find yourself with a day to spare in one of London’s most luxurious neighbourhoods.

Here, we will guide you through some of London’s — and beyond — most exciting and affluent neighbourhoods, exploring interesting things to do along with the best places to stay, dine and shop. 

Join us as we take you through London’s hottest new lifestyle destination, experience fine dining from the most gorgeous rooftop, discover the best sky high views of London and unveil the hidden gems of Battersea Power Station. Here’s the best way to spend 24 Hours in Battersea.

Related: 24 Hours in Park LaneStay: art’otel Battersea Power Station

There is no better location to enjoy the essence of Battersea than at art’otel Battersea Power Station situated at the Electric Boulevard. Standing mere steps from the station, this hotel is the perfect stop for those looking to stay in close proximity to all the action. art’otel has everything from a selection of bespoke restaurants to a well-equipped gym to a rooftop pool with views to die for. The staff are welcoming and kind, and the food at the two restaurants in the hotel — Tozi and JOIA — is lip-smackingly delicious. If you’re looking for a hotel that is ideally located with all the makings of a luxury pit-stop, art’otel is the place to be.Dine: JOIA Battersea and Searcys Champagne Bar

Located inside Battersea Power Station, Searcys Champagne Bar has a chic ambience and free flowling champagne, which makes it the perfect place to have a glass of bubbly and some nibbles in style before heading over to JOIA for a delightful Portuguese meal. JOIA is one of, if not the best fine dining destination in Battersea. Located on the 14th floor of art’otel Battersea, this restaurant serves some of the best Portuguese food in the area, curated by two Michelin star chef Henrique Sá Pessoa. 

Some highlights from the menu include the melt-in-your-mouth hand dived scallop, salted cod and the padron peppers. But the true star of the show — something that their incredibly kind and knowledgeable staff insisted that we have when we visited — is the torrija, a caramelised brioche with almonds, raspberries and Madeira ice cream. And I do not exaggerate when I say this is one of the best desserts I have ever had. A perfect end to a wonderful meal, especially when the heat in London is dialled up high.

And if guests don’t want to sit in the restaurant, JOIA also has a rooftop bar just two floors above the restaurant, and it provides for the perfect ambience for Iberian nibbles, cocktails and all around summer luxury. Not to mention the sky high London views to watch the sun set in all its glory. 

Related: Experience unmatched splendour at Edinburgh’s Curio Collection – The CaledonianShop: Battersea Power Station

Battersea Power Station used to supply a fifth of London’s electricity. But after decades of sitting neglected, it is now open to the public as one of London’s most exciting new luxury leisure destinations. Here, you will find everything from luxury watch brands like Rolex and TAG Heuer to high jewellery brands like Cartier and Swarovski. 

Beyond shopping, there are many other activities that visitors can take part in. From exploring Arcade Food Hall & Bar which features a variety of food options and libations to choose from to enjoying a film in the cinema, there is something for everyone to enjoy at the station.Explore: Battersea Park and Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station

One of the best things about Battersea Power Station is that it provides unparalleled views of the London skyline. During the restoration of the station, they also refurbished one of the chimneys, which now houses a glass elevator and must-visit viewing experience: Lift 109.

The journey starts with a wonderfully curated ensemble of original records and evocative media displays that take you through the history of the station. It also includes information about the filming of Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, as the station also served as a filming location for the movie. After that, a glass elevator takes you through the chimney at 109 meters above ground, which results in some of the most breathtaking panoramic views of London. You don’t want to miss out on this.

And if sky high views don’t tickle your fancy, you can choose to lounge in the nearby Battersea Park and wind down from a day of shopping and exploring. 

Read more travel stories with Tempus