Beyond the Hood

Battersea Power Station

We know we’re not the only ones who’ve been watching with interest and following all the activity, developments and goings on at Battersea Power Station. This iconic building has been slowly brought back to life and on a cold, crisp blue skied January day we set off to have another nose around.

For anyone who hasn’t been to explore yet we highly recommend it. Head over Wandsworth Bridge Road, turn left and enjoy a lovely riverside walk with views of Chelsea. On the way you can stop off and enjoy a coffee from The Feel Good Bakery van at St Mary’s Church. This social enterprise is run by local charity Regenerate who create opportunities for young people to thrive, for every coffee you buy they fund a meal for a child in need.

Once you get to Albert Bridge, for us the prettiest bridge in London, cross over the road and continue your walk through Battersea Park, we always peel off to take a look at the Peace Pagoda and then carry along the river path. There’s no need to cross over the road any more once you get to the end of the park / Battersea Bridge as there is a new walkway that swings out over the river and under the bridge that takes you onto the site of Battersea Power Station.

Before you head onto the main site check out all that’s on offer in Arches Lane on your right. Under these railway arches you’ll find a selection of restaurants and other attractions from crazy golf at Birdies to Battersea’s very own micro brewery; there’s also a boutique cinema.

We were so excited to see that the last of the scaffolding has finally come off, the building has been lit and work has begun on finalising the station entrance. The building looks absolutely stunning after it’s lengthy facelift and we can’t wait until the main building is open to the public. In the main area surrounding the station you’ll find a Megan’s, Tapas Brindisa, other restaurants, Moyses Stevens and The General Store; has to be the poshest corner shop in London!

Until 27 February there is a Light Festival taking place with six installations on display, some are being seen in London for the first time. Stay tuned for more developments and additions including the Chimney Lift which will take you to the top of the North West chimney for 360 degree views of London’s skyline. The glass chimney lift will hold up to 30 visitors and from here you’ll be able to see London landmarks including the Shard and the London Eye.

Previously we’ve headed home on the new Northern Line extension changing at Westminster. We felt a bit giddy stepping into London’s newest tube station, the design is impressive but we were a bit shocked when we got onto a common or garden ye olde Northern Line tube; not quite sure what we were expecting! This time our return journey, as it was a beautiful day, was on a Santander bike along the river which we dropped off by the Alma pub opposite Wandsworth Town Station. It was thirsty work so we had to pop in for a swift drink before walking back across the bridge, of course. One of those perfect blue skied London days and we look forward to exploring more this Spring / Summer.