Built in the 1930s, the quintessential silhouette of the Battersea Power Station has been a fixture on the London skyline for nearly 100 years. We're itching to visit the newly reimagined site which opened its doors earlier this month as 'one of the most innovative mixed-use spaces in the world'. The architypal building is now home to an eclectic mix of high-end fashion retailers, bars, restaurants and entertainment venues. The grand high street: the aptly named Electric Boulevard houses a curated blend of shops ranging from cutting-edge eyewear brand, Ace and Tate, luxurious botanical skin care label, Aēsop through to modern gent's favourite, Gant - and this is to name but a few of our favourites - see batterseapowerstation.co.uk for the full enticing inventory.
We're mesmerised by the prospect of soon-to-open Lift 101; ascending customers an impressive 109 metres from Turbine Hall A up to the top of one of the historic chimneys for a 360° view of the city. The power station's architectural significance is celebrated with design-led innovate spaces abundant inside and out - the art'otel, due to open later this year, arguably optimises this vision in its breathtaking roof garden location. The luxury, lifestyle inspired hotel will feature a new skyline destination restaurant and bar as well as a rooftop swimming pool, spa and event facility. For a further dose of culture, visit the Turbine Theatre or one of the site's two boutique cinemas before you leave.
From November 11th, Glide, the venue's outdoor ice rink will allow you to loop and spin across three interconnecting rinks to the backdrop of live entertainment and a 30ft twinkling Christmas tree. We love nothing more than a perfect mix of culture, shopping and fun on a day out but crossing the threshold of this long-closed iconic building makes us feel a little like a certain Charlie Bucket clutching his Wonka's golden ticket.
Where: Circus Road, West. SW8
Nearest Tube: Sloane Square, Vauxhall, Vauxhall
Ice Rink bookings: glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk (open now)
Vibe: Can't get there soon enough
