At H&N HQ, we believe there’s nothing quite like a girly getaway to recharge the spirits. Sorry gents, but there’s a special kind of magic that happens when you pack an overnight bag and head off with your besties for a weekend of sightseeing, shopping, dining, and yes, a cocktail or two! Recently, I had the pleasure of experiencing just that, all in the name of research, of course.
My destination? The iconic Battersea Power Station and its vibrant riverside neighbourhood, currently undergoing a spectacular regeneration. Nearly forty years after the lights were switched off, Battersea Power Station opened its doors to the public last year. This marked the first time the public could explore the legendary building and its incredible selection of shops, bars, restaurants, and leisure venues.
Image credit Brendan Bell
Lift 109 – Ascend to sky-high wonder
The first stop for our girly trip was the must-visit attraction Lift 109 Experience.
Beginning in the Art Deco Turbine Hall A, we made our way through a carefully curated ensemble of original memorabilia and displays that delve into the building’s rich history and its enduring presence in popular culture. As we passed through a vault-like door, the atmosphere shifted, ushering us into a world of cutting-edge technology with an interactive light display. Making our way through the hall and up the stairs we were part of a small group of guests welcomed into the circular glass elevator ready to make the thrilling ascent up the north-west chimney. Cue audible gasps of surprise as we emerge, 109-metres high, to take in stunning 360-degree views of London’s skyline.
I loved this experience, there was plenty of time to enjoy the views, right out as far as The Shard and The London Eye, as well as the chance do some people watching in the hotel, shops and apartments opposite! I was also quite taken with the gift shop, and the Lift 109 Gin is a great choice for a memento, or gift to take home.
I’d definitely recommend it as part of your trip to Battersea Power Station. You can buy tickets to Lift 109 here and I recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
There is plenty of shopping inside the Power Station and across the rest of the site, as well as an incredible array of bars and restaurants. I must mention the all-day bar, Control Room B, which is located in one of the Power Station’s original control rooms, with lots of the original equipment preserved and displayed. It’s absolutely gorgeous.
Other eateries in the Power Station include Where the Pancakes Are, which is a great place for breakfast or brunch. If you’re looking for something a bit special, Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen has a great atmosphere and showcases his very best signature dishes.
It’s not all food and shopping, the Grade II listed building is also home to The Cinema in the Power Station, a virtual reality arcade, Birdies Crazy Golf, an escape room, and this winter sees the return of Glide, the wonderful outdoor ice rink which adds sparkle to the festive season.
For our activity session we were booked in to try our hands at table tennis at Bounce, the neon lit entertainment venue on level 1 Turbine Hall B.
Bounce Ping Pong – Where fun takes centre stage
I’ve never been fantastic at table tennis, but that doesn’t get in the way of it being so much fun! Bounce is a 300-capacity fun palace packed to the rafters with table tennis, beer pong and shuffleboard. It’s an ideal place to cut loose and have some fun. The games gurus are really friendly, and they have some great insider tips to improve your game. I’d been playing beer pong wrong all this time, who knew?!
The food is delicious (vegan options available) and the cocktails are great value, try the Margarita Picanté, straight from the slushy machine and liberally sprinkled with chilli, it’s a flavour-packed adventure, but fair warning: it’s not for the faint of heart!
I really enjoyed the playful and relaxed vibe, I’d recommend Bounce to anyone looking for the perfect spot to gather with friends, no matter the occasion. It’s a place where laughter flows as freely as the ping-pong balls, and where lasting memories are made.
Table tennis tables can be booked in 55-minute slots, at around £16 for two people. With a live DJ and open until midnight at the weekend, Bounce is a real one-stop-shop for food and fun with friends.
In terms of transport, Battersea Power Station is incredibly accessible, situated right in Zone 1 for the tube. With so many superb bars, restaurants, and activities at your fingertips, it’s the ideal destination for an unforgettable girls’ weekend in London. Trust me; you won’t regret choosing Battersea Power Station as part of your girly weekend of laughter, fun, and unforgettable experiences.
Written by Sally Bendall @girlaboutleeds
Some Images supplied. Some images courtesy of unsplash.com
