ON TOUR: Battersea Power Station

London’s latest attraction has been proving a great success even in the depth of winter.  

TNU’s Editor-at-Large Jeff Mills has been to a tasting at the TOZI Grand Café within the art’otel, a new-build, part of the massive Battersea Power Station regeneration.  Jeff took the waterbus from Westminster, but since September 2021 the Northern Line has featured a new branch with its terminus just a few minutes' walk from the main entrance.  

For the record the actual Battersea Power Station coal-fired power station opened in 1935 and was decommissioned in 1975.  It provided a fifth of London’s electricity needs.  The structure is one of the world's largest brick buildings and notable for its original, Art Deco interior fittings and decor.

This legendary London landmark and surrounding area has been brought back to life as one of the most exciting and innovative mixed-use neighbourhoods in the world – a place for locals, tourists and residents to enjoy a unique blend of shops, bars, restaurants, leisure and entertainment venues, parks and historical spaces. A place to shop, eat, drink and relax. There are 254 apartments within the complex and a total planned of 3,000 plus, within the total site.

“The iconic Battersea Power Station with its four chimneys may be a familiar sight to anyone passing by on either side of the River Thames but now the familiar historic building has a new neighbour.

The neighbour in question is a brand-new tower block, right alongside the old Grade II-listed power station building. It houses the art’otel London Battersea Power Station, which opened its doors on 12 December 2022.

The hotel is located on a pedestrianised street called Electric Boulevard, which runs up towards the Battersea Power Station tube station, served by the Northern Line.

Step inside and you find yourself in what could easily be mistaken for an art gallery, with playful works in bold colours and unique art created by the hotel’s signature artist, Jaime Hayon.

Though it is not open yet, the hotel’s crowning glory is expected to be its heated rooftop infinity pool on the 16th floor with spectacular views of London and a bar serving what the staff are billing as the best drinks in the city.

There will be a restaurant up there, too. JOIA on the 15th floor offering flavours of Portugal and Iberian spiced dishes, whilst you enjoy spectacular views of the Power Station’s famous chimneys.

A restaurant which is now open, however, is the TOZI Grand Café on the ground floor. A stylish Italian restaurant which sets out to bring the classic elegance of Europe’s Grand Cafés to the area. This is the third TOZI restaurant and the second in London.  The all-day food offering is led by Executive Head Chef, Lee Streeton, formerly of Rocco Forte Hotels, 45 Jermyn St and Daphne’s and a member of the Royal Academy of Culinary Arts.

Breakfast features Italian takes on dishes such as baked eggs, spianata piccante, puttanesca, potatoes, while for afternoon tea from £15.00, “Pasticceria Mignon” are offered.

TOZI favourites including veal Milanese and the restaurant’s signature lobster linguine are expected to be favourites for lunch and dinner. Sharing cicchetti, such as beef carpaccio, pickled mushrooms and Parmesan and baked scallop with nduja are served all day alongside salads and antipasti.

The double-height restaurant is dotted with hanging sculptural light fittings and a number of striking tapestries throughout the space, as part of an exhibition of one-off pieces.

With floor to ceiling windows and an alfresco terrace, TOZI Grand Café and its stylish bar will offer its guests a choice from an aperitivo menu that includes barrel-aged negronis, bellinis or seasonal spritzes, as well as an all-Italian wine list, perfectly matched to the food offering.

“I am incredibly excited for the launch of TOZI Grand Cafe. We’re taking the essence of TOZI Victoria and TOZI Amsterdam into a stunning new space, alongside exquisite art and design. Our elegant Italian menu is inspired by the theatre of Europe's Grand Cafes, and we are looking forward to bringing a little of la dolce vita to the heart of Battersea,” says art’otel London Battersea Power Station Executive Head Chef, Lee Streeton.

And it looks as though he and his team are well on the way to achieving their aim.

SINCE THIS PIECE WAS FIRST PUBLISHED CONTROL ROOM A HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR HIRE.

London’s newest and most unique event space, the control room can host 250 guests for receptions, and up to 100 seated.  It offers a one-of-a-kind experience in one of the Power Station's original control rooms, which was built in the 1930s and is Art Deco in design. It is a unique and highly memorable space that is perfect for events such as art and immersive exhibitions, parties, fashion shows, product launches, brand events, dinners and receptions.

From the restored switchboards and control desks to the gold-coffered glass ceiling, this authentic space is an unforgettable setting, allowing adaptability and multiple configurations across 650sqm. The space also has a dedicated entrance, a lobby with an Art Deco lift, two breakout rooms and a reception room. Original teak parquet floors and marble finishes bring period glamour to the space.

Simon Tracey, Group Chief Executive Officer of Broadwick Live, said:
“Bringing culture and live events to innovative spaces is what drives the success of Spaces & Stories. Control Room A is the jewel in the crown of Battersea Power Station, a landmark on the London skyline and an important part of the city’s identity. We cannot be more excited to be part of this iconic project for London and host events in such a unique and historical space.”    

Sam Cotton, Head of Asset Management at Battersea Power Station, said:

“Control Room A is an extremely special and one-of-a-kind space. With their experience hosting events in unique venues, we’re delighted to be working with Spaces & Stories to offer London’s newest and most exciting event space, which is steeped in history and will allow guests to get up close to the Control Room’s original dials and controls.”

www.batterseapowerstation.co.uk

www.artotellondonbattersea.com

www.tozigrandcafe.co.uk

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