It’s a lively area packed with things to do and great restaurants, along with the impressive Battersea Park. In this guide we will give you local insight into the best things to do in Battersea, Clapham, and the surrounding area.
The Best Restaurants & Cafes in Battersea & Clapham
Battersea is packed with excellent places to eat, from stylish local cafes to high-end fine dining.
Sendero Coffee has a focus on sustainable sourcing of coffee and a reputation for top-quality coffee, with two locations in Battersea and one in Clapham. For a morning snack with your coffee, you can head to The Little Battersea Bakery west of Battersea Park. It serves fresh bread, pastries, coffee, and more. Pear Tree Cafe in Battersea Park is a hit in the summer months, where you can get a drink next to the boating lake.
For lunch and dinner, you are spoiled for choice in Battersea. For classic Italian you can head to Archway near Battersea Park Station. If you prefer French fine dining, you can grab a table at Ploussard, near Clapham Common. It serves innovative French dishes with an extensive Wine list. If you can’t decide what to eat, Arcade Food Hall in Battersea Power Station has a range of options including Taiwanese, Nepali, and Mexican.
There are also a host of other great restaurants around Battersea Power Station including Megan’s for a taste of the Mediterranean and Roti King for Malaysian cuisine.
Next to Clapham Junction Station you can also find some great independent restaurants. Botanica Hall offers brunch and hot-desking in the daytime and cocktails in the evening. Finally, Song Hong on Lavendar Hill Road has affordable modern Vietnamese cuisine.
Best Pubs and Bars in Battersea & Clapham
Battersea also has a vibrant social scene with a fantastic array of pubs and bars. For a traditional pub experience, The Prince Albert near Battersea Park offers a classic British menu, whilst The Duke of Cambridge is known for its excellent Sunday roast. The Lighthouse provides a cosy setting with a focus on seasonal food. For something a bit different, No. 29 Power Station West offers a stylish setting with riverside views, and Control Room B at the Power Station provides a unique experience in a historic setting.
There are also good options for a late-night out. Bunga Bunga offers a lively Italian-themed experience with different music on different floors. Lost Society cocktail bar and restaurant transforms into a late-night venue with DJs. For live music and a buzzing atmosphere, Northcote Records often has live bands from the area. Nearby Clapham also offers a wide selection of clubs, such as The Clapham Grand and is easily accessible from Battersea.
Things to do around Battersea
For panoramic 360° views of London, you can experience Lift 109 in the northwest chimney of Battersea Power Station. Close by, in the heart of Battersea Park you can find the Pump House Gallery, which hosts regular exhibitions in a 4-storey Victorian tower.
For a unique cinema experience, you can try Cinema in the Arches, located under the arches of Grosvenor Bridge. Battersea Arts Centre near Clapham Junction is the perfect place to watch a show, from contemporary dance to theatre and music, including performances for children.
You can also head to neighbouring Clapham for the Omnibus theatre or the Voltaire Gallery.
Green Spaces in Battersea and Clapham
Residents of Battersea have fast access to several green spaces. The most obvious and convenient is, of course, Battersea Park. This sprawling park is more than just a place to jog or walk the dog; it also boasts an athletics track, boating lake, and even a children's zoo. Situated along the Thames, it is the perfect place for long walks through its 200 acres of parkland and gardens. Numerous events also take place in the park throughout the year, including 10k races, art fairs, and open-air concerts.
To the south lies another huge park, Clapham Common. It’s popular with joggers and is also home to football pitches and basketball courts. Southwest of Battersea, you can also find Wandsworth Common with tennis courts and a children’s playground.
Finally, north of the river is the Royal Hospital South Grounds, home of the Chelsea Flower Show, and further north, Hyde Park.
Battersea public transport connections
Battersea has excellent transport links to the rest of London. You can take the Northern Line from Battersea Power Station to get to the city in 25 minutes. Battersea Park station has Overground services and Southern Rail services.
Clapham Junction Station is a major transport hub offering Southwestern and Southern trains along with Overground services. There are also numerous bus routes that run through Battersea, connecting it to wider London.
Shared Ownership Homes in Battersea
For those who would love to make Battersea their home, One Clapham is the perfect opportunity. One Clapham is a spectacular new collection of 1, 2 & 3-bedroom Shared Ownership apartments, just a 2-minute walk from Clapham Junction Station.
One Clapham is situated between Battersea and Clapham, offering the best of both worlds. Residents will be able to take full advantage of both areas’ lively scenes, plus the exceptional transport links to the rest of London.
Residents will benefit from a range of amenities, including a 24-hour concierge, a residents' Peloton room, and communal gardens. Each home also comes with a private balcony or terrace.
For more information and to register your interest, please visit our One Clapham page.
Frequently asked questions about living in Battersea
There is a host of attractions in Battersea. Some of the most popular are Battersea Park, Battersea Power Station, the Children’s Zoo, and Battersea Dogs and Cats Home.
Battersea offers a more laid-back nightlife vibe compared to central London, with a great selection of pubs and trendy bars dotted around. While it may not have mega-clubs, you’ll find plenty of spots for a relaxed drink and a fun evening.
Battersea offers a mix of shops to cater to residents and visitors. The redeveloped Power Station boasts high-street and premium brands alongside unique boutiques. Northcote Road provides a more traditional high street feel with many independent shops. For everyday needs, Battersea High Street caters to locals.
