WHAT TO DO IN BATTERSEA

SEE

Check out the Battersea Arts Centre, housed within the Victorian former town hall. Its programme runs the full cultural gamut, from contemporary dance to Proms concerts, with many events priced as ‘pay what you can’. Try and catch a performance in the vast, atmospheric Grand Hall. bac.org.uk

DO

With a boating lake, children’s zoo, Go Ape and various manicured gardens, Battersea Park’s a day out in its own right. Stick around until the evening for a sourdough pizza and live music at the park’s Pear Tree Cafe.

EAT

Set amidst the glassy new high-rise of Nine Elms, Oxeye is the delicious brainchild of MasterChef: The Professionals finalist Sven-Hanson Britt. The ever-changing tasting menu takes its cue from the restaurant’s partner farm in Derbyshire, with dishes that might include chargrilled swede consommé or Portland sheep with turnip. oxeyerestaurant.co.uk

DRINK

Head to the Four Thieves — a rambling pub-cum-games room just a short stroll from Clapham Junction station. Take your pick of the craft beers before trying your hand at some of the retro-themed games on offer, from dance mats and gopher racing golf to table hockey and even virtual reality gaming. fourthieves.pub

S TAY

Design gurus, take note — the UK’s first art’otel is opening on Battersea Power Station’s Electric Boulevard this autumn, bringing the hotel group’s bold colour palettes and quirky decor to the capital. The 164-room property will also be home to an art gallery, four restaurants and bars, and a rooftop pool. artotellondonbattersea.com