Culture in Battersea...
Battersea has a small-town feel and a strong sense of community. Several community groups, including The Battersea Society, operate within the area promoting community issues and arranging meetings and events. The area has one of the highest concentrations of young families in Europe, earning it the nickname “Nappy Valley”. As you’d expect in such a family-friendly area, schooling is good with some schools achieving “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings.
One of the best things about Battersea is its abundance of green spaces. As well as riverside walks, woodland trails and plenty of cycle routes, the area has some great parkland. Wandsworth Common, which joins Clapham Common, has a large open green and hosts various sporting activities, events and live music. Battersea Park is spread over 200 acres and is situated on marshland reclaimed from the Thames. It has peaceful walks and is home to a wide variety of birds and plant species. If all that fresh air gets a bit much, head to The Pump House Gallery, a contemporary exhibition space located in a distinctive four-storey Grade I listed Victorian tower which sits on the lakeside within the Park.
Shopping in Battersea is centred around Northcote Road where local shops and independent traders sit alongside well-known high street stores. Northcote Road Market is great for locally sourced goods, and there is the Antiques Market which offers two floors of antiques and collectibles. Along with cafes and delicatessens, there are some great restaurants in the area including Nancy Lam’s Enak Enak – where you can try Indonesian-inspired dishes like barbecue prawns and rendang. For something out of the ordinary, try Battersea Barge – a floating restaurant that hosts musical, comedy and cabaret entertainment as you dine. Nightlife is varied and includes a good mix of traditional pubs and livelier bars. The Doodle Bar, one of The Guardian’s Top 5 Quirky Bars in London, has walls you can scribble on, a ping-pong table and artistic installations to enjoy. For after-hours fun head to Alchemist, a contemporary cocktail bar with a dance floor and garden seating area.