Entering the area of Battersea Power Station, one is struck by the iconic architecture of the building redeveloped by architects WilkinsonEyre.

What is on offer here continues to grow giving residents in Southwest London multiple options for shopping, dining and entertainment. So much so it could possibly convert the staunchest of Londoners living north of the Thames to head south.

Having visited the area just shy of its big opening last year I was looking forward to seeing what it was all about. Feeling excited on this blue skied crisp winter’s day, we tried out a few things. A wonderful lunch near the river at Tapas Brindisa, followed by ice skating at Jo Malone’s Glide then celebratory cocktails at Control Room B to express our relief at being unscathed after the first skate of the season.

Tapas Brindisa is a welcoming space with options of a dog friendly terrace with views to the river and Chelsea Bridge, high tables near the front windows and as you move deeper into the room, cosy booths, and tables with views of a devoted cured food counter and all the action in the kitchen that foodies delight in. In true Spanish style most diners started to arrive around 1.30pm and was full by 2.30pm.

When undecided on what to choose a good server is always a great resource in the decision-making process. Service here is delightfully helpful, friendly yet unobtrusive. A wonderful suggestion was made by Manuel to begin with an aperitivo of Olives, Anchovies and Salty Roasted Almonds accompanied by a Manzanilla La Gitana sherry.  Don’t mind if I do! Sherry is not something as a family we would usually have for an aperitivo, but it paired extremely well with the saltiness of the anchovies and the flavoursome olives. I am thinking Christmas Day may need to begin in this way. My dining partner had a Red Wine Sangria because when in “Spain” …

The cocktail menu has “Classics” as well as “Seasonal Cocktails” with a Spanish twist. The “Granada Sherry Cobbler” caught my eye with ingredients such as sherry, pomegranate, lemon, and earl grey. For another day when I will not be required to keep my balance on an ice-skating rink.

The sharing Tapas plates which followed were all excellent. There was a lovely light smokiness to the chorizo dish and the accompaniment of the bean purée was a thoughtful and considered match.

Gambas al ajillo, shrimp simmered in garlicky olive oil is a staple tapas dish. The shrimp was perfectly cooked remaining tender and juicy. There was more olive oil than I am used to seeing in this dish but we all know there is nothing wrong with a healthy amount of olive oil in our diets. The only mistake we made was to not order some bread to mop up the garlicky oil.  The Tortilla was a generous moist wedge of goodness and in the name of, my body is my temple, we ordered some Broccoli sauteed with raisins, onions and pine nuts.

Turron was the dessert special of the day - a cheese cake of sorts with the most delicious almond and biscuit base, which I will be attempting myself at home because we loved it that much. Not a crumb was left to waste. I did mention to Manuel that it was coming very close to competing with everyone’s favourite Burnt Basque cheese cake and he looked at me in disbelief. I’ve had the original at La Viña in San Sebastian so I know what I am talking about.

The QR code on the menu when scanned will give you information on their sourcing and sustainability and details of their suppliers. They can proudly do this as each ingredient really stood out for me in terms of quality.

To really hit home the thought that Tapas Brindisa really could be London’s most pet friendly restaurant I noticed a rather delicious looking dog bowl of fresh rice and chicken on the kitchen pass as well as some very good-looking meaty mains which I will have to save for next time.

Overall, I think this is the perfect stop to see the light of day after shopping in the Power Station or to meet after work for light nibbles and aperitivo. As there is The Turbine theatre around the corner, a Pre theatre dinner would work a treat. Should you have an occasion to celebrate there is a semiprivate area with a large table for groups of up to 12 people.

With our bellies full we headed out for the short walk of fresh air on the way to GLIDE ice skating rink sponsored this year by Jo Malone which sits between the Power Station and the bank of the Thames. A spacious rink by London standards and well adorned with a spectacular Christmas tree at its centre. For the non-skaters there are observation areas, IWC’s Glass House Bar (a pop-up bar adjacent to the rink) or take a spin on the carrousel. Do think to book a penguin in advance for the beginner in your family as they tend to sell out for the skate sessions.

Having shaken out our skating cobwebs we were ready to head in for a cocktail (or two) at Control Room B, from the people behind Mr Fogg’s and Cahoots. Historically this is a wonderful space to showcase. The bar has slotted into a space that once controlled a fifth of the city’s power of prominent buildings such as Buckingham Palace and Parliament.

The shiny stainless steel equipment  of the power station control room arches around the periphery of the room with a  turbine-inspired radial sculpture bar at the centre. The cocktail menu is a fun read and stayed on theme. There are two tall octagonal shaped Synchroscopes on display just inside the glass protective screen in the bar area (an important piece of equipment in the day but I will not bore you with why) hence it was the obvious choice of cocktail served in a Synchroscope shaped ceramic vessel. It contained the combinations I enjoy most in a cocktail and was a perfect end to the day with gin and fresh citrusy flavours.

It is a taxing job shopping somewhere with so much choice but I can’t think of a better place to end the day than with a cocktail at Control Room B.

Click here to discover what’s on at Battersea Power Station this Christmas.

Location: Battersea Power Station, London SW11 8BJ. Website: batterseapowerstation.co.uk.

Words by Natascha Milsom