SOUTH LONDON CALLING

LIFT 109

Promising a panoramic view like no other, this is a chance to get inside one of the Power Station’s famous chimneys. The experience starts in the Art Deco Turbine Hall A where the history of the Power Station is told through dynamic animations, interactive tables, immersive media, and soundscapes. Your boring school history trip this is not. The centre piece is a whirling light installation that glows as the visitors interact with a multiplayer touch screen. The countdown to “lift off” happens in the Infinity Room where virtual energy particles swirl around you in response to your touch. A first lift takes you to the base of the north-west tower then it’s onwards and upwards, 109m to the viewing platform, as a constellation of lights swirl around you. The tower is a little lower than the likes of the London Eye, or the Sky Garden in 20 Fenchurch Street (otherwise known as the Walkie Talkie) however its 360º view of London is a unique perspective thanks to the Station’s location. Keep an eagle eye on the weather, this is not a rainy-day attraction.

Adults, £15.90, children, £11.90, groups from £14.40 | Lift109.co.uk

CHRISTMAS

Glide is back. This beautiful riverside ice rink will be running from November 10 – January 7. Three interconnecting rinks are surrounded by twinkling fairy lights and a spectacular 30ft Christmas tree. Off the rink there’s vintage-style fairground rides, live entertainment, and, a photo booth, because it if doesn’t go on the Grid did it really happen? The fabulous Glass House Bar will also be returning. More than just a pre-skate drink spot, it also offers its own programme of entertainment, including pub quizzes, themed music nights, DJs, and live bands. Sponsor Jo Malone will have an onsite immersive experience, where you will be able to browse the latest festive colognes and home scents. There will even be the opportunity to personalise your gifts with bottle engraving or gift-box embossing.

Tickets from glidebatterseapowerstation.co.uk

CINNAMON KITCHEN

Definitely not your local ruby, this is the latest opening from one of the UK’s most successful and respected modern Indian chefs, Vivek Singh. Originally from Asansol in West Bengal, Singh’s cuisine combines seasonal British ingredients with a mix of traditional Indian flavours alongside more contemporary inspiration as well. To quote the man himself “we create menus and dishes that are mindful of Indian tradition but are always evolving, adapting, changing to keep in step with the times.” That means jackfruit and lotus root koftas, crisp fried aubergine steaks with a Bengali-style mustard sauce or a roganjosh but done with a Kashmiri lamb shank. The restaurant is open from noon and you can pop by for brunch, a full meal, or just snacks and cocktails. We’d recommend the Saturday Bhangra Brunch where, for £59pp for the bottomless champagne option, you can enjoy such delights as Masala scrambled eggs and tandoori chicken while a DJ spins Punjab’s finest beats.

info@cinnamon-kitchenbattersea.com | 020 3995 5075

JOIA ROOFTOP BAR

If you prefer to go all’aperto (as any Italian will tell you, al fresco actually means “in prison” ie indoors) the 16th floor of the art’otel is the place to be. Bringing the spirit, and flavours, of Lisbon to London, the menu is designed by twice-Michelin starred Henrique Sá Pessoa who owns Alma where he reinvents Portuguese classics. The same mix of tradition and irreverence is in evidence at Joia. Think Ibercio croquetas, octopus salad, and patatas bravas with wines and cocktails specially chosen to complement. It’s walk-ins only so get there early to secure your spot.

info@joiabattersea.co.uk

BIRDIES CRAZY GOLF

This promises to be a nine-hole golf course like no other. Forget scratchy AstroTurf that’s seen better days and random rundown castles, this is dopamine deliverance for the Instagram generation. Put around some massive liquorice allsorts, try and keep your ball on the straight while surrounded by strobe lights, and maybe pose for a moment under an enormous Anglepoise lamp. Then, when you’ve filled your grid, stuck up a few Stories, and maybe scored a hole in one, celebrate with a Cherry Woo Woo and a stack of beef, cheese and chipotle mayo from resident kitchen Cheeky Burger. Crazy golf will never be the same again.

Adults, £13, children £8 | Playbirdies.com / 020 3011 1188

DNA VR

If you fancy escaping reality, then DNA VR is the place to go. The venue offers 50 virtual experiences ranging from surviving a zombie apocalypse to fighting dragons or having a mooch around the Pyramids. With the Escape Room options you can prevent a nuclear disaster, discover the evil secrets of an ancient temple or indulge in whimsy and save Alice’s Wonderland. There’s even a no wires Premium Free Roaming involving stopping a runaway train, terrifying yourself in the Hospital of Horror or trying to escape a creepy manor where a mad scientist has been experimenting on dangerous creatures. You can go it alone but why not get a group together? Escape Rooms are for a maximum of six people, while the Arcade experience, which gives you access to numerous multiplayer games from zero-gravity laser tag in Skyfront to ocean exploration with theBlu, accommodates up to 10 players. Turn up, tune in, and leave the real world behind. If only for an hour or so.

Starting at £24pp for six people doing a VR Escape Room at super-off peak times | Dnavr.co.uk / 020 4503 9805