MONDAY 2 NOV, 2009

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
Battersea’s up–and–coming credentials

Living in Battersea comes with its challenges. Other peoples, to be exact. If I’m not getting ribbed for our lack of tube line (seriously, hit me where it hurts, my deficiency in fetid underground transport), it’s Dog’s Home jokes or a posh woman sneeringly pronouncing it Batta–sia, presumably in an effort to make it sound like an urban utopia.

But the neighbourhood’s experiencing a rejuvenation – and if you believe the hype of “ecologically aware” Hotel Rafayel – it could even be the new Left Bank. Ha. Due to open in December, it boasts 65 guestrooms, a spa created by Content Beauty/Wellbeing, some rather extravagant cupcakes on offer at Mychelle’s Baketique, and the waterfront Indo-Japanese restaurant, Banyan Riverside.

If that doesn’t take your fancy, Kingsland Road institution Mien Tay has recently opened its second branch in the vicinity, offering Batta–sians yummy Vietnamese at even yummier prices.

But really, if Battersea is known for one thing, it’s our magnificent, if decrepit Powerstation. Sure its outdoor space has been used for the odd ski show, but now it has an indoor area available for events, with a clear roof and views of the towering chimneys. Boris is clearly impressed – with a £5.5 billion commercial/residential plan on the table, and news that the American Embassy’s moving into the area, he’s even considering extending the Northern line.

Take that, haters – first the tube, then the world.

INFO
Hotel Rafayel – opening December 2009
Falcon Wharf Building, 34 Lombard Road, SW11 3RF

Mien Tay
180 Lavender Hill, SW11 5TQ

Boiler House at Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station, SW8 5BW

PERSONAL SHOPPER: A NATION OF SHOPKEEPERS

Personal Shopper has been on something of an extended sabbatical, since she unearthed a half price Balenciaga bag at Selfridges and took off to Tibet to try and figure out the real meaning of life, now that her only benchmark (luxury goods) had been somewhat devalued. Anyhow, she’s back (with karma in tow) to check out the latest shops making a splash on the London scene.

Click here for more information…

BOOK NOW – The luxury travel fair hits town this weekend and Six Senses Resorts & Spas are giving away free massages to inspire you for that perfect trip. 5th-8th November, £12.

THEATRE – Nursery Crimes – the musical that asks did Humpty Dumpty fall, or was he pushed? 10pm, King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper St, N1 1QN. £10.

PLAY – Daiquiris and dominoes are on offer at the ever-stylish Artesian Bar, complete with sharing platter for two. 5pm -1am, 1C Portland Place, W1B 1JA. £55.

ART – Artists share their fascination with the modest shed, and how they punch above their architectural weight. 7-9pm, Alan Baxter Gallery, 70 Cowcross Street, EC1M 6EJ. £6.