London's most impressive pool view in an SW11 postcode.
A few months ago, I was invited to stay at the art'otel in Battersea. The hotel was both modular and artsy. It was impeccably designed and the staff and service match its efficacy.
But it wasn't necessarily just the hotel that stood out to me.
Battersea is growing in its repertoire of things to do, and continues to stand out as a hub for eating and drinking when the sun shines in the city. But if you want to go swimming in London, and feel pretty cool when doing it, make a beeline for this rooftop.
On the 16th floor of the hotel, and only available for guests, you might not think it's high enough in a city of skyscrapers to have impact. But believe me when I tell you this pool has something to say. Overlooking the Battersea Power Station chimneys, you'll rarely find yourself being stared down by such an iconic while doing the breastroke. On a sunny day, you're seeing not only for miles, but admiring every nook and cranny of the restored rooftop, that really is historic (and an impressive feat of repair and rehabilitation). Plus, if looking at the rooftop gardens of multimillionaire flats is your thing, you can do that too.
It's part heated, with a separate mini pool for lounging. Towels are supplied, but there's only a minimum set of daybeds/loungers, so if you're going to pool, I'd recommend getting there at about 7:30am on a nice day, as people were already filling seats when we got there. Added bonus? A bar around the corner, for your usual suspects, and a really great spritz.
Find more of London's rooftop pools here.
