Control Room B, SW8

Blackthorn _ left this review about Control Room B

A recently opened cocktail bar in the Battersea Power Station complex, this is, as it’s name suggests, situated in one of the old control rooms from the power stations. Or at least contains much of the original control gear, whether or not the location is the same, I’m not sure. The control gear certainly piqued my interest, and having been to the group’s Mr Foggs bar in Covent Garden, was keen to give this a go. The control gear itself is extensive covering the whole back wall, but unfortunately situated behind a Perspex screen, so you can’t get that close to it which is a bit of a shame.

Other than that, the atmosphere was a bit lacking; it’s entirely open at the front overlooking the turbine hall/shops, and it really felt a little like a bar in a shopping centre. I like my cocktail bars all together more cosy and intimate. The cocktail list was surprising concise, with only about three to choose from, although I note that the menu on their website is much more extensive. Perhaps it depends when you go, we did have the “lunch” menu. I opted for the Synchroscope (named after one of the control room pieces of equipment) which was Oxley gin, Essential lemon verbena liqueur, ginger & lemongrass cordial, pear purée, cloudy apple juice and fresh lime juice. This was actually pretty good, a decent measure and very tasty, and other drinks around the table were also well received.

Overall, I’m glad I came here, the drinks were good, the service was good and the control gear very interesting. But it was quite expensive (£13.50 for my cocktail, plus the service charge) and really lacking any atmosphere, so I’m not sure I’d rush back.

On 26^th July 2025 - rating: 6
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