Brewing year-round comfort at WatchHouse Battersea Power Station
Battersea Power Station has become one of London’s most recognisable lifestyle destinations, blending historic industrial architecture with modern retail, hospitality, and social spaces. Positioned at the entrance to Electric Boulevard is WatchHouse Battersea Power Station, the brand’s largest Espresso Bar.
Spanning 240sqm, the venue takes inspiration from the Power Station’s original control rooms, combining curved partitions, softened steel, and sculptural seating with a contemporary design approach that balances industrial character with warmth and calm.
As part of its open-door approach to hospitality, maintaining a comfortable indoor environment is essential for WatchHouse, particularly during winter when freezing temperatures can be expected.
To achieve this, JS Air Curtains supplied an Essensse Neo air curtain through electrical services supplier A T & T (GB) Ltd. for installation above the main entrance. Designed for commercial spaces where aesthetics and performance must work together, the unit creates a comfortable environment for WatchHouse that complements its welcoming atmosphere, and allows the front doors to remain open throughout the day.
Sarah Hutching, Supervisor at WatchHouse Battersea Power Station commented,
“We have an open-door policy, so keeping the entrance comfortable and the heat in during winter is really important for us. Even when it was snowing and freezing last winter, the air curtain kept the warmth inside and customers really appreciated walking into a warm space. The controller is also very straightforward to use and we were able to mount it discreetly in a cupboard, which has helped maintain the aesthetic of the space, while preventing tampering.”
The Essensse Neo air curtain creates an invisible barrier across the doorway, helping prevent external air entering the building while retaining conditioned indoor air. Its unique “straw system” outlet releases air steadily at high pressure to provide an effective seal across the entrance.
Designed specifically for retail and hospitality environments, it combines high performance with a slim, low-profile appearance that integrates discreetly into contemporary interiors. The concealed inlet grille creates a cleaner front face while also allowing for simple maintenance.
The Essensse Neo unit is controlled using the integrated AirGENIO PRIME control system, offering automatic operation with manual override. Features include built-in temperature sensors, timer functions, and app-based remote control for smarter day-to-day management. The system also supports BMS integration via Modbus protocols, alongside optional cloud connectivity for remote monitoring and control via a web interface from any location.
Thanks to the Essensse Neo, WatchHouse Battersea Power Station is helping customers enjoy their coffee in comfort, whatever the season.
