
Though winter in London is marked in part by the arrival of festive ice rinks, we couldn’t pass up the chance to let you know about the arrival of a legendary American roller rink in London, could we? More than just an etnicing name, Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace is steeped in history, and was originally a city of angels hotspot open between 1979-1981 in Los Angeles.
Last summer saw its successful revival over in the Big Apple’s Rockefeller Center, and the party has crossed the pond and landed at a 34,000 square-feet venue in White City. Now it’s the turn of Londoners to slay on the roller skates. The new venue marks the first permanent and all-year-round Flippers venue in the world since 1981.
When Flippers took over the Rockefeller Center last summer, they brought an entertainment programme with regulars and performers including Will.I.Am, Mary J Blige, Alicia Keys and many more. It was a roaring success, and is even slated to return in spring 2023 for a seven month residency. And the legendary skaters are hoping the formula delivers the goods in the city of London now that it’s open to the public.
Flippers in London
Co-founders Liberty Ross and Kevin Wall have partnered with Usher to launch the spectacular roller disco palace that incorporates a swish roller skate rink, a live music venue, a delightful American diner (Hot Dogs and Caviar, named after the OG Flippers diner in LA) and a pro-skate shop. Skaters can show off their tricks on the rinks before tucking into curated cocktails, wagyu smash burgers, Nashville hot chicken sandwiches and loaded fries. Plus, the skating hub can house public and private events for a whole variety of celebrations.
Ross is carrying on the work of her father Ian ‘Flipper’ Ross, who opened the original LA venue – often described as ‘Studio 54 on wheels’ – in 1979. The new venue in White City hopes to speak to the spirit of London’s skate enthusiasts from any generation, from the grizzled veterans to those picking up their skates for the first time.
Broadwick Live has found Flipper’s Roller Boogie Palace a home at Exhibition London. That’s the same team behind Printworks! The venue dates back to 1899, in a grade II-listed former power station, and it’s right by Central Westfield. Not a bad spot for a new flagship site…
Liberty Ross, co-founder of the new venue, said: “Flipper’s is a hub, a home, for creative expression. Our community is vibrant, dynamic, exciting, warm and free-spirited and we will be the home to London’s roller skating set!”
“I was born into the roller skating culture and so, I am honoured to now provide a safe home for an experience with like minded people whom I loved, respected, and learned from.”