The temperature is dropping in London, and that can only mean one thing: the return of the ice rinks! It’s time to glide, slip, and slide into the cooler months and luckily for us, the Somerset House ice rink is back again this winter in all its festive glory.
Somerset House’s fabulous ice rink has always felt like one of those ‘moments’ that kick off Christmas in London, so we’re glad to see it back in the city. How else would we know when the Christmas season has started? Skate at Somerset House opened up to the public on November 15, 2023, and is set to run all the way up until January 14, 2024. And this year, it comes with the addition of a sparkly pink rosé lounge, courtesy of Whispering Angel.
It’s the rink that launched a thousand festive Instagram snaps, and keen skaters can once again master the triple Salchow – or stumble around like a novice. A skate at Somerset House is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the winter, with the magical setting and Christmas cheer aplenty.
What to do at the Somerset House ice rink
Somerset House has partnered up with Switzerland Tourism for the event, with further support from Whispering Angel and HSBC UK. There will be Skate Lates, for late-night sessions, as well as sessions themed around iconic Swiss regions, and a rink-side Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel, who are on hand to prove that rosé isn’t just a summer sipper.
Pop-up legend Jimmy Garcia is back with the Chalet Suisse, an après-ski-inspired hangout. And yes, that does mean fondue! And for the inevitable last-minute Christmas shopping will be the Shelter Boutique pop-up. There visitors will be able to browse a “handpicked selection of pre-loved vintage, designer and high-street clothing and gifts.”
The Skate Lounge by Whispering Angel
Rosé has quickly become a year-round favourite, and so Whispering Angel has read the room (and the rink) and will be serving up plenty of the good stuff this festive season. The lounge will be serving up a full menu of festive rosé cocktails, from a steaming cup of mulled Whispering Angel to modern pink twists on classic cocktails. Rosé margarita, anyone?
Situated rink-side, the lounge will be injecting some Whispering Angel sparkly pink-ness into Somerset House‘s legendary ice rink this year – so be sure to stop by for a pre- or post-skate tipple.
Tickets start at £11 for adults and £8 for kids, with Skate Lates tickets starting at £15.
Somerset House Ice Rink
Also published on Medium.