Review of 'Skate at Somerset House (2018)'

https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house

Skate at Somerset House returns for another year signalling the Christmas season has arrived! Somerset House is a great setting for a small skating rink. While not for serious skaters, it is good for a bit of a giggle. Standard adult tickets for a 45 minute session (occasionally one hour, depending on the time/day) are £11 with concessions/children at £8.50 including skate hire (the skates are blue lace-up ice hockey skates). Our session was the last in the day which meant there were fewer children around so perhaps a bit more predictable skaters…If this is for you look for the “Skate Lates” which also feature a DJ.

Before or after skating there are a few things for you to do including the “Skate Lounge” alongside the rink with a view of the action on the ice. There are the expected drinks on offer here, alcohol (beers and spirits), coffees and hot chocolate (with or without Baileys!) but there are also a few snack items such as cakes and biscuits.

The wing to the right of the ice rink houses “Fortnum's Chirstmas Arcade” featuring a large assortment of Fortnum and Mason seasonal gifts and food.

There is a coat check (free for skaters, £2 for others) behind the box office. Arriving for your session, you exchange your shoes for a pair of skates that you put on in a large change room (you return skates after your session in a smaller room behind this). The attendants are quick and courteous.

The skating itself is quite good. The ice is soft and the rink is so small you spend most of your time going around yet another corner. The marshals are always attentive and ready to offer a helping hand if you happen to fall.

• Ice - 7/10
• Skates - 8/10 (can be difficult to adjust but at least you can!)
• Aprés Skate - 10/10
• Price - 8/10
• Skate Services - 9/10
• Music - 9/10 (rock classics)

Good fun and a great way to get into the mood.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2018-11-12

Location: London (England)

Address: Strand, London WC2R 1LA ENGLAND

Public Transport: Temple

Telephone: +44 (0)20 7845 4600

URL: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/

Somerset House is located just off the Strand on the Thames embankment between Embankment and Blackfriar's tube stations. It plays host to a number of regular art exhibits and events. The central courtyard in the Christmas season is home to a skating rink but in the summer is used for concerts and film displays. There is a small gift shop on the right when you enter (under the arches) and a restaurant on the portico nearest the river.