Somerset House: Skate Lates

Skate Lates - Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason (c) James Bryant
Skate Lates
Skate at Somerset House with Fortnum & Mason
Skate runs from November 14th, 2018 – January 13th, 2019

by Alice Sanders

One of my favourite things to do in the London winter – which is long and cold – is to go ice-skating on one of the many outdoor ice rinks that are temporarily erected. The temporary ice rink in the courtyard of the neo-classical Somerset House might be my most favourite of all. From the 14th of November to the 13th of January, you too can take advantage of this stunningly positioned patch of ice. The rink isn’t enormous, but it’s big enough to do some proper skating on, if like me you like to bust some moves. And, indeed, if you dare to risk falling arse-over-festive-tit.

Somerset House Skate is offering late night party sets with DJs, the Fortnum and Mason lodge in which you can consume sweet treats, their arcade in which you can do some emergency Christmas shopping, and my personal favourite, the Bailey’s lounge. ‘Tis the season to be high on Bailey’s, sugar and Christmas cheer for upwards of two hours after a delicious Bailey’s hot chocolate, fa la la la etc.

I am not someone who is easily excited by Christmas; I’m fairly cynical of the entire holiday. But, ironically, all that ice seems to make my heart melt. So leave your cynicism at home and take a friend, child, or lover to enjoy some skating in the shadow of an 18th century building and a giant Christmas tree.

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