In the dark of the evening, with the lights of the skyscrapers surrounding it, the Canary Wharf Ice Rink is pretty magical. Being open for 3 months of the year, it's the longest running ice rink in the Capital and the great way to end a day, or start an evening out.As someone who likes to spectate rather than do, the adjoining Moose Bar is the main attraction for me. Open to the public whether you're skating or not, this log cabin styled bar is a great place for a mulled wine after skating, or just a few beers after work!
In previous years the log cabin feel to the Moose bar was even more authentic with open fire stoves by each set of sofas, making it feel a very intimate environment, as if you were in your very own log cabin. Those have gone now (maybe a health and safety issue) but the ambiance is still there. As well as the fantastic wood benches, there are sofas and low tables with beanbags. At the launch, I met a lovely couple there to enjoy the performances put on and have a go at skating themselves. It was the first time they'd been to the Moose bar and I think they were impressed. We were joined later by Julia Lydall, a 10m pistol Olympic hopeful and Canary Wharf worker. She was there to promote the opening of the rink, and it was great to hear her story.
She's training hard (no mulled wine for her!) and getting ready for February when she will find out if she's qualified for the Olympics. Even though pistol shooting sounds a bit scary, she told me it was in fact the safest Olympic sport, as there is little chance of injury. But even so she trains very hard and not just on the skill of shooting itself, but physically and mentally too We agreed that as well as being the safest Olympic sport, pistol shooting was also the coolest!
I felt sorry for the poor chap sat about 10 metres away, who we were using as a measure for how far she shoots. We were picturing having to shoot an earring out of his ear from that distance. I'm not sure I'd even be able to see it, never mind shoot anywhere near it!
After much chatting, we were provided with sustenance from Wahaca, but seemingly not being proficient eaters of Mexican food, most of it ended up on the floor. Mince pies would have been most welcome!
In a previous relationship, going to the ice rink early on New Year's evening, then going to dinner, before coming back to the Moose bar for drinks, was quite a tradition of mine. And being there again last night, got me thinking I should go back to that tradition. But not that relationship!
Canary Wharf Ice Rink
12 November 2011 – 19 February 2012Canada Square Park
Tickets available online at www.ticketmaster.co.uk or call 0844 847 1556
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