Skylight, Tobacco Dock: Old car park harbours ice rink, booze and street food
The ice rink at Winter Skylight. Picture: Steve Dunlop - Credit: Steve Dunlop Photographer
Emma Bartholomew tries out the ice rink and street food at Skylight - which is perhaps the only bar in London where you can skate.
The car park at Tobacco Dock has been converted into a rooftop venue, Skylight. Picture: Steve Dunlop - Credit: Steve Dunlop Photographer
The ice rink at Skylight might just be the smallest I’ve ever seen - but it’s certainly got the most impressive view.
The Shard, St Paul’s and Canary Wharf are in the distance as the sun set on an icy winter day.
In May its owners decided to make the most of its spectacular view and set up a croquet lawn, petanque courts and lawn bowls there.
The latest newcomer to the seasonal themed novelty bar sector, they then decided to install the ice rink for the colder months.
The car park at Tobacco Dock has been converted into a rooftop venue, Skylight. - Credit: Steve Dunlop Photographer
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Despite its tiny size, the massive crowd of people queuing to get on the rink managed to all cram in.
Kids are welcome before 6pm, and my nine-year-old daughter and her mate had plenty of fun pushing each other around on a penguin.
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The real draw here though is for adults who can grab a glass of mulled wine or winter-themed cocktail at any of its three bars, and indulge in the winter sport all the merrier.
It’s for this reason perhaps that you need to sign a waiver before donning your skates, saying you can’t sue them if you have an accident.
Skating costs £10 for 45 minutes on the rink, including skate hire.
You can also try hockey shooting on the roof, and once you get a bit chilly you can retire to the heated indoor bar which occupies nearly the whole floor of the car park below.
The cosy alpine theme is complete with furry throws and cushions. Were it not for the ramps you’d never know you were in a car park with its wooden parquet flooring, neon lights and benches.
You can take your pick from its two street food restaurants – or choose grub from both, like us.
A fondue stall has the traditional savoury cheese option for £14.95 as well as melted chocolate at £9.95.
They also do a good poutine, with chips coming with cheese curds and gravy.
The other offering comes from an interesting Greek and Korean blend of burgers, salads and pita breads, all priced about £10 each.
It’s tasty comfort food, and was a satisfying end to our sporty outing.
Not bad for a giant parking lot.
See skylightlondon.com.
