The highest ice rink in London has left some skaters scratching their heads after they found it is missing a crucial element: ice.
The new attraction generated excitement online when it was built on the roof of Peckham landmark, the Bussey building, in south east London.
It is on the site of the seasonal Rooftop Film Club, which shows outdoor film screenings during the warm months, and comes with panoramic views of the city skyline.
But after the venue opened on 17 November, visitors reported disappointment at its ‘state-of-the-art synthetic skate rink.’
One TikTok user posted a video of their friends stomping around awkwardly across the surface in skates.
‘This was equally hilarious and upsetting,’ they wrote in the caption below, while also demanding a refund and urging the venue to ‘sort it out’.
Another person who posted about the rink said: ‘The concept is great and a game changer but we need ice!’
The organisers’ website is clear about the rink not being made of real ice and even positions it as a green alternative to traditional skating venues.
It says: ‘Our rink is made from synthetic ice that lets you spin, slide, and show off your moves – minus the chill and the puddles. It’s smooth, safe, and perfect for festive rooftop skating.’
‘Plus, because it doesn’t require freezing or power, it’s a more eco-friendly way to keep the good times rolling all winter long.’
And things could be worse: the new attraction also has a heated rooftop bar which serves boozy hot chocolates and Christmas-themed pizzas and festive cocktails, along with DJ sets on Fridays and Saturdays.
The venue also says it is London’s ‘highest skate rink’.
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Then again, those who bought £14 tickets could be excused for not reading the small print given the attraction is – perhaps unfortunately – called ‘ICE.’
Metro approached the organisers for comment.
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