Get your Skates on!
The Skating rink at Queens is a funky and cool place, partly because it brings out everyone from dating couples, young people, kids, and elders. Although there is an image of skating and bowling as being a bit downmarket, it’s not really the case in the Queens skate dine bowl.
The location helps give it some class. Next to Queensway tube, West London, the area is next to some of the biggest consulates, as well as nearby Kensington Palace. The venue does get some idiots, mainly rough kids from some of the housing estates. On the other hand, you will see many young Chinese women, and Asians of other countries (something to do with ice-skating being seen as an acceptable past time). Have a look at the video, and you’ll see what I mean.
Booking a session
The website tells you that you need to pre-book, so that you can guarantee a slot. It’s not something that was a problem for me, and I did it using the website. Over 12’s pay 11.50 per hour, plus skate hire. I noticed many of the more experienced skaters had come with their own skates.
What’s on the menu?
It’s burgers, wings, and other comfort food. The company has partnered up with Meat Liquor to serve burgers, wings and Mac & cheese. It must be said that this is miles away from the kind of cardboard junk food that we can all remember eating on visits to the leisure centre after a swim in the community pool.
Can I have a drink?
Yes, most definitely. The bar serves some impressive-sounding cocktails, such as ‘Fallen Angelita’ and ‘New Cross Negroni’, you will find milkshakes and craft beer as well. Everything has been done with the utmost care and attention to detail. You could quite happily come here just for a drink, not using the ice-rink or bowling alleys.
Final Verdict
Queens Skate is a fantastic venue. The design, particularly the neon-lit ice-rink, is something I haven’t seen anywhere else. Staff are trained to help nervous skaters, you can book lessons and there are DJs playing some nights. I can’t think of a better activity to do in London during the holidays, so take my advice and book a session.
