Chill out at the Ice Rink

Wharfers will be able to slip into the Christmas spirit by getting their skates on, before enjoying fine food and drinks at the log cabin-style Moose Bar.

Champagne may not be flowing quite so freely in the business world thanks to the effects of the credit crunch, but Skateco director and rink operator Brian Jokat is confident the rink will still pull in the crowds.

He said: "We may be in a slowdown, but the sun still comes up every day.
"We're the most cost effective and fun option in Canary Wharf for the next three months, and we're welcoming credit crunchers hand over hoof in the Moose Bar."

As well as the ever-popular rink, the bar traditionally proves a draw for chilly East Londoners looking for a winter warmer. Peppermint Events will be running the show this year, and are planning tipples such as Moose Milk, whipped up using Amarula Cream.

Food offerings include sausages and mash, meat and vegetable skewers, and Moose Droppings, a dessert featuring chocolate-covered blueberries on an ice cream bed.

Local schools will again be given free training sessions on the ice, and the rink can be booked for corporate events and parties by calling Brian on 07725 944501.

There's less competition in the skating market this year, since the ice rinks at Lakeside Shopping Centre in Thurrock, and Greenwich's Royal Naval College and O2 Arena will not be returning for 2008.

But Canary Wharf's offering is still attracting interest, with major sponsors BGC Partners and the Canadian Tourism Commission returning for another whirl, and Cavendish Hospitality handling corporate bookings. Construction on the Canada Square site will begin this week.

Brian said: "We're set up here in terms of transport and amenities, we've got great shopping downstairs and free parking at weekends. With our frozen prices and our fantastic bar, we should hopefully do well."

Canary Wharf Ice Rink is open until February 22. Adults £10 (daytime), £12 (weekends and evenings). Kids £7.50. Concs £9. Family tickets £32 (family of four). Go to www.canarywharficerink.com for more details.