New dining spots could be "real asset" for ice rink

Skateco director and rink operator Brian Jokat is convinced that the pairing of ice and dining will work out well for all parties.

He said: "I've been in Canary Wharf in the winter, and after 5pm you could fire a cannon in the park and not hit anyone. It's too cold.

"What the ice rink brings to the area is population. People will have a skate and a drink, and then having the variety of restaurants such as Plateau, Roka, Canteen, Wahaca, Jamie's Italian and The Parlour will be a real asset. This could be the best year ever."

For its fifth year, Canary Wharf's longest-running attraction will boast some changes. The Moose Bar will be 25 per cent bigger than last year to deal with increased interest, and the bar will be lengthened from five to 15 metres. Thomson Reuters confirmed on Monday that it would be replacing BGC Partners as a major backer. This year's rink will also have on-site toilets following requests from customers. Free training sessions will again be offered to local schools, and the rink is available for corporate bookings.

Not everything is different. The size of the actual rink will remain the same, and organisers are freezing last year's prices in a bid to make the rink as attractive as possible to visitors. Adult weekday tickets cost £10, while evenings remain at £12 each, concessions cost £9 and under-12s £7.50.

Brian said: "We've got to be sensitive to the marketplace. I think we're priced just right for what we offer. There are nine ice rinks in London, so there's a lot of competition. But we get a lot of feedback from the customers and we very rarely get complaints about the prices or what we have to offer."

Canary Wharf Ice Rink will be in place from November 14 to February 21.
For more details, go to canarywharficerink.com. For corporate bookings, contact Balmlane Events on 01753 626911 or sales@balmlane-events.com.