Southwark (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Visitors took to social media after mistaking a Peckham, Southwark, rooftop rink for ice, sparking debate and amusement over the attraction’s promotion.
A representative for the promoters explained that it just isn’t possible to create a genuine ice rink on top of a building as tall as the Bussey Building.
They noted that the website explicitly indicates the ice rink is not constructed of real ice and that skating on a synthetic rink “requires a slightly adapted technique”.
Eager ice skaters rushed to the Bussey Building in Southwark to test out the rooftop ice rink named ICE which debuted on 17 November.
The website boasts the rink as “London’s highest ice rink” with sweeping views into downtown London. For £14 tourists are offered a
“skyline-skimming spot where you can ice-skate under the stars and vibe with the city lights”.
After having a go on the ‘ice’ they can relax with a cocktail or boozy hot chocolate in the rooftop bar, which has been redesigned for the festive season as an Après Skate Bar.
The rink is touted on the internet as being built of “synthetic” ice. However, several people still resorted to social media to voice their dismay at the lack of real ice.
One TikTok video shows two buddies stomping rather than gliding across the ice, which vaguely mimics kitchen floor tiles.
In the caption, the user who shared the video characterized the experience as both “hilarious and upsetting” and wanted a refund.
They added:
” We are aware of the concerns that some customers have raised – especially those expecting the rink to be traditional ice. Skating on a synthetic surface does feel different and requires a slightly adapted technique, so ensuring every visitor has a seamless and memorable rooftop experience is our top priority.
We are already working closely with our supplier, who installs state-of-the-art synthetic rinks across the UK, to review feedback and explore ways to further enhance the skating experience on our rooftop.”
How did social media users and influencers react to the rink opening?
Social media druggies and influencers replied to the opening of Peckham’s rooftop rink with a blend of recreation, surprise, and sportful review. Numerous visitors who anticipated traditional ice skating were originally surprised to find a synthetic face rather, leading to humorous posts and viral videos poking fun at the “ kitchen bottom pipe ” sense of the rink.
Influencers in the skating and original life communities participated in their experiences, both praising the unique rooftop setting with panoramic views and teasing the novelty of groaning on artificial material.
The rink’s promoters and social media runners conceded the confusion, emphasizing the environmental benefits of the synthetic face compared to real ice, as well as the delightful atmosphere including festive music and rooftop bar immolations.