Skate at Somerset House Returns for 2021

After festivities were dampened somewhat last year, Skate at Somerset House is partnering up with Moët & Chandon to bring one of Covent Garden’s highly anticipated events back with a bang for 2021.

There’s a reason this is one of London’s favourite ice rinks. Skate sees Somerset House transform into a magical Christmas playground with ice skating, live DJ sets, and a multitude of seasonal experiences to kick off the most wonderful time of the year, and you can grab your tickets right now.

Up Your Skate Game

This year, the ice rink is to be opened up and the entrance will be marked by a 40ft Christmas tree adorned by Moët & Chandon’s curated decorations. Get ready to snap the all-important Insta pic before you take to the ice.

Skate at Somerset House — Credit: David Jenson

Looking to improve your skating skills? Skate School returns courtesy of the National Ice Skating Association to help you get comfortable on the ice and learn a new trick or two.

Chilled Out skate sessions will also be running a couple of mornings a week, which sees a lower capacity for those who are slightly nervous and want to take their time getting used to ice skating.

Foodie Delights

What better way to warm up than with a festive meal and a tipple?

Hotel Chocolat’s Chocmobile will be serving naughty seasonal treats including indulgent hot chocolates and chocolate snacks galore to satisfy your post-skate hunger.

You can also head to the Skate Lounge by Moët & Chandon for a glass of bubbly or two as you take in the pretty views of the rink under twinkling lights.

If you’re in the mood for something a little bit more decadent, the west wing of Somerset House will be home to Chalet Barragiste: an all-day dining experience by the legendary Jimmy Garcia.

Inspired by Jimmy’s time in the alps, the menu features hearty dishes such as game burgers and a baked Mont D’or cheese with a rustic sourdough baguette, new potatoes, and pickled cornichons to dip into the oozy goodness.

Credit: Ben Carpenter (Left) and J Lau (Right)

Dessert comes in the form of a DIY s’mores set toasted at your table with everything you need to create a deliciously sweet treat leaving you wanting s’more.

What Else is on?

Seasonal events will also be taking place for the whole family to get involved with, including the Creatively Tasty Chocolate Workshop for children and masterclasses for the grown-ups.

In keeping with the chocolate theme, Hotel Chocolat will be hosting an exclusive pop-up store filled with luxury chocolate gifts (or you know, a sneaky treat for yourself).

UNIQLO’s Skate Lates will feature rinkside DJ takeovers with the likes of female-fronted Foundation FM and DJs Mia Lily, Mal, Chloe English, Heléna, and the collective Star Girls Don’t Sync. They’ll be taking to the decks to provide the perfect party atmosphere until late into the evening.

Skate Somerset House — Credit: Luke Dyson

A host of skate surprises will also be popping up throughout the season, inspired by Somerset House’s winter exhibition, Beano: The Art of Breaking the Rules.

Another exhibition, We Are History, is also on display this winter at Somerset House and showcases modern work surrounding the themes of climate change and colonialism. It will be free for Skate ticket holders to visit throughout the season.

With all these events running (and plenty more, too), Skate at Somerset House looks set to make this Christmas a good’un.