Londoners eager for a festive experience were met with a surprising twist at the city’s newly opened rooftop ice rink. Perched atop the iconic Bussey building in Peckham, the attraction promised breathtaking city views and the thrill of gliding on ice.
But the excitement quickly dissolved into bewilderment – and a wave of viral TikTok videos – as skaters discovered the rink wasn’t made of ice at all. Instead, they found themselves awkwardly shuffling across a synthetic surface, a far cry from the smooth glide they anticipated.
One user captured the scene, showing friends struggling to navigate the rink, accompanied by a caption expressing both amusement and disappointment. The video quickly gained traction, sparking a chorus of calls for refunds and demands for the venue to address the issue.
The organizers, however, were upfront about the rink’s composition. Their website proudly proclaims the surface as a “green alternative” to traditional ice, highlighting its eco-friendly nature and eliminating the need for freezing or power.
The synthetic material allows for spins and slides, they claim, “minus the chill and the puddles.” While aiming for a sustainable and safe experience, the reality fell short of the expectations set by the rink’s very name: ‘ICE.’
Despite the skating surface surprise, the venue offers a comforting consolation. A heated rooftop bar serves festive treats like boozy hot chocolates, Christmas-themed pizzas, and seasonal cocktails, accompanied by DJ sets on weekends.
The attraction still boasts the title of London’s “highest skate rink,” offering panoramic views that remain a draw for visitors. Yet, the question lingers: can a rooftop experience truly replicate the magic of gliding on real ice?
For those who purchased the £14 tickets, the fine print regarding the synthetic surface may have been overlooked, especially given the rink’s suggestive branding. The experience serves as a reminder that sometimes, a little clarification can go a long way.
