Bars to vist after XMAS Ice Skating in London

Everyone loves ice-skating in London; it's part of the Christmas festivities after all! You are only on the ice for an hour, so don't go home straight after, make a night of it. There are some fantastic places to Ice Skate in London during the Christmas period including Hyde Park (Winter Wonderland), Westfield Shopping Centre and Somerset House and end your night with a christmas drink at one of these fantastic London bars.

During the Christmas period in London, there is nothing more special or Christmas-like then gliding along one of the city抯 beautiful Christmas Ice rinks. These pop up all over the city and have become a popular Christmas activity for Londoners and tourists a-like. Friends gather and for that Christmas feeling by skating (and falling) in beautiful locations across London which seems to get the Christmas spirits up. There is nothing better than getting together with friends and family, having a good ice skate followed up by a tasty Christmas drink at one of London抯 fine pubs and bars. This is one of my favourite things to do to get in me in the spirit (like the pun?).

The most beautiful ice skating location in London is without doubt Somerset House. Called Skate!, the central courtyard is converted into a giant ice rink so as you glide round the ice you are surrounded by a stunning building with heaps of London history plus a gigantic Christmas tree to get you in the mood. They also put on music with DJs playing on Friday and Saturday nights, so the tempo increases on these nights and you can have a dance, skate and laugh. There is a mixed crowd from families to lovers to a workers night out. It really is great fun skating at Somerset House during the Christmas period. Once you are done on the Ice, you will be thirsty for a drink. As Somerset House is located on the Strand, it is just a short walk to Covent Garden and Leicester Square which has some of London抯 best pubs and bars. For this occasion, I would recommend The Langley, located underground, this is a quirky bar with secret nooks and crannies for you to hide out in and a get a private secluded space for your Christmas party. There is a relaxed atmosphere, happily affordable drinks prices, and exposed brick-work d閏or giving a modern but warm feeling. The wine list and Christmas special drinks will quench the thirst.

The Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park is another fantastic option for Christmas Ice Skating in London. Hyde Park creates a child抯 dream, with Santa抯 grotto抯, games and activities, themed drinking tents for the parents and of courses an ice rink for those special Christmas moments. This will get you in the Christmas mood and has a fantastic atmosphere and you will enjoy the relaxed walk through Hyde Park to get there. Wrapped up and perhaps a little bruised from your Ice Skating adventures, it will be time for a post-ice skating drink. One of my favourite bars in this area is The Mayfair Bar, and recently voted The Best Hotel Bar in London. It has a roaring fire for you to gather round and cosy up to after your Ice skating and has a cocktail menu that will impress and please every member of your group. Remember to splash the cash as the prices are not cheap.

Further west, there is another Ice Skating option in London, at the Westfield Shopping Centre. This is aimed at the Christmas shoppers market but is also visited by London抯 and tourists who want a bit of Christmas fun. The location is not as beautiful as Somerset House or Hyde Park, but it抯 fun all the same, and you can get out there Ice Skating with friends to put you in the Christmas mood.

If the shopping and Ice skating was too much, there are plenty of options for a nice warm drink. Westfield Shopping Centre is located near Notting Hill so you have some top Notting Hill bars and pubs to choose from. My pick goes to Beach Blanket Babylon. This is a magical, cavernous, fairy cocktail kingdom of delight that is perfect for your Christmas drink.