The Enduring Popularity of Queens
In the spring of 1930, the Sydney Herald published an article reporting on the leisure scene in London at the time. Its headline stated that ‘All London Was Ice Skating’, going on to explain how this new craze was sweeping the capital and venues could hardly keep up with the demand.
In October of the same year, the Queens Ice Club in West London was formally opened and remains the oldest surviving example of an indoor ice-skating rink anywhere in the city. For almost a hundred years, this building on Queensway in Bayswater has provided the perfect place for all of its visitors to perform super spins, graceful glides and wonderful waltz jumps in a celebration on the ice.
A History
The architect of Queens, Alfred Octavius Edwards, was also quite the entrepreneur and understood that this would become a rival to the indoor rinks of Richmond, Hammersmith, Streatham and Golders Green in no time. What he may not have foreseen all those years ago was just how adaptable his rink would become in order to outlive all of the similar leisure facilities that came before it. As the trend for ice-skating waned after the Second World War, most of the other rinks eventually disappeared. Queens’ legacy was therefore assured with some interesting footnotes added, such as being the first ever UK rink chosen by the BBC for televised footage of ice-skating as a sport.
The Modern Venue
A huge part of the versatility that has made Queens an ice-skating staple in the city comes from understanding what people want from a leisure venue. Towards the end of the last century, bowling lanes were added here as another experience for those that wanted strikes as much as skating, but it was a major refurbishment in the winter of 2016 that eventually led to a completely new identity.
Skate, Dine & Bowl
Queens is now a multi-activity entertainment complex fit for the 21st century. It combines the historic ice rink with the ever-popular pursuit of ten-pin bowling and a standout selection of food & drink options. The result is a social space that couples, groups of friends and, most importantly, families can enjoy together.
Also Read: Best Ice Skating Spots in London
Enduring Ice Attractions
The primary attraction at Queens remains an ice rink of over 1000 square metres that proudly claims to be London’s only all-year-round ice-skating option in any weather.
An hour on the ice for public skating is available with skate hire taken care of and the Penguin Skate Aids always at hand to balance young feet or first-timers. From 10 am to 11 at night, and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, this is a frosty favourite for ice-skating enthusiasts and date-night partners that want to add something a little different to their weekly schedule. If one does find themselves bitten by the skating bug, then lessons are also available from trained tutors on a one-to-one basis or in the more informal group sessions.
For children aged 5-12, the Learn to Skate programme is accredited by the National Ice Skating Association (NISA) and usually takes place during school term time in 6-week blocks, with a badge and certificate awarded on completion.
Interestingly, Queens also accommodates an opportunity to try your hand at the Winter Olympic sport of curling. There are few locations in the country that offer this chance, so for any group looking for a unique hobby to try, this could be the ice-cold answer.
Keeping Everything Cool
Maintaining the pristine surface for all these activities means constant attention and applied technology. Daily resurfacing by Zamboni-like machines uses hot water for a smooth, fast-freezing layer. They efficiently shave off old ice to clean the top layers and create a more durable surface. All of which can be a costly affair that accounts for many of the similar venues in the area being consigned to history as the decades progressed.
The Royal Seal of Approval
During its illustrious history, Queens has also had a number of famous feet on the ice. Amongst the throngs of Londoners who have skated here across the generations, there have been a number of World and Olympic Champions demonstrating their skills and prowess. However, the most impressive patrons would have to be the young princes, William and Harry, as they visited Queens with their mother, Princess Diana, for a spot of skating and fun.
Go VIP for More Value
Making the most of your time on the ice at Queens means enjoying the full VIP experience. Booking ahead will allow for a more streamlined check-in experience and have your whole group ready to skate as soon as you arrive.
Making arrangements in this manner can also ensure that you have the ice to yourself. A dedicated ice-side waiter service can be provided to keep everybody refreshed throughout your time there. This is often a good option for corporate team-building days and seasonal parties where a shared activity can yield fantastic results for camaraderie and getting to know one another. It is a great photo opportunity for company marketing and social assets too.
Speaking with the management at Queens directly can uncover tailored packages that suit your team in the most appropriate manner.
Fun & Games in Bayswater
The area of Bayswater has always held a unique proposition for the residents of West London. It occupies a place between the refinement of Knightsbridge and the bohemian glamour of Notting Hill, with a proud history of cinemas and cafes that mid-20th-century families loved so much. As the latest evolution of Queens demonstrates, it looks all set to continue creating a new ice-skating scene for the new world with a similar grace and elegance.
