Of all the ice rinks in the capital, everyone knows Somerset House is the one you go to if:
1) you’re trying to impress someone (fellas take note)
2) you’re a sucker for Somerset’s glorious grounds (*raises both hands*)
or 3) you’re just posh like that.
But even if you’re a little hesitant about rolling around on ice, the alpine-style Fortnum’s Lodge on the 18th century site still ticks all those boxes – and you don’t need to skate visit it.
I was invited to try out the gourmet seasonal menu and cocktails at the cosy and festive pop-up last night, based in Somerset House’s West Wing. In the evening you’ve got your pick of nibbles, drinks or meals including yummy blinis, the indulgent tartiflette (a piping hot cheese, potato and pancetta bake), hot chocolates with fancy marshmallows or the dreamiest fondue. As for drinks, we were offered the vodka-based Bees Knee’s, the Lodge’s signature cocktail made with honey and lemon. Maybe it’s just me, but I automatically associate those ingredients with flu remedies and Lemsip around this time of the year so was a little reluctant to try it – but it was actually a wonderful tipple.
It’s a very decadent spread they’ve got going on here and while tucking in, I couldn’t help but thank God I recently kicked off my Tokyo Marathon training to burn all of that right off… but honestly, I cared for like two minutes. Me and my buddy left genuinely stuffed and happy, feeling all of the festive cheer – so file this one under “Hanging with the homegirls”,”Date night”, “I didn’t know you could do that in London” or “YOLO 2015”.
The lodge is open daily until 3rd January 2016 but for more info, visit www.somersethouse.org.uk/ice-rink/fortnums-lodge. You can check out pics from my visit below:
Just spectating
