PLEASE NOTE: Sadly Ice Bar London has now closed, other Ice Bars around the world may still be open…
Seven years ago I won a competition to go to the Ice Hotel in Sweden, by designing a phone… Totally random, right? But also totally awesome. So I was over the moon when I was put on the guest list to attend #BloggersBelowZero, at the Ice Bar in London organised by a lovely lady called Lauren from “LDN meet up” (check out her awesome blog: Blonde Vision) – it was a great chance to check out the bar with Lauren (Sahara Splash) and meet other bloggers from around London.
My Mum & I @ the Ice Hotel, Sweden (2009)
Both the Ice Bar and Hotel were incredibly cool (hehe) experiences, and I can not recommend them enough. Try to visit on or the other (or both!) sometime. The bar is probably a little more accessible (and costs substantially less to get to if you’re already in London/UK) – it’s the perfect little icy getaway cave for an evening, slap bang right in central London (and you don’t need to remember to pack thermal underwear to be able to spend time there)!
On arrival we were were looked after very well – greeted with prosecco, cocktails & canapés. Sadly most of the nibbles circulating were meaty, so I was incredibly impressed when a member of staff brought out some incredibly fancy looking Vegan treats especially for me!
Much like the Ice Hotel, the vodka of choice at the Ice Bar is ‘Absolut‘ – and if you look around the bar area in the “warm room” this is quite clear. I’m actually a big fan of Absolut and all the flavours they do, so I was pleased I noticed this when I came in (the Absolut bottles hanging in between the light bulbs looked pretty good).
Warm Room Panorama @ Ice Bar, London
Absolut Bottles & Lightbulbs @ Ice Bar, London
Warm Room Cocktails @ Ice Bar, London
Vegan Food Platter (L-R: Sea Grass, Shallots, Japanese Artichoke, Ash Leek & Breakfast Radish) @ Ice Bar, London
After some drinks and socialising in the “warm room” we were taken up to the ice room in three groups, each with 25 minute slots and although as I mentioned earlier, we didn’t need thermals, we did need an extra layer to keep us warm… And I’m gunna be honest, I think the extra layer we were provided with were pretty cute. The warm capes with mittens attached were branded with the triangular ‘Ice Hotel’ logo, and although some clearly had had quite a long life, they did the job! It was also quite fun walking into the ice room and feeling like I was in a Harry Potter scene, surrounded by everyone wearing these fabulous royal blue robes with their hoods up.
Panorama @ the Ice Bar, London
Panorama @ the Ice Bar, London
As is to be expected with a group of bloggers, there were pictures, poses, and selfies galore! I was adamant I would stay in the actual ice room for the full amount of time that we were allowed (and was the last one standing!), so I could take complete advantage of the fun experience, and despite it being a little nippy by the end (and not being able to feel the tip of my nose or fingers anymore) I loved every minute!
The Ice Bar is the UK’s only bar made entirely of ice, and it’s open all year round. The theme of the bar changes every 6 months, and at the moment the theme is ‘London Rocks’ – and it definitely did! There was a sassy rock chick on the wall, huge skulls made of ice and the chance to pretend to be in a 2 piece icy rock band with the drum kit & electric guitar made of ice.
Having been to the ice hotel before I knew that the “glasses” that the drinks were served in were actually made of ice, but it didn’t take away the novelty of having one again! There was an array of cocktails available, most with rock inspired names! I went for Monkey Wrench (with Absolut vodka, Bluberry Liquer, Tropical Fruit Juice, Lemon Juice, Strawberry Syrup) & it was pretty damn delicious.
Cocktail List @ Ice Bar, London
Sitting on the throne @ Ice Bar, London
Blue Capes @ Ice Bar, London
In a skull @ Ice Bar, London
In a skull @ Ice Bar, London
Lauren (Sahara Splash), myself & Joana (100 Things I Love) in our capes @ Ice Bar, London
The Bar Man @ Ice Bar, London
Cocktail Menu @ Ice Bar, London
Cocktails @ Ice Bar, London
Lauren (Sahara Splash) & I Drinking Cocktails @ Ice Bar, London
Drinking My Cocktail @ Ice Bar, London
Blogger Babes Drinking Cocktails @ Ice Bar, London
Lunging in front of some Ice Wall Art @ Ice Bar, London
Lauren (Sahara Splash) & I formed a “cool” Rock Band @ Ice Bar, London
Ice Wall Art @ Ice Bar, London
Ice Wall Art @ Ice Bar, London
Ice Wall Art @ Ice Bar, London
Ice Skull @ Ice Bar, London
I was clearly quite happy about the blue cape situation @ Ice Bar, London
Where is the Ice Bar? 31-33 Heddon St, London W1B 4BN (Regent Street Food Quarter)
When is it open? Open 7 days a week, for daily opening times please click here.
How much is it to get in? Prices vary between £13.50 – £25 per person, full price list on the website.
Psst – The Ice Bar is located less than 10 metres away from the amazing Vegetarian/Vegan restaurant: Tibits, that I went to in November, read more about it here!
I had such a fun night and am really thankful I had the opportunity to experience it with such a lovely group of people! Massive thanks to Tom (Head of Sales & Marketing) for the awesome pep talk at the beginning of the night about why working with bloggers is so important to him, and for inviting such a massive group of us into his awesome bar! Also big thanks to Lauren for organising such a great event!
Cheers!
Lx
P.s If you would like to read some blogs/watch some vlogs from others that attended, I’ve listed a couple below of girls I met on the night 🙂
BLOGS
VLOGS
Fantastic place – memories of the Ice Hotel visit in 2009. Get to the bar if you can – unique and accessible.
Thought you might like the little picture of us at the beginning! Was such a lovely holiday – maybe again sometime! Or in the meantime maybe we should go to the Ice Bar together?
Lx
Love this post, although it’s made me more annoyed I couldn’t make it, haha! And that was lovely providing Vegan food just for you!
L xx
http://www.girlattherockshow.co.uk
Awh I’m so sad you couldn’t make it too!! I’m sure there will be another opportunity to go though 😀 and yes it was so so lovely they provided some Vegan nibbles for me. V. good venue & staff! 10/10 would recommend.
Lx
Thanks for the mention chick! Was so lovely to meet you!
Your pictures look soooo good!! 🙂 xx
Awh no worries lovely! It was so nice meeting and drinking cocktails with you <3
I have a couple more of us from Dirty Martini that I'm putting in a lil summary type post this eve 😀
See you again soon hopefully!
Lx