Cocktails At The Ice Bar In London – Literally The Coolest Bar Experience

Sharon Henry

We’re at the Ice Bar in London chillin’ at MINUS 5 Celsius, sipping ice cocktails from ice glasses inside a frozen bar constructed entirely of solid ice. I’m not usually a fan of sub-zero temperatures but how cool is this?

Music’s feeding a party atmosphere, the room’s buzzing with chatter and camera lights are constantly flashing at incredible ice sculptures.

The Ice Bar in London located just off bustling Regent Street and is quite literally one of the coolest cocktail bars in London.

UPDATE: 31 MARCH 2020. The Ice Bar in London is now permanently closed. 

Ice Bar London Prices

Tickets start from £13.50 p/p for a 40 minute IceBar Experience which includes a free spirit-based cocktail.  The Ice Bar London address is 31-33 Heddon Street, Mayfair, W1B 4BN, found between HSBC and Zara.

 

Ice Bar London Dress Code

We arrived a bit late, thermal capes and gloves were thrown over our street clothes to defend against frigid temps before being ushered through.  Although there is no formal dress code, I had been warned what to wear to Ice Bar London – no shorts, skirts or open shoes.  Great advice.

Let’s just say we got a ‘frosty’ reception when we entered – you instantly feel the sub-zero temperatures like an Arctic breeze!

 

Swede Ice Sculpture Spectacle

Everything is spectacularly made of crystal clear ice that has been harvested and flown in from the frozen Torne River in Jukkasjärvi, Northern Sweden; the bar, walls and furniture are ice sculptures. There’s a skilfully crafted car, a spiky pineapple sculpture and a giant cupcake. Blue and purple lighting does the job in creating a nightclub-like vibe.

 

WTSDN Ice Bar London Review

There’s a pretty extensive menu to choose your free Ice Bar London cocktails from. I’m loving my ‘Jalisco,’ a concoction of Olmeca Altos Plata Tequila, lychee liqueur, mango puree, passion fruit juice, orange juice and lemon juice. Will have to try recreating this at home! Darrin and his brother Simon are wearing similar smiles, obviously pleased with their choices.

We’ve been told to keep our ice glasses; we’ll need them if we want another round. I’ve been watching the bartenders quite expertly mixing cocktails seemingly unhindered by their thick thermal gloves. At least there’ll be no requests for ice in this bar!

 

Ice Bar London Drinks Menu

The cocktail menu is delicious and causes much deliberation.  Cocktails are spirit or champagne based and there are non-alcoholic options.

Example of drinks on the menu:

Vodka: L’il Tart – Absolut Citroen Vodka, Pink Grapefruit Liqueur, Tropical Fruit Juice, Lemon Juice, Orange Bitter.

Gin: Oval or Under – Beefeater Gin, Tonic Water, Lemon Juice, Cucumber Syrup.

Bourbon: Blue Blazer – Four Roses Bourbon, Blue Caracao Liqueur, Ginger Ale, Lemon Juice.

Rum: Pineapple Express – Havana Club Especial Rum, Apricot Brandy Liqueur, Cherry Brandy Liqueur, Pineapple Juice, Lemon Juice, Sugar Syrup.

Spirit based refills costs £6.50.  Champagne £8.50 and non-alcoholic £3.

 

Sippin’ Ice Cocktails At The Ice Bar In London

It feels a bit like being inside an igloo surrounded by Eskimos all wearing the same outfit. The gloves are a must, especially for holding the ice glasses, some people are even wearing their fur-lined hoods. This is such a fun, novel experience even though it’s difficult to talk with a frozen mouth. Everyone is taking photos and there are even children here.

 

Ice Bar London Age Limit

Kids are welcome (with an adult) for the day sessions before 6.30 pm and children 8 years and under have free entry.  You must be 18 and over to buy a ticket or alcohol.

 

Themed Bars in London – This Frozen Bar Is Extreme

A red countdown clock’s projected on the wall counting down our remaining time, although I’ve noticed a few people have already left, presumably because of the cold. It is bloody freezing and my toes feel frozen solid. Darrin’s doing a good job taking Ice Bar London photos with exposed hands to operate the camera, the gloves make this job too cumbersome.

The cocktails slide down nicely but unfortunately we’ve misplaced our glasses from taking umpteen photos so we don’t take a second round.  Never mind time’s running out and to be honest a coffee sounds more tempting right now.

 

Ice Bar London Booking

Simon booked tickets for us in advance online which gave a £3 discount; total cost £13 each. In my opinion the drinks are a tad small for the price tag, a little bigger than shot measures. Additional drinks cost £6.50 and additional glasses cost £4.

Like true Saint Helenians we are the last to leave wanting to totally soak up this unique experience. I’m so glad we did this in spring, we’re already aptly attired. It will be shockingly cold for guests in summer attire and open-toe shoes. You have been warned!

Brrrr! The Ice Bar in London is a ‘cool’ novelty and a quirky option for those who like their drinks COLD and wanting to try something a little different and fun in the nation’s capital.  It is quite literally one of the coolest things to do in London.

The Ice Bar London ice sculpture themes are redesigned and changed once a year by different teams of artists so it’s always worth a re-visit – if you don’t mind the price tag.

 

Looking For Other Things To Do In London? Check These Out

• Visit the 37 floors high Sky Garden
• Cross the Thames on the Emirates Cable Car
• Put your Camera to use Photographing London’s Cityscape