Skylight London Winter Launch

I’m typing this amidst the symptoms of a hangover, and the drinks I’ve had at Skylight London‘s winter relaunch (read: three, over several hours #Caro2Sips) are to blame. I could just go and get a bagel instead, but I’d rather get all my fact straight about what was the best rooftop experience I can remember.

Launched at Tobacco Dock in Wapping on Thursday 2nd November, Skylight’s Winter revamp is basically what would happen to a chalet in the Alps if it received an East London make-over.

After a rush hour commute followed by a walk in the dark from Shadwell DLR, the explosion of light, the relaxed vibes and the Christmas feels emanating from Skylight were just what we needed. A welcome glass of Laurent Perrier at the door soon helped us realise we were hungry and ready to try Skylight’s food options.

We grabbed a couch in the massive, heated indoor area, complete with furry seats and blankets, and grabbed a glass of red to start the feast. On the launch night, the guys at Yiro spoiled us with yummy halloumi fries, while the night’s main was a delicious cheese fondue spiced up with raisins and paired with soft bread (£14.95 per person). I hear the venue will also be serving a chocolate fondue for £9.95 per person after launch so you can bet I’ll be coming back.

As if Skylight’s hip take on winter food wasn’t enough, all you have to do is go upstairs and enjoy the view. Sitting at the pergola bar, taking in unobstructed and unrivalled views of some of London’s most iconic buildings (you can see The Shard and The Walkie Talkie quite clearly from there) my friend and I marvelled at the skating show under the notes of Christmas song covers performed by an extremely talented figure skater. My video doesn’t really do it justice!

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Right when I thought: “You know what’s missing? Chestnuts,” my friend and I ran into the roasted chestnut stand. One of my fondest childhood memories is getting out at the Spanish Steps stop in Rome during my visits to my grandparents and finding a guy with a massive roaster at the corner of the square, selling chestnuts. That has always embodied winter and Christmas for me, and finding them at Skylight was the cherry on top.

Created by the teams behind Tobacco Dock and Interact Branding, Skylight gave me FOMO all summer whether I was in Sydney or in Italy, breathing new life into a previously unused carpark in East London. Strategically positioned among Shoreditch, Canary Wharf and The City, Skylight views are unique and the vibes even more so. With bars on every level, mulled wine and cider, ice hockey and ice skating, Skylights is set to be THE winter destination this year.

If the whole season is anything like the launch night, then Skylight London will be a memorable experience for most Londoners for sure. Who says you need 40 degrees to chill on a rooftop? Take that, Sydney.

Skylight London

• Pennington St. Car Park Entrance Wapping, London E1W 2SF
• Thursday & Friday 5pm – 11pm
• Saturday & Sunday – 12pm – 11pm
• £10 tickets (sold onsite only) get you 45 minutes on the rink
• Ice hockey costs £3 for 10 shots and prizes are available

​Pictures: Carolina Are and Steve Dunlop for Kapranos PR