Virgin Atlantic brings the magic of travel to Skate at Somerset House
- Virgin Atlantic Holidays is bringing a world of wonder to London this Christmas as headline partner of Skate at Somerset House
- Virgin Atlantic is bringing its award-winning Clubhouse lounge experience to the ice, offering themed cocktails and an indulgent food menu inspired by our own Clubhouse in London and Los Angeles
- A 40 foot Christmas tree inspired by the magic of travel shows off baubles from destinations including New York, Las Vegas and Grenada
10th November: Opening on 12th November, Virgin Atlantic Holidays returns to London’s iconic festive ice rink, Skate at Somerset House, this winter bringing holiday cheer to the capital with a global twist. In celebration of the dazzling finale to Somerset House’s 25th birthday year, the holiday company unveils a destination-inspired Christmas tree and a first-of-its-kind Clubhouse lounge bringing the Virgin Atlantic experience to the ice. Visitors can escape the cold and enjoy destination cocktails from Mexican margaritas to New York City inspired martinis and a food menu with unique dishes from the airline’s favourite lounges.
Step inside the Clubhouse: Virgin Atlantic’s winter hideaway
This year, The Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at Skate lands in the heart of Somerset House, a reimagined winter lounge inspired by the airline’s award-winning lounge spaces.
Here, guests can escape the chill and bask in Virgin Atlantic’s warmth, surrounded by design touches reminiscent of the brand’s newest Clubhouse in Los Angeles, which opened in March. With rink side views and a cocktail in hand, guests can savour a taste of travel without leaving London.
The drinks menu takes its inspiration from Virgin Atlantic Holidays’ most dazzling destinations, each sip crafted to whisk guests somewhere extraordinary. Guests can taste the sunshine with a Mexican Margarita inspired by Cancún’s golden beaches, feel the island rhythm in an Escape to Grenada, or let an Empire Espresso Martini bring a little Manhattan buzz to a chilly London night. Alongside these destination-inspired creations, the menu also features two Virgin Atlantic classics, shaken up: the iconic Redhead cocktail and its signature Virgin Atlantic Bloody Mary, mixed with Sapling Climate Positive Vodka and The Pickle House Bloody Mary Mix.
Those seeking something sparkling can raise a glass of Hambledon’s celebrated English fizz. Guests can also discover a Perfect Pairing — from Welsh-born Cygnet Gin to Pantalones’ crisp tequila, all served with Fever-Tree’s finest signature mixers. And if guests prefer something soothing, Twinings offers a world of flavour, from its velvety Swiss hot chocolate to teas that span the globe. Favourites on the menu include Glow, a strawberry and cucumber blend that tastes like summer, and Classic Chai, infused with the spice and warmth of India.
The food menu is equally indulgent, featuring favourites from the Virgin Atlantic experience, including Truffle Parmesan Popcorn, Clubhouse Nocerella Olives and Savour Smiths Bloody Mary Crisps, an exclusive flavour inspired by the airline’s most iconic cocktail. For dessert, the Cherry Pie in the Sky ice cream, crafted by Northern Bloc and inspired by the first pioneering Virgin Balloon flight, delivers the perfect sweet finish.
Complete with a “Royal Box” VIP seating area, a heritage wall celebrating Virgin Atlantic’s design legacy, and a photobooth for capturing travel-inspired festive memories, the Clubhouse brings Virgin’s mix of luxury and playfulness to the heart of the city.
A tree that tells a thousand travel stories
Designed by Virgin Atlantic Holidays, this year’s spectacular 40ft Christmas tree celebrates the joy of discovery and keepsakes that make each journey unforgettable.
Entitled ‘bringing the world home for Christmas,’ the design reimagines the festive tradition through the eyes of a traveller where each ornament is more than decoration; it’s a story and a memory. From the glittering baubles picked up in Las Vegas to treasures from the Caribbean, each piece tells its own tale of adventure.
The result is a vivid collage of wanderlust and nostalgia, capturing the spirit of adventure that defines Virgin Atlantic Holidays. Visitors are invited to wander beneath its branches, each shimmering with stories from across the globe, and relive their own favourite journeys both on and off the ice.
Grenada on ice, a tropical themed evening at Skate at Somerset House
Bringing tropical heat to the city, Grenada will host a special takeover night at Skate on 4th December, transforming the courtyard into a celebration of one of the Caribbean’s most vibrant islands.
Known as the ‘Spice Isle’ for its lush nutmeg and cinnamon, Grenada is an island where every breeze carries the scent of adventure. For one night only, visitors can swap snowflakes for sea breeze as the rink fills with the sounds of steel drums, the glow of carnival colours, and the flavours of island cuisine.
The exclusive Escape to Grenada cocktail, a rich blend of rum, warming spices and tropical fruit will transport guests straight to the Caribbean sunset. With rhythmic island music, delicious Grenadian dishes, and a festive atmosphere steeped in warmth and soul, the evening promises to be a celebration of the destination’s irresistible spirit and a reminder that Virgin Atlantic Holidays can whisk travellers there for real.
Annabelle Cordelli, Senior Vice President of Brand and Marketing at Virgin Atlantic, commented:
“Christmas is a time for creating memories with loved ones, and we believe holidays are the best way to make them last.
“This year’s ‘bringing the world home for Christmas’ theme celebrates those moments that make every journey unforgettable. Whether it’s sipping a delicious cocktail in our Clubhouse or spotting your favourite corner of the world on our tree, we’re inviting everyone to experience the Virgin Atlantic touch this festive season.”
From the storytelling tree to the famous Clubhouse, Virgin Atlantic Holidays is transforming Skate at Somerset House into a celebration of connection, adventure and joy, a reminder that wherever in the world we’ve travelled, the best memories are the ones we bring home.
To book tickets to book Skate at Somerset House with Virgin Atlantic Holidays, visit: https://www.somersethouse.org.uk/whats-on/skate-somerset-house
For more information on Virgin Atlantic Holidays, visit: https://www.virginatlantic.com/holidays
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About Virgin Atlantic
Virgin Atlantic was founded by entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson in 1984, with innovation and amazing customer service at its core. Virgin Atlantic has been voted Britain’s only Global Five Star Airline by APEX for the ninth year running in the Official Airline Ratings. Headquartered in London, it employs 9,250 people worldwide, flying customers to 28 destinations throughout the year.
Alongside shareholder and Joint Venture partner Delta Air Lines, Virgin Atlantic operates a leading transatlantic network, with onward connections to over 200 cities around the world. In February 2020, Air France-KLM, Delta Air Lines and Virgin Atlantic launched an expanded Joint Venture, offering a comprehensive route network, convenient flight schedules, competitive fares and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, including the ability to earn and redeem miles across all carriers. Virgin Atlantic joined
SkyTeam in March 2023 as the global airline alliance’s first and only UK member airline, enhancing the alliance’s transatlantic network and services to and from Heathrow and Manchester Airport.
Virgin Atlantic has been pioneering sustainability leadership for more than 15 years, committing to Net Zero by 2050 and continuous action that reduces environmental impact. The airline operates one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the skies, with an average age under seven years.
In October 2022, Virgin Atlantic welcomed its first A330-900’s to the fleet, continuing its transformation towards 100% next generation aircraft by 2028. In November 2023, the airline led a consortium to deliver the world’s first flight across the Atlantic on 100% Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), demonstrating that 100% SAF can be used safely as a drop in fuel in existing infrastructure, engines and airframes. The need to scale production is an industry imperative and Virgin Atlantic is committed to radical collaboration across the energy chain to support commercialisation ahead of 2030. For more information visit www.virginatlantic.com or via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @virginatlantic.