Queens Ice and Bowl
Central London's oldest ice rink since 1930 — skating, bowling and retro arcades under one roof in Bayswater
Central London's oldest ice rink since 1930 — skating, bowling and retro arcades under one roof in Bayswater
Queens has occupied 17 Queensway since 3 October 1930, making it the oldest surviving ice rink in London. Built by architect and entrepreneur Alfred Octavius Edwards, the venue was the first rink used by the BBC for televised ice skating and has hosted Olympic champions, generations of Londoners and visiting royalty including Princes William and Harry with Princess Diana.
Today the venue operates as Queens Skate Dine Bowl, combining a 1,100-square-metre indoor ice rink with 17 ten-pin bowling lanes, on-ice curling, a retro arcade and MEATliquor restaurant. Open 365 days a year, it remains central London's only permanent all-weather ice rink.
Queens Ice Club opened its doors on 3 October 1930, the creation of Alfred Octavius Edwards, an architect and entrepreneur with a passion for ice skating. The Queensway venue quickly established itself as central London's premier ice rink, attracting world and Olympic champions to its 1,100-square-metre surface. It became the first rink used by the BBC for televised ice skating, a distinction that cemented its place in British broadcasting history.
The venue has welcomed royalty over the decades. Princes William and Harry famously visited with Princess Diana as children. Generations of Londoners have learned to skate here, and the rink continues to serve as a practice facility for contestants on ITV's Dancing On Ice. After more than ninety years of continuous operation, Queens remains the only permanent indoor ice rink in central London.
The ice rink is the centrepiece, running public sessions throughout the day with late-night skating from 9pm every evening. Beginners can hire penguin skating aids, while those looking to improve can book NISA-accredited group lessons. On-ice curling — the only real-ice curling lanes in London — offers something genuinely unusual for groups.
Bowling was added in 1994 across twelve main lanes with individual booth seating. Five VIP Ruby Lanes provide a more exclusive experience with private bar access and dedicated service. A retro arcade filled with classic cabinet games rounds out the activities. MEATliquor Queensway operates inside the venue, serving their signature Dead Hippie burgers, buffalo wings and craft cocktails with full lane-side delivery to bowlers.
Booking online through the Queens website is recommended, as walk-in prices are higher and popular sessions — particularly Friday and Saturday evenings — sell out. Monday and Tuesday sessions offer the best value at £8 per person for skating. The venue is open 365 days a year, making it a reliable wet-weather option in any season.
Queensway itself offers a string of restaurants and cafes, with Whiteleys shopping centre a short walk north. Kensington Gardens and the Italian Gardens are directly across Bayswater Road, a two-minute walk south. The Serpentine Gallery, Kensington Palace and the Diana Memorial Playground are all within fifteen minutes on foot through the park.
Booking online is always cheaper than walk-in prices — skate hire is included in the ticket price
Monday and Tuesday skating sessions start from just £8 per person, significantly cheaper than peak rates. The rink is also quieter on these days.
Every evening from 9pm until close, late skate sessions run at reduced prices with a livelier atmosphere. Friday and Saturday sessions have DJ lighting and music.
Combo deals are available when you book both activities together online. Allow at least two hours to fit in a skating session and a bowling game comfortably.
The Italian Gardens entrance to Kensington Gardens is directly across Bayswater Road. A stroll through the park to the Serpentine makes a fine follow-up.
The five Ruby Lanes have their own private bar and dedicated service. They are ideal for birthday parties or corporate events and can be reserved in advance online.
London Travel Writer · 12+ years covering UK attractions and tourism
Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
