STACK NEWCASTLE ICE BAR – REVIEW

I’ve always had a thing for ice bars. I’d mainly just seen them in other people’s stag and hen do pictures from around the world and thought they always looked really cool (no pun intended).

I got to go to my first one in Norway and few years ago and loved it so was really excited to hear that Newcastle’s Stack container village has opened one of our very own.

I took my friend Emma down to the launch night with me to see what it was all about and after being donned in our gorgeous furry coat and gloves we went in for a look around.

It’s small but perfectly formed and what they’ve done with the space is really impressive. The show stopping sculptures (by the Glacial Art company) were undoubtedly the Game of Thrones throne, the snowmobile (which you can sit on) and the little private ice booth that you can sit in for a natter. Oh and insta stories are actively encouraged!

Temperature is set to a constant chilly -5 degrees, slots start every half hour (on the hour and half past the hour) and you get 20 minutes, which to be honest is all you need in those temperatures however it was pretty much only enough time to have a look around, get some pictures and have a swift drink. After you session is over you are taken to a cosy back bar room where you are served hot chocolate (included in the price).

An honourable mention has to go to the Lone Wolf Vodka we sampled, which the bar is sponsored by. It’s not particularly cheap but it’s quite possibly the nicest, smoothest vodka I’ve ever tasted. So much so I will be on the look out for a full priced bottle to sit on our spirits self soon in the very near future.

We received complimentary press tickets for review purposes however packages start at £12 (off peak – Monday to Thursday) and £15 (peak time – Friday to Sunday) and includes coat and glove hire a shot of Lone Wolf Vodka (or non alcoholic alternative) and a hot chocolate at the end.

There’s also VIP packages available which include a glass of prosecco or bottle of beer. Ok so it’s not the cheapest place in the world and it’s certainly not somewhere that’s going to become your new session pub, but since it’s only in town for 3 months I think it’s absolutely worth a visit. Especially if you’ve never visited an ice bar before, this will be an excellent place to start.

Thanks as always to Helen Newman of honestlyhelen.com