The trend for pop-up shops and restaurants may be overheating but Bristol has maintained it cool reputation by being the location for a chilled-out pop-up ice rink and bar.
Property firm THAT group has transformed a derelict Clifton building site into an alpine ski lodge and real ice rink.
Clifton on Ice, in Clifton Village, opened its doors this week with a trendy Après Skate bar run by Warmley-based Bath Ales. It replaces a previous pop-up Beerd bar on the site, which is being redeveloped by London-based THAT Group, which bought the site in Clifton Down Road for redevelopment as a mixed residential and retail scheme. 
Bath Ales managing director Robin Couling said: “We are delighted to be continuing our involvement with the development in Clifton and re-opening our Beerd pop-up bar. Following the success it had in the summer, it’s fantastic to be part of this unique ice rink in the heart of Clifton. We want people to have an unforgettable experience and we have a food and drinks offer to match.”
Marketing manager Karin Ashwell added: “The ice rink is a fantastic place for people to come and have a good time, get into the Christmas spirit and stick around for a festive drink or delicious ‘posh dog’ in great surroundings. We want people to have an unforgettable time”
Simon Smith, director of rink operators Clifton on Ice, said: “This will be a fantastic rustic Christmas venue at which to both skate and socialise. We believe we have created one of the UK’s most unusual real ice rinks for the festive season. We also want to make this rink an attraction that Clifton will be proud of and one that is in keeping with the elegance of the village.”
Clifton on Ice is the second ‘meanwhile project’ on the site. Jesse Banovic of THAT Group said: “THAT Group collaboration projects are a fundamental part of the development process for us, bringing neighbours and local businesses together. We look forward to many more creative projects in the future.”
The real ice rink and bar is open daily until January 4. For details visit www.cliftononice.com
