I’ve all the time fancied myself a little bit of a rollerskater – and by that I imply I purchased a pair of skates on the top of lockdown, wobble round on them each summer time after we’re blessed with a spot of solar, after which confine them to the again of my cabinet till the cycle repeats.
So I used to be thrilled to listen to that Manchester metropolis centre was getting its very personal curler rink, positioned inside the favored drinks and eating venue Escape to Freight Island. Skating in Manchester metropolis centre, with foods and drinks readily available? All of it will get a giant tick from me.
So I dug my skates out (the venue can also present them, in fact), donned my pastel pink protecting padding, and went to see whether or not Good Life Skates might stay as much as my 80s curler rink desires.
The rink itself is 8,000 sq. ft – properly sufficient to glide (or stumble) your method round. Escape to Freight Island, positioned within the previous Mayfield Depot subsequent to Warehouse Mission, can be a fantastic venue selection for the enterprise – it feels suitably disco-esque and hidden aside from the diners within the area, whereas additionally making the most of the excessive ceilings and barely grungy clean canvas that the Depot offers.
(Picture: Kenny Brown | Manchester Night Information)
As a disco lover, the music was excellent for me – though I wrestle sufficient to be swish by myself two ft, not to mention on wheels. Nonetheless, that did not cease me having just a little boogie and sing-along as I skated my method around the rink.
Crew members made their method round alongside, serving to information much less assured skaters and checking on those that took a tumble. They’re all skilled skaters with spectacular strikes – even should you aren’t so eager on skating your self, they’re fascinating to observe, and make it easier to really feel safer as you go.
(Picture: Kenny Brown | Manchester Night Information)
When you’re all skated out, the rink is supplied with a bar the place you may order the likes of Vimto and Irn Bru slushies, in addition to all the same old suspects. You are additionally in a position to order from the wealth of meals accessible at Escape to Freight Island, together with Voodoo Ray’s Pizza, Burgerism, and Mi & Pho.
I ended the evening exhausted however comfortable, spirits lifted by a boogie and a skate, and full of excellent meals and good vibes. Should you fancy one thing a bit completely different this summer time – and out of the inevitable Manchester rain – Good Life Skates is properly price a go to!
Good Life Skates opens to the general public on Thursday 2 June.
