It might be hot out there, but for Londoner's with penguin
tendencies, the good news is that the capital's first indoor ice
climbing tower is due to open at the beginning of July.
Housed
in Ellis Brigham's new flagship store at Tower House in Covent
Garden, Vertical Chill consists of a 28-foot tower of ice kept at a
chilly minus 12 degrees C.
Not only will the facility allow Londoner fashionistas to try out
technical ice climbing gear and techniques, the refrigerated
environment will also allow customers to try cold weather clothing in
authentically frozen conditions regardless of how warm it is outside.
For real authenticity, powerful fans will be able to simulate wind
chill as well.
If you're passing through Covent Garden, the ice is already in
situ with safety equipment arriving shortly with a view to opening
early next month. It is, says world renowned ice climber and sometime
amateur video maker Sir David Putnam 'an outrageous idea and
creation'.
For really serious ice however, you'll be wanting the Ice Factory
in Kinlochleven, details of opening when we have them - more info
from linked articles below - although being just down the road from
Glencoe, it's not quite as convenient for southerners ...
You can find Ellis Brigham on the web here,
or pop into the Tower House store at 3-11 Southampton Street, WC2.
Telephone 0207 395 1010.
john paskins
The indoor ice wall at the TNF store in Manchester is open for business with 40 tons of ice just waiting for a good kicking from your expertly wielded crampon points :-)
