We were welcomed aboard by Icelandair operatives and told to enjoy our journey through Icelandair Around The Corner, a brand-new immersive experience that showcases the very best of what Iceland has to offer. On the way we saw, heard and tasted treats so tempting some of us are seriously contemplating a trip there, writes Michael Holland.
We were shown to our seats as the cabin crew described what we could expect on arrival, and so far it was all very tantalising.
On arrival in chilly ‘Iceland’, a 66°North jacket was supplied to get us across a short hike through the icy glacier and on to the delights ahead; a garment made completely from recycled materials which would get you to the North Pole and back without so much as a sniffle.
On the other side, headphones were provided for us to listen to an Icelandic band while watching a video of some of that country’s finest sights: snow-capped mountains, vast plains of tundra, volcanoes,lava flows, hot springs and hot geysers.
The next part of the journey took us to another video where the countrymen themselves told us what is great about their nation. They are a proud and fearless people, reminiscent of the Vikings and Norse Gods we have all read about in Nordic folklore. Surprisingly, Blur frontman Damon Albarn popped up to have his say as he has recently become an Icelandic citizen after falling in love with the country while visiting for many years. His latest album, The Nearer the Fountain, the More Pure the Stream Flows, just oozes all that is great about his new home overlooking mountains and lakes.
Moving on to the next part of the immersive adventure we listened to live music from native musicians bringing their art to us in London, speeches from Icelandic high-ups, CEO’s of the companies involved in this three-day event, and an Icelandic comedian! The audience was liberally sprinkled with Nordic gods and goddesses, plus the founder of independent record company One Little Indian who signed Icelandic star Björk in the early 90s and to who she has stayed loyal ever since.
We took time to discuss Blue Lagoon skincare products created from the bioactive elements found at The Blue Lagoon in its unique healing waters at the heart of the UNESCO Global Geopark, and took some home with us.
The info talks and entertainment were all enjoyed while sampling culinary delights such as Scallops and Icelandic Wasabi; Beetroot, Barley and Fennel; and a medley of lamb dishes: Lamb Tartare and Black Garlic; Cured Lamb; Grilled Fillet of Lamb and Thyme, and these superb savouries were topped off with an exquisite dessert – Isey Skyr with white chocolate and bilberries. Oh what Arctic luxury, what Scandi joy. Especially when we could pair these fantastic amuse-bouche with cocktails created from Ólafsson Gin made with local botanicals and blended with grapefruit, tonic and mint. Or Reyka Vodka, Vanilla, Ginger and Rosemary.
This event is free and open to everyone, you just need to book a ticket and get yourself up there.
I might even go again.
- A Blue Lagoon Soundbath event (Saturday 29th October from 9.30am to 10.30am and then on Sunday 30th October from 9.30am to 10.30am)
- A Photo Exhibit and Talk from Benjamin Hardman (Friday 28th October from 12.30pm to 1pm and then on Saturday 29th October from 12.30pm to 1pm)
- The Mini Airwaves festival, featuring live acts from the 2022 Airwaves Festival line-up and DJ (Saturday 29th October from 7.30pm to 10.30pm)
- Family Fun Day (Sunday 30th October, with a sensory-dampened hour taking place from 3.30pm)
- Opening hours: Open from 10am
Duration: Visits will take around an hour
Age requirement: All ages are welcome!
Location: Phonica Records, 51 Poland St, London W1F 7LZ
Accessibility: The event is wheelchair accessible
Cost/Tickets: Free tickets, timed entry. Sign up for tickets here.
icelandair.com
66north.com
