Is this London's longest escalator?
Angel Tube station certainly has a run for its money. I'm not sure exactly how lofty these moving steps are, but they must surely be London's longest outdoor escalator.
This is the main entrance to Olympia's new village in the sky. The exhibition centre, now 140 years old, was in dire need of a refresh and, by heavens has it got one.
Last time we were up here, it was to walk over the roof of the centre's great hall which — little-known fact — is partially retractable. That great glass canopy now has a young upstart competing for your attention.
The faceted glazed canopy (520 panes, in case you care) was designed by the firm of Thomas Heatherwick, he of the 'Boris bus', Olympic cauldron, and the unbuilt Garden Bridge fame, along with SPPARC architects. It's a bobby-dazzler... though I'm not sure about the gappy bits, which might funnel wind and rain in inclement weather.
It's quite a transformation. Until recently, this was largely unused roof space. I happened to take a photo of it during a previous rooftop adventure:
The Canopy, for so it is named, cocoons a cluster of fancypants restaurants and bars, including the Mexican Bar Arriba, Lillie's wine bar (and small-plate restaurant), and Wolves of Tokyo.
The biggest, and most informal space is a multi-outlet food hall called Arbour, from which I'm typing these words. It's pricey, but not unexpectedly so. A Guinness costs £7.50; an Americano £3.75; burgers £10-£15... pretty much in line with any smart cafe or bar in central London (or Kensington). The Pet Shop Boys' West End Girls pumps out of the speakers as I walk in, followed by When Doves Cry, You're So Vain and California Dreamin'. They've got the music right.
Beyond The Canopy, the vibe is more 'shopping centre', but without the shops. A boxy corridor and office portal known as Emberton Walk is given interest by a video screen along the ceiling, currently displaying a montage of bright balloons.
This leads through to the jewel in the crown, a new 3,800 capacity music venue. The British Airways ARC (because sponsor branding must trump catchiness these days) has already hosted its first gigs, and has the likes of the Black Keys and Van Morrison on its to-do list. A second ginormous escalator leads back to street level immediately opposite the ARC.
Olympia has spent a staggering £1.3 billion on these and other improvements to the venue (including a new theatre, yet to open). To be frank, it needed it. The centre was always a bit of a closed-off fortress, unless you happened to have tickets. Now, those massive escalators lead up, but also in, bringing a wider public into the Olympia estate. Yes, it's a bit 'high end', but also welcoming and friendly.
Diamond Geezer dubbed it a 'Dubai-like bubble', but even he was impressed at the scope of the works. A winning formula, then, which attracts both East End boys and West End girls.
Olympia's new walkway is open now to anybody, and free to visit.
