Stay Warm With a Cold Beer When The Rink at Thompson's Point Opens Friday

Though the Portland Press Herald reports that construction at Deering Oaks Park will prevent ice skating on its pond this winter, Portlanders looking to lace up their skates will have an attractive new option starting this Friday, December 4 at 3 p.m. That's when The Rink at Thompson's Point opens with food provided by mobile kitchen PB&ME — "specializing in the art of the peanut butter sandwich" — and beer and wine available from The Bar Association.

Run by Bramhall's Mike Fraser, Catherine Caswell of wedding venue Caswell Farm in Gray, and Mike Anderson, The Bar Association is a mobile bartending service the three started for weddings. Fraser told Eater the business will operate out of a warm, 700-square-foot yurt sponsored by Bissell Brothers Brewing Company, which recently denied that it would expand to the area despite persistent rumors. Expect wine by the glass and four rotating beers on draft, including two Bissell selections and two from other local breweries, beginning with Oxbow and Allagash.

A rendering of The Rink at Thompson's Point. [Photo: The Rink at Thompson's Point/FB]

For now, Fraser has no plans to incorporate cocktails into the mix, partly as a concession to the family-friendly nature of The Rink. "I don't want people not to come down here because they're afraid of their kids being run over by drunks," he explained. He also wants to discuss liquor options with the distillery said to be coming to the development next spring, Stroudwater Spirits. In the meantime, you'll just have to stay cozy with a warm jacket and a cold beer.