WHAT’S ON IN LONDON ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Aviary Rooftop bar

Who are we to eschew a London rooftop just because it’s the dead of winter? Aviary in east London not only remains a bit of a hidden gem in our eyes but it’s hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration that will ensure you start 2018 in impeccable style. The terrace is set to be bedecked with pop-up igloos which can host up to 10 guests for drinks and nibbles or 8 for a sit down dinner. These are the most exclusive of booking options and they require a minimum spend but there’s also availability in the restaurant which will serve a four-course set menu for a more affordable price of £129 per person. Expect interiors that are at once opulent and modern as well as a cocktail menu to rival the best and a live DJ, all set against one of the UK’s most iconic city backdrops.

Get tickets here.

10th Floor, 22 - 25 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1DX

Clerkenwell Grind

Whilst the London Grind is set to be packed from wall to wall as it’s just on the river so the view of the fireworks will be undoubtedly incredible, it’s the Clerkenwell branch that we’re bookmarking for our celebrations this year. Why? Because it’s the liveliest of the Grind locations and it’s got its own club-bar downstairs which will be hosting its very own NYE party. Expect neon signage, bar stools to spark the interest of even the least interiors-driven individuals and a cocktail menu that you’ll want to work your way through from top to bottom (we recommend the espresso martini – it’s particularly delicious). Those who are always the last on the dancefloor will feel very at home as the DJ will continue well past the midnight celebrations – a momentary pause in a night that promises so much more than just a few party poppers to reign in the New Year.

Clerkenwell Grind, 2-4 Old Street, London, EC1V 9AA

Percy and Founders

If you’re keen to head into central London this NYE but you’re not up for a raucous night out (or even if you are and you’re looking for somewhere to start the night) then perhaps Percy and Founders in Fitzrovia is tempting  choice for dinner? This modern and welcoming establishment strikes the perfect balance between premium and unpretentious which results in a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere where you won’t feel overdressed if you want to go a little smarter than the norm for this red letter day. A specially-curated set menu promises a host of delicious-sounding gourmet dishes including roasted scallops, venison loin and chocolate & Armagnac fondant, all for a rather reasonable £65 per person. What could be more perfect? If you’re settling in for the night then head to the bar post-meal and enjoy the resident DJ until it’s time to ring in the New Year.

Percy & Founders, 1 Pearson Square, London, W1W 7EY

Watch the fireworks

Tradition states that locals and tourists alike will flock in their thousands to the banks of the River Thames in prep for the city’s infamous midnight fireworks display and this year is set to be no different. If this is your year for it and you’ve never been before then it’s worth doing your research first. There are five very specific viewing areas available to buy entry tickets for and you’ll be restricted to whichever you’ve chosen so if you’re planning to spend the evening with friends, be sure to cross-check specifics pre-purchase. You can find out more information about travel and restrictions here.

Various positions along the Southbank.

Greenwood

South London’s newest sports-fan favourite, Greenwood, is our bar of choice if you’re keen to a) stay south of the river, b) be close to a train station and c) to avoid extortionate entry fees. Positioned in NOVA, the much-coveted dining development just opposite Victoria station, Greenwood will be throwing a party to remember with a live DJ playing until 2am and a tempting drinks menu to see you through the evening. The ticketed price is £7 to buy in advance and this includes a welcome drink, or entry on the night is free without the complimentary drink. You’ll find us sipping on a Brit Spritz at the bar – a delicious-sounding concoction of gin, elderflower, prosecco and a splash of soda.

Get tickets here.

Greenwood, 170 Victoria St, Westminster, London SW1E 5LB

Cahoots’ Vintage Knees Up

If themed parties are your thing then it’s time to consider Cahoots and the 1940s New York glamour that they’ll be bringing to London come the 31^st of January. Featuring a champagne and canape reception, live entertainment and bottomless cocktails, this really will be a party to remember. Genre-specific attire is encouraged to get you in the mood for a mix of lindyhop and vintage classic tunes that will see you through until midnight. Tickets cost £100 each and the venue sits in the heart of Soho just off Kingly Court, so it promises a buzzing atmosphere and a night that’s just a little different to the norm.

Get tickets here.

Cahoots, 13 Kingly Court, London, W1B 5PG

Alpine Ski Lodge at The Gherkin

There’s little that will welcome 2018 with as much impact as a party on the 38^th floor of one of London’s most iconic buildings, the Gherkin, and this year’s celebrations are set to take place in their Alpine Ski Lodge at Searcys bar. An indulgent option, the tickets cost £320 per person and include a champagne and canapé reception as well as a five-course tasting menu, half a bottle of wine and soft drinks per person. Tables are designed for up to 10 people so if there’s a big group of you, be sure to book one exclusively, or if not, sit with likeminded partygoers until after dinner. The bar will be open from 10.30am until 2am.

Get tickets here.

Searcys, The Gherkin, 30 St Mary Axe, London EC3A 8EP

Battersea Evolution

If you’ve not yet heard about the festive parties that have been taking place in Battersea Park this season then there’s no better time to familiarise yourself than now. The Alpine Wonderland, as it is so called, hosts an apres-ski themed party every week in December and the grand finale is planned for NYE. Expect log fires, authentic leather Chesterfields and opulent chandeliers by way of décor, as well as dancers, acrobats and contortionists for entertainment on the night. Not only that, but there will be dodgems and games to take part in and you won’t miss the fireworks either, as they’ll be streamed live on the big screen inside. Tickets start from £150 and include a sparkling wine reception, canapes, a four course dinner and beer, cider, wine and soft drinks for the duration of the night.

Get tickets here.

Battersea Evolution, Battersea Park, London, SW11 4NJ