These are the best places to spend New Year's Eve in the UK...
Been too tied up wrapping your Christmas presents to even think about organising anything for New Year's Eve? Well, luckily, we’re here to help. It’s one of the most fraught nights of the year and there's an overwhelming pressure to have a good time. But with our easy guide of the last minute places to head to, you’ll be singing Auld Lang Syne with a pint in hand in no time... LONDON
Head to Dishoom for their Bombay Vintage Glam Party where you can enjoy a ‘jolly good knees-up’ according to their website by sipping on cocktais (we can confirm, they’re very good) and snacking on Prawn Joliwada and the delicious Black Daal until the ball drops.
If Indian food isn’t your thing, then the Zetter Townhouse will be hosting a Grand Old Country House party in both of their locations. The dress code is tweed (natch). The aptly named Bibendum restaurant (the name is derived from the Latin phrase ‘nunc est bibendum’ meaning ‘now is the time to drink’) will be hosting a celebration with a special menu designed by Peter Robinson and live music from Dixieland jazz trio, ‘Silk Street Jazz’.
If you’re slave to a fireworks display, but frankly can’t be arsed layering up to watch said display, head to Urban Coterie whose 17th floor location is the best place to catch a glimpse of those sparkles in the sky while snacking on a five-course tasting menu with dishes like smoked fallow deer. Hush Mayfair have taken their celebrations up a notch this year with a Wolf of Wall Street themed affair. With Millionaire Martini cocktails, a ‘Money Can’t Buy’ menu (complete with truffles and lobster with gold leaf) and a casino, you’ll be getting the full Leo DiCaprio experience.
If you’re rather old fashioned and like to sip on one too, then the proprietor of Mr Fogg’s Tavern, Miss Fanny McGee is holding a Jubilant Jamboree where guests are encouraged to dress as the stars of the Victorian Stage. With a champagne reception (Moet et Chandon, darrrrrling) accompanied with pies and roast game and a variety of drinks and snacks throughout the night this will be a night to remember (or not…).
And finally, if unlimited booze is your jam (and whose isn’t it, really?), then head to Kurobuta on the fifth floor of Harvey Nichol’s where you can drink away and tuck into Japanese fare all for only £55pp.
NEWCASTLE
Start your night off early in Newcastle with their family-friendly Winter Carnival Parade which takes note from European culture where wild beasts scare away the bad spirits of the past year. The parade named, Wild Beasts and Dark Streets will feature scary monsters and dancing bears (what else?) and will take place from 5pm from Monument.
Then head to Pitcher & Piano on the Tyne in Newcastle where you can calm your nerves post scaring with cocktails and it’s iconic view over the riverside.
BRISTOL
The Colston Hall's Global Beats event with the 7-piece Submotion Orchestra and Ibibio Sound Machine is bound to be bouncin'. A dance party with a difference, expect to hear reggae, electronica and dubstep all mashed into one. Dance away, ladies.
MANCHESTER
If you’re up for an all-nighter then head to the Warehouse Project whose event runs from 8pm til 5am, with special guests MK, Hannah Wants, Miguel Campbell and Catz n Dogz.
If you’re not quite sure you can keep your eyes open until 5am (even with thumping music playing) Quill has catered for you with New Years menus and live music on the night. Less of a sore head, more of a full belly with this one.
LEEDS
Ring in 2016 at Leeds’ Malmaison at their New Year’s Eve Extravaganza. From only £338 per person you can enjoy bed and breakfast, a five-course dinner with coffee and petit fours and entertainment.
SUNDERLAND
Sunderland’s Stadium of Light will be hosting it’s own New Years Eve Gala Ball with tribute artist Jamie Tinkler performing as Michael Buble and Olly Murs throughout the night. With fireworks, a five-course feast and a Scottish pipe player (what more could you ask for, seriously?) it’s sure to be a goodun’.
ESCAPE THE CITY
And if you’re looking to get away from the bright lights of a UK city, then head to the Cotswolds where you can stay at the decadent Eynsham Hall where you can enjoy afternoon tea, dinner, brunch and an overnight stay with champers and chocolates in their main house or their cottage and lodge buildings.
The idyllic Tudor Farmhouse Hotel in the Royal Forest of Dean will also be offering guests the chance to bed down in one of their rooms for the night after tucking into a 7 course-tasting menu with champagne at their award-winning restaurant. Even better, you can shake off the wine headache the next morning with a walk around the surrounding 14 acres.
Happy New Year, everyone!