New Year’s Eve: Start Planning Now!

Posted by Kate on Nov 2, 2010 in News | 2 comments

Sponsored by Temple Place.

For about a month now, pubs have placed signs outside their establishments reminding us all that Christmas is just around the corner (you mean two months?!?!) and the time to plan is now.

In which case, I’ve got to thinking…just 6 days later is New Years Eve. Many of my friends have already either called to check on our plans or have booked their own—sometimes to London and sometimes to catch a flight out of this great city. It’s never too early to plan (or un-plan)!

So I give you, 5 things to do in London on New Years Eve.

5. Check out the London Fireworks Display: Waterloo Bridge

Yes, It happened. For all the New Year’s Eves I’ve been in New York City, never once have I gone to Times Square for the ball drop, but for my first London NYE, I went for the all out tourist experience. There we were, my partner and I freezing our sober bums off, apparently with 700,000 other people, on Waterloo Bridge from 10AM to 12:02 waiting to open our bottle of champagne and watch the fireworks over the Eye. Not for the faint of heart (or sober souls), I actually found the famous fireworks display rather short and disappointing. We were off the bridge and headed home by 12:05, including the time it took to walk in a crowd from the middle of the bridge to the end. Perhaps this year will be warmer and more eventful. If you’d rather enjoy the display from elsewhere in London, it can be viewed from pretty much anywhere you can see the Eye, or broadcast from home on BBC1.
Recommended for those with a big group—where drinks and company can keep you warm and occupied if you’re trying to avoid the bars/clubs

4. Hop over to a Bar/Club

For those of us who believe it’s not a real New Year’s Eve unless you’re dancing your face off, taking shots and schmoozing with complete strangers into the wee hours of the morning, the bar/club scene is always an option in London. Whether in search of a more exclusive venue, where admission guarantees either an open bar or potentially less people, or you’re seeking out a free venue, London has a range of offerings.

3. Go to a Restaurant:

If you have a favorite restaurant in London or perhaps a pricier venue that you’ve been dying to try (I could give lists here!), New Year’s Eve can provide both the perfect occasion and sometimes the perfect price (or set menu) to spend those extra pounds. Though some restaurants might not be advertising their New Year’s Menu, many will extend either their Christmas menu into 31st December or have something different planned special for the night. If you ask now and beat the crowds, you might just score a seat.

2. Plan a House Party:

For those that would rather avoid the bar/club queues, choose your company (for the most part) and have more control over how rowdy or low-key your night is, the house party provides the perfect solution. Many a New Year’s I have spent with family and friends, complete with lots of wine, board games (or Charades anyone?) finger foods, and a the countdown where you know the stranger to your left is someone you wouldn’t mind kissing (on the cheek!). If you’re planning your own party, there are plenty of resources online (I’d love to share as well!) on decorations, themes, food recipes, and classic cocktails. If you’d rather be the +1 (or +10) to someone elses party, start eavesdropping now—I’m sure you’ll find a friend of a friend (of a friend) planning or going to a house party that wouldn’t mind you tagging along.

1. Experience a Boogie Night:

In the spirit of Groupon, finding one of those great venues you’ve always wanted to try, but just couldn’t find the time or cash, Temple Place is giving away four tickets to one person for champagne, canapes, dancing (and even a chill-out area) on New Year’s Eve (normally £95/person). Free New Year’s at a swank event, that would be my #1, and proof enough that it’s never too early to starting planning! Good luck!

What are you New Year’s Eve Plans??

Photography: SRivera and Wobble-San