An edited version of this review has appeared in London24
Here comes 2012, year of the London Olympics, and to help you kick it off in style we’ve compiled a list of the best of what’s on in London for New Years. So take your pick and don’t miss out on any good times as you ring in the upcoming year.
NYE Fireworks Display: South Bank/London Eye, Saturday 21 December SE1 7PB 10pm-Midnight Free
The Mayor’s Fireworks display on the Thames is always a spectacular event. As it attracts almost 250 000 and the viewing area fills up 2-3hours in advance so it is recommended to arrive around 8pm. DJ set starts at 10 pm with Fireworks at midnight. More info here http://www.london.gov.uk/nye
New Year’s Day Parade: Central London: Piccadilly (by Green Park), Piccadilly Circus, Lower Regent St, Waterloo Place, Pall Mall, Trafalgar Square, Whitehall, Big Ben: 11:45am Free
London’s 26th annual New Year’s Day parade features 15 bands, Pearly Queens and Kings, floats, acrobats, performers and more. For further details see: http://www.londonparade.co.uk/
NYE Parties
Stompin’ at The Savoy The Savoy Hotel, Champagne reception + 4 course dinner and entertainment £500-995
Possibly the most glamorous New Year’s eve party in town “Stompin’ at The Savoy” will feature performances from Paloma Faith, Beverly Knight and Tony Christie amongst others all accompanied by The Guy Barker Orchestra. The soiree will be broadcast live on BBC 2 so get ready to jingle your finest jewellery while the champagne flows. http://www.stompinatthesavoy.co.uk/
The Golden Vault NYE Celebration The Royal Opera Arcade5b Pall Mall, SW14UY 8pm-5am £55
Promises to be a “Glitzy” affair – or so says the dress code – with a champagne and canapé reception, midnight countdown and live DJs til 5am. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/org/1757949103
Burlesque Cabaret at The Peacock 148 Falcon Road, Clapham Junction, SW112LW 7pm-6am £10-35
The Peacock Bar is hosting a NYE Hollywood Stars party that includes DJs, Burlesque, Cabaret and more. Tailor your night with just drinks tickets or pay only £35 for dinner, drinks and reserved seating all night – a great option for resting those sky-high heels between trips to the dance floor. bookings@the-peacock-bar.co.uk
NYE with DJ Seb Fontaine & guests at Westbourne Studios Westbourne Studios, 242 Ackam Road W10 5JJ 9pm-4am includes a complimentary year membership £20
Westbourne Studios is to reopen as Industry Member Club in the New Year so be the last and first to cross the iconic threshold for this changeover and receive a complimentary year’s membership along with your NYE party. info@industrymembersclub.com
NYE @ Broadway House 474-476 Fulham Broadway SW6 1BY advanced tickets £10
West London’s newest members club is opening its doors to all for NYE and tickets are a bargain. With DJ and 3 stories of a beautifully interior designed building this promises to be a relaxed, fun and stylish evening. Start the evening with a champagne reception followed by dinner for £55. www.broadway-house.co.uk
NYE The Last Party On Earth @ The Cuckoo Club Swallow St, Mayfair Drinks reception from 10:30-11:30 followed by party £50-75
The newly refurbished Cuckoo Club redesigned by Biba-founder and interiors designer Barbara Hulanicki, looks fabulous just in time for a prestigious ringing in of the new year. Prepare for the evening ahead by dinning in the clubs restaurant which offers a 4 –course gourmet European cuisine experience with champagne for £150. claire@thecuckooclub.com
NYE at Jam Tree 541 Kings Road SW6 2EB £20 +10£ for Hog roast
Enjoy the Jam-boree party on Kings Road to ring the New Year in with style. This celebration promises dj sets, trays of drinks throughout the night and for an extra £10 enjoy a hog roast – yum! The heated patio will be open to allow open-air fun til 2am. www.jamtree.com
NYE with Difference
Looking for an alternative to the standard ringing in of Auld Lang Syne? Here are a couple of strange and wonderful events taking place in the capital that are sure to make the arrival of 2012 a night to remember.
The Last Tuesday Society presents: 2 parties – http://www.thelasttuesdaysociety.org/
The New Year’s Eve Eve Masked Ball – St Matthew’s Church Brixton 10pm-4am 15-25£
Beat the taxi queues and drunks to celebrate the new year one night early on January 30th. Masks are obligatory and the dress code is decadence and drama with clothes optional. The evening promises bizarre treats, tricks, feast and festivities.
The Animal Party – Hackney E2, 25£
The dress code is animals and it’s “no costume no entry” so prepare yourself for an evening with a myriad of furry creatures. It’s pretty much a drop down the proverbial rabbit hole. Fun for all with an appetite for the alternative.
Jennifer Cavanagh 