Bringing in the New Year in London? You’ve got a lot of options. Here’s a guide to the best of them.
Ready for a bold claim? London is the best place to celebrate New Year’s Eve. There’s just so much to choose from. You can rave until the early hours of New Year’s Day. You can dine at the city’s many fancy restaurants, you can sneak peaks at the fireworks from vantage points around the city.
But with all that choice it’s not easy to know which plan to make your own – you can’t do everything remember…
So we’ve put together this guide with some of the best options. It includes spectacular sky-high dining, parties on boats, raves at the city’s best clubs, ABBA discos and special New Year’s Eve restaurant offerings that have got our mouths watering, chances to win a thousand pounds and more.
Let’s jump right in.
Things to do on New Year’s Eve in London
Play Bingo on Steriods for Cash Prizes
No, that doesn’t mean you have to take steroids at this night, we’re talking about playing your granny’s favourite game at Hijingo – a place where number guessing is accompanied by more, boozing, techno or flashing lights than you’d get from a nightclub.
Their NYE celebrations involve free-flow nibbles, a spread of house drinks and welcome cocktails, drinks at midnight and a game with some prizes that might have us rethinking our New Year’s plans.
You could win an actual European holiday. If you don’t, you’ll still be in the runnings for two cash prize of £1,000 each…
The party runs until 2am and make no mistake about it – this place will be wild.
Party at an ABBA Disco
Know your Waterloo from your Mama Mia? Can’t get enough of the Swedish superstars? Well there’s a giant ABBA disco kicking off in the capital for New Year’s Eve. It’s being held at Pizza East in Shoreditch.
They’re going to be running through all the big hits, plus a few other 70s classics the ring in 2024. Dress code: groovy 70s disco. Tickets are £55 per head but you can get them for £25 if you act fast.
Take Part in a Bit of Sky-High Dining
Dinner – how should you eat the last meal of the year? With a wildly good view wouldn’t be a bad shout for this occasion. At Bokan 37 they’ve got just that. It sweeps from the top floor of a Canary Wharf skyscraper and feels like it belongs more in New York or Hong Kong than it does in London.
They’re offering a couple of different packages, including one that guarantees you a window seat for the duration of the night. That’s on top of a six-course tasting menu, obviously. We’ve eaten here before and were pretty impressed. Let us tell you the creative modern-European fare they turn out would make fitting fodder for NYE.
From 9pm onwards they’ve got a DJ too, and they’ll be opening the upstairs bar and turning it into a full-on party space. Just to confirm, that bar also has killer views.
Party with Grammy Award-Winning Musicians at Decimo
Perched atop the Standard Hotel in King’s Cross is Decimo, a swanky lounge and restaurant that boasts, among other things, a Michelin Star and some pretty amazing views.
To say hello to 2024 in style they’ve got in Grammy Award-winning band Soul II Soul and a few other secret special guests. Tables will be pushed aside, chairs cleared and a dancefloor introduced for you to cut your finest shapes.
If you’re looking to party in style, you’d be hard pressed to find a better place than this.
Hit Lio London For Ibiza Levels of Madness
Hot new club opening of 2023, Lio London, are maintaining their reputation for throwing mega parties Ibiza style to see their inaugural year off.
If you hadn’t heard, this spot is the sister location to the ultra-popular club of the same name in Ibiza. The parties they throw reflect the scene of the Spanish party island to the fullest – and they tend to get wild.
For this fiesta they’ve DJ Fat Tony manning the decks and the dresscode is ‘sportlich elegant’ (is that German for sporty?).
Celebrate in a Georgian Mansion
The ever-elegant Brunswick House has been on our radar a lot this year. They serve up some great food in a one-of-a-kind dining room – it’s sort of a throwback to a bygone age with old decor and vintage furniture abound.
For NYE this year they’re opening up that restaurant and the many bar spaces they’ve got in the mansion to throw a multi-room party that has really got us rethinking our plans. The night begins with a four-course meal (£90) that boasts steaks, freshly caught fish and something listed as a Boozy Prune Tart that’s pretty much made our decision for us.
See you there…
More information and bookings here
See Woody Cock DJ at a Swanky Battersea Power Station Venue
All right you filthy animals, we know what you’re chuckling at. Woody Cock is a real DJ! He also happens to be the son of Fat Boy Slim. He’s been making quite a name for himself in recent years and he’ll be spinning the tracks at a location fitting for the biggest night of the year.
That spot is the bar at JOIA in Battersea Power Station. The place opened this year to much fanfare – the chef of the adjacent restaurant is popular in the Michelin guide – and the drinks are on point – delightful cocktails that are paired on this occasion with canapes throughout the night.
The place has one of the best views from that part of the river. We’re guessing you’ll have killer views of the fireworks while Woody does his thing.
Rave All Night at This Top London Club
Since Printworks is sadly now a thing of the past, we’ll have to direct you elsewhere if you’re looking for a wild night that stretches right into New Year’s Day. Luckily we’ve got just the spot.
It’s Phonox. Brixton’s biggest nightclub venue and a mecca for clubbers across the city. They know how to party and so we’re going to go out on a limb and say that this wouldn’t be a bad dance floor to be on when the clock strikes midnight.
Their lineup isn’t fully released yet but Moxie has been confirmed as a headline act – with a special guest…
Hit the Engineers Ball
Not ready for 2024? How about stepping back in time and celebrating New Year’s Eve 1956 instead. That’s what they’re celebrating at The Engineer’s Ball – NYE party spectacular at Control Room B.
Of course, folks in that day dressed to the nines for such and occasion and you’ll be expected to match. Black tie for the gents, glamorous dresses for the ladies. You’ll be partying the night away to the sound of the fifties and letting the champagne flow.
The other great aspect of partying in Battersea is that you’ll have an excellent view of the new year’s fireworks from your position on the river…
Get Groovy at a Silent Disco
Who needs to blow their eardrums out listening to music on an enormous soundsystem? Why not save your capacity to hear things for 2024? There’s a silent disco bringing in the new year and that could be one way to do it…
The party runs until 2am slap bang in the middle of the City of London in Banking Hall – not a bad location for it either. Three different DJs will be on hand to curate stations you flick between to pick the right vibe for you.
Expect everything from garage bangers to party anthems.
Groove at Somerset House
We hope you’re ready, because Somerset House has partnered up with The Cocoa Butter Club to throw a New Year’s Eve party like no other.
If you don’t know, The Cocoa Butter Club are one of London’s grooviest gang of burlesque dancers. They’ll be strutting their stuff around the stunning venue while you party the night away at food stalls and pop-up bars.
There will of course be the option to bring the new year in on the ice. Skate at Somerset House is one of the most popular places to put your skates on and that’s no exception for the last night of the year.
Blend Great Food and Great Music for the Best of Both Worlds
Do you want to party the night away or do you want to eat a meal to remember? A conundrum indeed. You could always do both. A restaurant we really get behind is getting in some top musicians to serenade your dinner and kick up a vibe as the year comes to an end.
It’s Acme Fire Cult – home of some truly expert grill work that we’ve enjoyed on many an occasion.
While you enjoy that BBQ (and the special lamb mennu they’re running) DJs Arveene and Pam Hogg will be spinning their stuff, then to see you up to the finish line, Primal Scream’s very own Simone Butler will get behind the decks for a two-hour set that will no doubt be an absolute banger.
Get Wild at Sushisamba
Every New Year’s Eve the ever-glamorous SushiSamba throw a wild party at their Covent Garden location. This year is no different. The young and the hip will be gathered en masse to bring in the new year with what they’re calling ‘a disco celebration like no other’.
That means DJs laying down tracks right into the wee hours of the night, but because this is SushiSamba it also means over-the-top live performers and entertainment of the extravagant kind throughout.
Attend a Soiree with Phileas Fogg
Mr. Fogg’s House of Botanicals at throwing a two-floor soiree to bring in the new year, and you’re invited.
Each floor of the over-the-top botanical bar will have a very different feel. On the ground floor it seems like things will be a little more civilised (for the beginning of the night at least). Alice Keys – a pianist and cabaret musician will be filling the room with the sounds of twinkling keys before a DJ comes in to take over nearer the midnight hour.
Upstairs, and it’s worth mentioning you need a separate ticket to get into this part, there’s a special cocktail party fueled by bespoke botanical creations and hosted under the very impressive wisteria-canopied space that is Mr Fogg’s Treehouse.
Party with Burlesque Dancers at Courtesan Musical Extravaganza
In our books, New Year’s Eve should be a night of uproar, and extremes – few things say that better than burlesque.
In that style then, we’re pretty excited about The Courtesan and their NYE offerings. It’s a venue we seriously rate, imperial Chinese-themed and classy as you like with a killer menu of dim sum and (most importantly for this guide) cocktails.
Last year their New Year’s celebrations kicked off and this year they’re back at it a prohibition themed night where entertainment includes being serenaded by a West End star.
Get Magical at The Savoy
If you want to party in true style and sophistication you’ll have a hard time finding a better place for it than The Savoy. The hotel is one of the most iconic and revered in the city, and this year they’re pushing the boat out for New Year’s Eve.
They’re decking out the Lancaster Ballroom in the style of an enchanted forest and laying on a four-course dinner to kick off an evening that will see more than enough Champagne flow.
Their riverside location also means The Savoy is a great place to watch the NYE fireworks.
More information and tickets here
Rock Out at a Brewery
Walthamstow Brewery are bringing the new year in with a big gig (and heaps of beer). The night will be hosted by established London rockers Jamie Lenman and InMe and, as the night grows late, some up-and-coming DJs dropping music in a plethora of styles.
We like the sound of this because, well, could you think of anywhere better to spend New Year’s Eve than a brewery.
We also like it because they’re doing a special burger on the night called Prince Charles is Overrated – a bacon and cheese number that might even rival the American-style burger offering, the Donnie J Trump. Sounds like there’ll be no end of humour here too…
Party at the Natural History Museum
With the year now becoming part of the history books it’s time to get planning. This event at The Natural History Museum could be the one for you. It’s a party, yes, a genuine party in the museum after dark.
You’ll be treated to performers and plenty of drinks while DJs turn that grand central hall into a dance floor and bring in 2024. Fancy dress is highly encouraged and we’re guessing people will be taking inspiration from the stuff on display – which is stuff you can go and look at on the night by the way.
Just don’t get too drunk and spill a drink on a priceless fossil.
Let Loose on the Rooftop at Skylight Tobacco Dock
Like its sister bar in Peckham, Skylight Tobacco Dock offers panoramic views of the capital – and so is a great place to scope out any potential fireworks.
They’ve got a regular thing going with New Year’s Eve parties and let us tell you it’s a bit of a banger. They lay on some great packages where you can be VIP for a night and take over one of those igloo huts with your pals (and fill it with Champers of course.
Even if you don’t want to splurge on the igloo package (it is £999 for ten people) a regular ticket is just £45 and comes with a complimentary glass of Moet & Chandon, and let us tell you again, the views here are on point.
Celebrate in the Sky(Garden) at Midnight
Sky Garden are pretty notorious for throwing good parties on big occasions like New Year’s Eve. As you can imagine from such a bouji location, the night promises no end of excess.
Naturally that comes with a price tag. Tickets range from £195 – £3,600 depending on just how much you want to push the boats out. The more expensive end of the spectrum comes with dinner at one of the building’s three restaurants, champagne throughout, window side seating at the party and heaps more.
That’s all alongside live entertainment from Dee Supreme and her band, DJs and of course, stunning views of London.
Catch Comedy Carnival’s New Year’s Eve Special
Sometimes we think so much about stuffing ourselves and partying till the early hours that we forget that NYE can also be about having a laugh. If that seems to ring home for you too, check this out…
Comedy Carnival are putting together a night of stand-up comedy at both their Covent Garden and Clapham locations. Headline acts include names like Nathan Caton who you might have seen on Live at the Apollo, and hilarious Irish comic Mary Bourke.
The party doesn’t run past midnight but once you’ve stocked up on laughs you’ll be right in the mood to keep the party going, and if you’re in Covent Garden you’ll be swamped for choice.
Begin the Night with a Classical Concert
New year’s is also a time of reflection. How did 2023 go? What can you do better next year? Where better to pause for thought than while listening to some classical music in a beautiful church.
This annual concert is exactly that, and one we love to recommend. The very talented Piccadilly Sinfonietta are playing Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and the headline piece, supported by Piano Concerto in A Major from Bach with Warren Mailley-Smith on the piano.
The setting is the beautiful St. Mary Le Strand church. Not a bad location for a night like this if you ask us.
Shows are at 5pm, 7pm, and 8.45pm so you’ll still have plenty of time after to hit that fancy restaurant or sip champagne while watching the fireworks.
Hit a Boat Party
There are few better ways to make a big night than to party on a boat. In London, where a cruise down the river adds to the vibes with great views of the city all lit up, and on New Year’s Eve where fireworks will be popping overhead.
There’s one boat party in this city you don’t want to miss. That’s the ones put on by Skyline. They throw them for all occasions and have been getting the thing down to a fine art in the process.
For this oh-so-special day of the year they’re even throwing in an after party, location hidden until the night. On the boat there will be two decks with DJs on both. Deck one: club and house tunes. Deck two: more club, but with some Ibiza party bangers thrown in for good measure.
Dine in Style at No. Fifty Cheyne
If you fancy feasting like royalty to see out the year, No. Fifty Cheyne do a feast that seems to get bigger and better each year. There are choices of menu throughout the evening – you can even dine at sunset to make the evening all that more special.
If you’d rather wait till a bit later you’ll have options of a four-course tasting menu or a la carte that’s laden with sumptuous dishes like Dexter beef chateaubriand, glazed citrus and vanilla duck breast and Pistachio and dark chocolate fondant.
That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Check their website here for the full menus and reservations.
Drink Dirt Cheap Pints at Brewdog
Not content with the price of beer in 2023, Brewdog have decided that they’re going to turn the clocks back to 1999 and sell their beer at the price it would have been in the last year of the last millennium.
That means about £2 a pint in case you’re wondering – a hell of a steal. To get your pints this cheap all you have to do is buy a NYE ticket and find the pubs that are offering it.
There are a bunch around London so you’ve got heaps of options, including the classic spot at Seven Dials, which will put you right in the heart of the action once you’ve drunk the bar dry.
Go Gatsby for a Night
Nobody parties like Gatsby. The man really knows how to celebrate. No surprise that the folks at Bar Des Prés are tuning into his way of doing things for their celebrations.
That means towers of champagne, no end of glamorous people and a party that begins with a luxurious menu of dishes Crispy Tarama & Caviar or Grilled Scallops with yuzu and Lapsang tea sauce, and runs late into the night with live jazz and DJs until 2am.
Let us tell you, with owner Cyril Lignac’s luxury cooking and Bar Des Prés’ natural charm, we think Gatsby would approve.
Party with a Stunning View at Oblix at The Shard
If you want to be truly on top of the world for NYE then you couldn’t do much better than being at the top of the Shard with a glass of fizz in your hand really.
Oblix offers precisely that location – looking out over London with a view to die for. You’ll be able to see all the fireworks from here, that’s for sure.
You’ll have to put down a pretty penny for the privilege though. Dinner and the after party will set you back £470. To be fair you will be dining on a full three course with wagyu steak as a choice for mains. It’s one to think about at least…
More information and booking here
New Year’s Eve Fireworks in London
Alternatives to London’s usual firework show that you shouldn’t miss…
Primrose Hill
Whenever there are fireworks displays in London, folks love to gather on top of Primrose Hill and watch the drama. It comes with some rather stunning panoramic views of the city. But listen up…
This year gates were added to Primrose Hill so that people couldn’t stay up there being noisy late into the night. Royal Parks did have a record of keeping the hill open until past midnight in recent years but they haven’t announced if they will for 2023/24 yet.
Check back on their website for more information closer to the time. We don’t recommend chancing it.
Skylight Peckham
We’ve mentioned a couple of times in this guide locations that will be ideal for catching the display and getting down at a good party. Just to recap for those at the back, those were Oblix at the Shard, The Savoy, JOIA and Skylight Tobacco docks.
Skylight has another branch in Peckham that’s also got some great views of the city, though from a bit further back. You’ll be able to see fireworks well from there too.
Then again, most of London’s rooftop bars would be a good shout. Here’s a guide to the best of them.
At the Official Viewing Locations
The fireworks on NYE are an organised affair. So far we’ve just told you where you can catch them out and about, but actually there are some dedicated, ticketed areas along the river where you can get up close and personal.
The fireworks launch near the London Eye and the areas along the river and bridges east and west of there are all cordoned off for designated viewing spaces. Tickets at £20 each and you can book up to four per person.
More information and booking here
Alexandra Palace
Another popular spot for people to gather is Alexandra Palace. The vibe is much the same as it is at Primrose Hill, people bring their own bottles and line up on the lawns to watch the displays – in fact, we recon if the gates stay shut this year, much of that crowd will be moving up here.
The view from up here is pretty fabulous. It’s a wide shot of most of London from a high vantage point. The only drawback worth mentioning is that you are pretty far back from the action. You could argue that allows you to see more though…
