New Year’s Eve 2014 in London – how to spend it
It’s that time of year again – when everyone’s asking you what you’re doing on New Year’s Eve.
Some are lucky enough to already have the evening planned, but many Londoners are still trying to work out how to mark the occasion.
If you’re unsure of what to do, here are some ideas to help ensure you welcome 2015 in style.
FIREWORKS
The annual fireworks in central London are some of the most impressive in Europe, and there will be a big turnout next to Parliament Square.
Getting into the immediate vicinity will be tricky this year since tickets have sold out, but you can still view the display from further out (and in less cramped conditions).
If you’re not keen on venturing into the centre (there is no doubt that it will be extremely crowded), you could watch them live on TV instead while enjoying a home cooked meal with friends.
COMEDY NIGHT
Have a laugh on New Year’s Eve by booking tickets for one of the many comedy nights taking place.
The Clapham Grand is holding a night of stand-up acts by comedians including Felicity Ward, Imran Yusuf and Phil Nichol, with tickets going for £25.
The Comedy Store in Leicester Square is putting on a similar stand-up event for £49 a ticket, with acts ranging from MC Stephen Grant to Jarred Christmas. The event turns into DJ nightclub afterwards, too.
WINTER WONDERLAND
Entry to Hyde Park’s take on the festive period is free, and will be going on until 4 January. It’s a huge space, so there’s room for lots of people to fit in, and a wide range of activities are present (including for those with children.
There are fairground rides, Christmas markets and plenty of food stalls (including themed bars). The Magical Ice Kingdom contains a huge ice rink, too.
PARADE ON NEW YEAR’S DAY
If you’re not keen on staying up too late, you could make New Year’s Day your celebration instead. On 1 January 2015, tens of thousands of performers will parade through the streets of central London.
There will be dancers, acrobats and musicians representing the different boroughs of the capital in a show of unity to mark the start of the year.
COCKTAILS
If you’d rather take it easy and just go out for cocktails with friends or family, there are plenty of bars in London that are sure to provide an entertaining night.
In Soho, you could try the Experimental Cocktail bar, which has a range of strong and tasty cocktails such as the “Old Cuban” and “Jamaican Pogo”.
For a young and trendy vibe, there’s the Hawksmoor Spitalfields – you can eat as well as drink there, and it’s likely to be a lively evening. At the other end of the spectrum is Dukes Bar in Green Park – better for those looking for a quieter evening but in luxury surroundings. The drinks there are expensive, but very good quality.