While it is safe to say that the pandemic is not quite over yet, we are happy to see that this year we’re in a better place than last year when it comes to socialising, making plans and celebrating. Although we may feel like we can’t quite do the things we love as freely as we once could, it’s been amazing to see the hospitality industry back up thriving, and enjoying a tipple in our favourite bar has returned to some sense of normality.
Here in the UK, we are slowly trying to get things back to normal and as new years eve lingers, we are all once again allowed to visit pubs and restaurants, meaning that our cities like London and Manchester can gear up for celebration and cheer.
As restrictions are always going to be in place for now, New Year’s Eve will still look a little different than most, but whatever happens, we’re here to share how to celebrate it in London!
London’s New Year celebrations range from VIP parties to quirky events, fine dining restaurants, outdoor gatherings and some of the finest cocktail bars. You also have some traditional boozer style pubs too. It doesn’t matter if you are looking to go all out and spend a big-budget on a riverside NYE dinner overlooking the city or if you want to keep things cheap and cheerful – here’s how to plan your NYE in London.
Travelling around in London for NYE
There are so many activities in London, but lets face it, the city can be too big for walking! Of course, you can take the tube or jump in black cabs, but the tube can lead to many changes, and black cabs can cost you an arm and leg and not be as accesible as you would like on NYE.
Another way to travel is by exploring Ubeeqo – what is known as a handy way to go everywhere in the city as it comes hourly & daily rates. In a nutshell, it’s a car rental by the hour service in London, which gives you 24/7 access to on-street vehicles. It’s easy to use, you simply register and book with the app, unlock the car with your phone and go! When you’re done, you return the car, and overall it’s a greener way to travel, and easier especially if you have your family with you and all want to travel comfortably and safely together. Ubeeqo have more than 100 stations in London, so no matter which corner of the city you’re exploring, you shouldn’t struggle to use the service.
New Year’s Eve London dinner with epic views
Although this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks are cancelled in London, there is still a chance to make an occasion of it and enjoy a dinner out in London. The key here is chose a restaurant that offers a complete view of the city, with epic scenes of the river, the sky scrapers and beyond.
While the official firework display may not be happening, but we’re sure that London’s skyline will still light up in some sense, whether it’s peoples own personal firework parties or the array of buildings lit up. Here’s a few restaurants with views that are worth checking out:
- Aqua Shard
- Blue Print Cafe
- Boundary Rooftop
- City Social
- Coppa Club
- Duck and Waffle
- Helix at The Gherkin
- Le Pont de la Tour
- Oblix
- OXO
- Plateu
Themed Parties in London
There are a number of establishments in London that are putting on special events and themed celebrations, which could be worth popping into Google if you wanted to enquire about booking on. Some of the key ones includeL:
The Hawk’s Nest: This pretty venue will be transforming its festive themed woodland into a party venue fit for a NYE gathering. The event itself will be hosted by Kudu Sol, and the event itself will feature some exciting special guests e lined up. There will be food, drinks and music, therefore the perfect chance to dress up and dance the year away. Event starts at 7pm, tickets costing £30 per person. Entry before 9pm includes a complimentary cocktail, glass of beer or wine.
Someset House: Looking for a more chilled New Year’s Eve? The legendary London events house, Somerset House, is open for an evening of ice skating. There’ll be a special rinkside DJ set playing a mixture of crowd favourites and pop classics. The last session is at 9pm, so there’s plenty of time to grab a drink elsewhere to ring in the new year, or else head home to countdown in comfort. From £11pp, 10am-9:45pm somersethouse.org.uk
Skylight Bar: The beautoful Skylight Tobacco Dock is set amongst the some of the most scenic panoramic views of London’s skyline, therefore it makes a fabulous spot to celebrate New Year’s Eve in full blown wintry style. There’ll be ice skating, Alpine food, winter cocktails, cosy covered huts and glittery igloos. Skate, sip and celebrate amongst the stars and see off 2021 here. Starts from £39pp. skylightbars.com
The Cheese Barge, Paddington: Now this is a foodie one with a difference! For all cheese lovers: this event is a seriously cool alternative new year’s eve idea, seeing in 2022 on The Cheese Barge on the Regent’s Canal. Offering a cheese-themed set menu (with veggie and gluten free options available) this event promises delicious wine, a buzzing atmosphere and a selection of cheese sure to satisfy everyone’s stomachs. thecheesebar.com
Whatever you decide to do, remember that although it may not be quite the same as previous years, we can still see people and celebrate in our own little ways again, and enjoy what hospitality is offering in our favourite cities for NYE 2021.
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