If you are in the UK for the holidays, make London your destination for December 31. From circuses to fireworks in the street, the capital offers a wealth of choices to ensure your countdown to 2010 is as fun and memorable as possible.
Alititude 360
If you fancy a night surrounded by the stars, book a table at Altitude 360. From the 29th Floor of Millbank Tower, Westminster, by the Thames Embankment, guests are provided with a stunning vantage point over the very heart of London.
The 360-degree views boast some of the best in the capital, including the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and, of course, the stunning fireworks display just before midnight. You’ll hear the first chime of Big Ben resonate as you toast champagne in this exclusive venue in the sky.
Popular with celebrities and VIPs, Altitude 360’s usual crowd often includes the likes of Lily Allen, Kate Moss, Ryhs Ifans – even the Prime Minister Gordon Brown and Prince Andrew have popped in. The elite party, which starts at 8pm til 3am, includes luxury canapés, midnight drinks reception, a 2010 breakfast and a stunningly chic location and venue. £95 per person.
Volupte LoungeHowever, if you’re looking to add a touch of spice to your celebrations, burlesque club Volupte Lounge has just the thing. In paying homage to the future, guests are asked to dress up in clothes from their favourite era – whether it’s a 1920s Charleston dancer or a debonair gentleman from the 1940s.
Enjoy a three-course dinner, an array of intriguing acts – including Ms Fleur De Tease, Hurly Burly Girly Laurie Hagen and a live band – and then dance the night away to the in-house DJ, who will be spinning vintage, swing and show tunes. Dinner starts at 6.30pm and the club opens at 9.30pm. Visit Volupte-Lounge.com to book tickets which cost £90 for the whole event.
Havengore
For a party to make sure you sail into 2010, head to London’s most historic and illustrious vessel, Havengore. Guests will cruise from St Katharine’s Dock, along the River Thames, to the sound of jazz bands playing, with a glass of champagne in hand, watching the stunning sights of the capital.
‘Bowl food’ and canapés will be served on board before the boat is moored near Westminster Bridge, giving guests an exclusive view of the Mayor of London’s fireworks extravaganza. Visit Venues-of-Distinction.com to book tickets for the event, which starts at 8pm, costing from £179.
The Roof GardensOr to really heat up the start of 2010, why not dance the night away at Kensington’s exclusive Roof Gardens? A ‘fire and ice’-themed night of extravagance is planned, set in a spectacular winter wonderland where guests will be treated to a host of entertainment, including a magician and music from funk band Black II Basics.
Book for the lavish four-course meal (boasting smoked Scottish salmon and roasted fillet of Cumbrian beef) and enjoy unlimited house spirits and wine throughout – as well as a mini bottle of Moet and breakfast canapés between 3am and 4am. Tickets cost £155 (£135 for members) – visit RoofGardens.Virgin.com.
St. Martin's LaneFinally – and for one night only - one of London’s most elite hotels will be transported back to the Twenties when a vintage circus comes to town.
Guests will be able to enjoy a tented Big Top - where the Ring Master will be hosting an array of weird and wonderful entertainment from strong-men to acrobats, at St Martin’s Lane, Covent Garden.
The stylish Light Bar will be transformed into a Fun House with crazy mirrors. And guests dining at Asia de Cuba will be offered an exclusive six-course New Year’s Eve set menu and receive a complimentary glass of champagne and an amuse bouche on arrival. General entry tickets cost £65 – or £225 for six-course dinner for the event which runs from 7.30pm until 3am. Visit StMartinsLane.com
So, with options like these available, you can be sure that the beginning of 2010 will be one of the spectacular New Year’s Eves yet.
For JustLuxe Carol Driver
