January 2009
Email this page to a friend WELCOMING 2009
Make New Year’s Eve the best night of 2008 by visiting some of these events and venues.
Celebrate Reveillon (as Brazilians call it) by heading to Guanabara for the ultimate party of the year. DJs D.vyzor, Limão and Mark Roberston will be spinning the decks, as well as a percussion show by Basil. Funk, soul, samba and pop will be coming from Mandinga and London School of Samba will be performing a live drum-set. A Dinner and Party ticket is £60 and includes admission, a Caipirinha on arrival and three-course meal. You can also just turn up and dance the year away with a Party ticket for £35, which can be exchanged for admission and one Caipirinha.
Cellardoor
A New Year’s Eve party so enticingly called The Beautiful and the Damned could only be held at the gloriously decadent Cellardoor. Aiming to unleash your creative side, you are encouraged to come dressed in what you believe people will be wearing in the future. There will be a champagne reception with Miss Heidi Liscious playing music from 23.00. Entrance costs £25 and starts from 20.00.
Octave
New Year’s Eve at Octave promises to be a night of good quality food alongside a relaxed atmosphere and up-tempo jazz (rumour has it that it will be renowned musician Craig Schneider performing). Have a few cocktails at the bar and be prepared to not stop dancing to groovy jazz all night long
Gordon's Wine Bar
New Year’s Eve is guaranteed to be a success if you go to Gordon’s Wine Bar. Although all tables are already fully booked (a testament to the enduring popularity of the oldest wine bar in London), the rest of the bar and outside will be open for you to enjoy wine and have some home-cooked roast beef, which will be the main item on the menu. There will also be cold food, vegetarian dishes and a wide selection of cheeses.
Trafalgar Square
If you don’t drink but still want to partake in New Year’s cheer, take a short walk to Trafalgar Square to count down the last moments of 2008 and celebrate 2009. Be prepared for large crowds and wear something warm
St Martin's Operetta
Fan of opera but want something a bit more light-hearted? St Martin-in-the-Fields are hosting New Year’s Eve Operetta with arias and scenes by Strauss, Lehar, Gilbert & Sullivan and Puccini, performed by the young rising stars of London’s Royal Academy of Music. Tickets are priced from £6-£20 and the performance begins at 15.30.
Bateaux London
Sail into 2009 with Bateaux London with a welcome glass of champagne followed by a five-course dinner alongside selected wines and beer. Enjoy the lead-up to the countdown with live entertainment and after-dinner dancing. Guests will have a wonderful view of London and the city’s spectacular firework display. The price is from £195.00 per person and book early to avoid disappointment.
The Royal Opera House
If you couldn’t find a babysitter (and you are very lucky if you could), a lovely way to celebrate New Year’s Eve with the little ones is a visit to see The Nutcracker currently being performed at The Royal Opera House. A truly festive favourite among young and old, classical ballet is performed alongside loved melodies from Tchaikovsky and is a magical way to welcome 2009. Prices and availability varies so contact The Royal Opera House for further information.
Harlequin Restaurant
This year, Kingsway Hall Hotel will be celebrating 2009 with a little bit of added jazz. A party atmosphere, a glass of champagne on arrival and a five course Gala menu will get you in the mood for music and dancing. So it’s a good job that The Harlequin Restaurant will be hosting a live jazz band and disco so you can relax and enjoy the start of the year. Ticket prices are £79 per person or £750 for a table of ten.
For all contact details of venues, please refer to the online directory pages or the directory pages of the magazine, which is on the streets of Covent Garden now.
