The best places to go in London on New Year’s Eve

Nestled in the heart of the city, this speakeasy-style venue offers a thrilling atmosphere and expertly crafted cocktails, perfect for ringing in the new year. With its stylish décor and menu featuring innovative drinks inspired by some legendary party animals — from James Bond to Hunter S Thompson — you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to an entirely different era, one likely full of hedonism and rebellion. Whether you’re seeking a romantic night or a fun gathering with friends, Murder Inc. promises a memorable backdrop for welcoming the new year.

Why not make New Year’s Eve extra special for the kids by taking them for a meal on the Southbank before heading down the Thames riverside for a front-row view of London’s firework display? Strada Southbank is situated right on the water and serves up delicious Italian dishes including wood-fired pizza, pasta, risotto and much more. Strada’s £7.75 kid’s menu is inclusive of any starter, main, side, dessert and drink, with plenty of child-friendly options such as spaghetti carbonara, margherita pizza and an irresistible chocolate and hazelnut dessert pizza, which is always a crowd-pleaser with the little ones!

Renowned for its exceptional sound system and curated music selection, this venue transforms into a haven for music lovers, making it a vibey spot for welcoming the new year. Within its stylish retro surrounds, you can enjoy tasty cocktails and a delectable menu that highlights seasonal ingredients. The bar’s eclectic vibe encourages a sense of community, drawing in a diverse crowd ready to celebrate. And there’s no doubt that it’ll pull out all the stops on NYE with an enviable lineup of DJs, so keep an eye for any ticket releases!

Why not get dressed up to the nines and see in the New Year in style at Arc Le Salon? This Mayfair lounge and restaurant simply oozes glitz and glamour, making it a great place to come with your other half or a group of friends if you’re looking for a more sophisticated New Year’s Eve experience. Expect elegant cocktails made with the finest quality ingredients, incredible décor with Instagrammable ceiling installations, and a sultry late-night bar area to sip a glass of bubbly in. You’ll need an advance booking for this venue, so make sure you grab your table ahead of time to avoid disappointment.

The Royal Cocktail Exchange offers immersive cocktail experiences and features an unusual menu concept where drinks are inspired by global flavours. The skilled mixologists put on a show as they create exquisite concoctions, adding an element of entertainment to your night. With events and masterclasses taking place throughout the year, we’re sure that New Year’s Eve will feature performative elements and extra special signature blends to help you and your party toast to 2025!

For a New Year’s Eve steeped in character and charm, the Troubadour on Old Brompton Road is an exceptional choice. This iconic venue, with its rich history as a haven for artists and musicians, offers live music, indulgent food, and plenty of potent tipples. With its intimate setting and lively buzz, the Troubadour is a welcoming environment for a get-together with old friends — and is somewhere that you’re likely to make new acquaintances too! What a way to start a brand-new year!

If you’re looking for a laidback drink this New Year’s Eve, Social in Peckham is a brilliant spot to celebrate. Known for its eclectic and friendly crowd, this vibrant venue combines a relaxed bar setting and outdoor space, with an impressive lineup of live DJs and entertainment that will keep the energy high throughout the night. You’ll also be well placed to explore the other haunts in the area, including late-night venues Jumbi and Peckham Audio, as well as the indoor nearby food market where you can sample an array of cuisines and pours.

For a particularly opulent New Year’s Eve, the Connaught Bar in Mayfair is undoubtedly one of London’s most high-end destinations. Renowned for its stunning interior, featuring elegant art deco touches and plush furnishings, it makes for one sophisticated celebration! Everything is elevated here, including the mixologists who whip up world-class cocktails, using only the finest ingredients, making every sip a memorable experience. If you’re looking to really go all out this year, then this is the place.

If cocktails and bubbles aren’t your thing, but craft beers and ales are, then you’ll want to get yourself down to Hopscotch Taprooms. This cool yet laidback venue boasts an impressive selection of local and international brews, gins and whiskies as well as the usual offerings. The open layout makes it easy to mingle with friends and fellow beer lovers, and with a menu that features snacks and hearty dishes to complement your drinks, you’ll be able to last well into 2025!

If you’re planning on seeing in 2025 whilst watching London’s official fireworks display from the London Eye, why not head to Cubana for some tropical cocktails beforehand to get you in the mood? Situated just a stone’s throw away from the Thames riverside, you’ll be right in the heart of the action at Cubana’s Waterloo venue. Expect delicious Cuban street-style food, fresh cocktails, vibrant music and great vibes all night long. There’s also a daily happy hour from 4-7pm!

Fridays at Dalston Superstore are already notoriously raucous and colourful affairs, so you can only imagine what these guys have got in store for New Year’s Eve! Last year began with an NYE brunch, which is hosted by what’s described as ‘East London’s maddest and messiest alt-cabaret stars’. This then evolved into a classic Superstore party until 4am, consisting of music, dancing and all-round queer exquisiteness. One thing’s for sure, if you actually remember NYE here, then you’ll probably never forget it either…

This retro-inspired tiki rum bar in Notting Hill mixes just the right amount of taste with a certain amount of kitsch. You’ll find swish interiors that will make you feel like Mad Men’s Don Draper when he goes on holiday to Hawaii. The menu features tasty, tropical concoctions made well and with quality spirits, including six different kinds of daiquiris, a sizzlingly spicy marg that will keep you perky for the midnight countdown, and a number of show-stopping sharing cocktails that you can show off about on your Instagram…

This speakeasy is tucked away beneath the Kentish Town pavement, and when you walk in, it kind of feels like you’ve ended up at an afterparty in some bohemian’s basement. There are exposed brick walls, worn out rugs, taxidermy on the walls, and even a dog—which is very much alive, by the way! What makes this place much better than some random’s living room though, is the fact that you can sip an incredible cocktail rather than a warm beer from the local off license. The menu features twists on classic concoctions using homemade infusions that change seasonally. With capacity for only around 30 people, the atmosphere is sure to be electric on NYE, but you should definitely book soon to avoid disappointment!

Imagine spending the last hours of 2024 cosied up with your nearest and dearest in an igloo overlooking Tower Bridge? It might sound like a dream, but it can be very much a reality at Coppa Club. In addition to its festive igloos adorned with fur and foliage, there’s a mingling menu that features indulgent bites such as pigs in blankets, parmesan croquettes and zucchini fritti – exactly what you need to soak up all the cocktails you’ll inevitably want to try! Crème Brûlée Martini? Yes please. 

In our opinion, The French House makes for a near-perfect place to spend New Year’s Eve. This cosy, red-walled pub is always abuzz, and can be found in the heart of lively Soho, so you can easily keep the night going and going, if you wish! You could indulge in a classic French dinner upstairs — think white tablecloths, red wine and steak frites — before heading downstairs to join the festivities. You might find yourself elbow to elbow with other revellers, or that the party spills out onto the Dean Street pavement, but we can guarantee that you’ll experience a countdown to remember!