The top spots to see in the new decade
BLACK AND WHITE BALL AT BEACH BLANKET BABYLON
Think art nouveau and film noir with a dash of Casino Royale – if your mind stretches that far. Notting Hill’s most glamorous restaurant/bar is offering a New Year’s Eve night with a jazz band and guest DJs till 2AM. There’s a four-course dinner too, for those who want to line their stomachs in style. Restaurant tickets £75pp incl four course menu and champagne on arrival. 45 Ledbury Road, W11 2AA, tel: 020 7229 2907, www.beachblanket.co.uk.
COCKTAILS AND SOUL AT THE BLUES KITCHEN
North Londoners looking for soul food and a top party on the big night should book in at this new restaurant and bar for a night of cocktails, rhythm & blues, rock ‘n’ roll and soul ‘n’ funk until 4am. The Blues Kitchen’s own band will strike up as the clock strikes midnight to make sure your first few hours of 2010 set the right tone for the year ahead. There will be a free cocktail for those who arrive before 9pm. 111 Camden High Street, NW1 7JN, tel: 0207 387 5277,
www.theblueskitchen.com.
GOLD & BLACK PARTY AT JUJU
The King’s Road’s new monument to hedonistic drinking certainly isn’t slowing down for New Year’s Eve. Real 24-carat gold dusted canapes and drinks, gold leafed cocktails, and a black and gold dress code will give the requisite aura of excitement and glamour. Take to a VIP booth and sip decadent, super-strong festive cocktails. Tickets for the evening are £25, incl free cocktail. To book, call 0207 351 5998. 316-318 Kings Road, SW3 5UH, www.jujulondon.com.
FIREWORKS AND SOIREE AT ALTITUDE 360
On the 29th floor of the Millbank Tower, Altitude can’t be beaten for panoramic views. Towering above the revellers on the South Bank, you’ll party till the small hours with drinks, canapés, food, New Year’s Day breakfast and a great DJ – the views of Big Ben and the Mayor’s Firework Display will be magical. £95 per person, to book call Matt Curran on 0845 500 3500 or email [email protected]. Millbank Tower, 21-24 Millbank, London, SW1P 4QP, www.altitudelondon.com.
DINNER AT TOM’S KITCHEN
Tom Aikens’ more casual but highly accomplished second restaurant is combining a three-course menu with a party vibe to take you through to midnight in style. Think butternut squash soup and honey, seven-hour braised Daylesford organic lamb shoulder, and baked alaska followed by a dance and more fizz in the first floor bar. £60 for three courses and a glass of champagne. 27 Cale Street, SW3 3QP, tel: 020 7349 0202, www.tomskitchen.co.uk.
TWENTIES BASH AT PROHIBITION
Another glamorous foray into the roaring 20s from this Prohibition-themed bar. Revellers will dance the Charleston, play roulette and quaff cocktails in a venue spread over five rooms. Other entertainment will include gramophone DJs, live stage shows and bands, a silent cinema room with live piano accompaniment, flapper dancing girls, a gambling table and a midnight feast. £40 per ticket, party from 9pm, 29 New Inns Yard, EC2A 3EY. Buy tickets at
www.ticketweb.co.uk.
DEGUSTATION DINNER AT SKETCH
The Gallery restaurant is serving four courses over two sittings (first is £85, second is £125) including a glass of Pommery fizz; while the Lecture Room & Library will be serving nine courses at £225 which will include a glass of Cristal 2002 Champagne on arrival and at midnight, plus a little gift from Liberty. For fun sans meal, book an area in the Glade for £40 pp, which includes canapés. 9 Conduit Street, W1S 2XG, tel: 020 7659 4500, www.sketch.uk.com.