New Year's Eve survival guide: How to see out the year in London

Whether you’re watching the fireworks or heading to a house party, Ben Norum has the best ways to avoid a headache on New Year’s Eve — and ensure you’ve not got one the morning after either
A happy New Year: Vintage NYE party at the South Bank Centre
Ben Norum6 December 2016

New Year’s Eve is all about fireworks, fun and frivolity. Well, that’s the theory. But all too often the best made plans can go to pot and the reality is very different indeed. Everything unravels quicker than the fireworks fade and the last night of the year is dominated by expensive drinks, extensive queues and far from excellent venues.

But a little planning and out-of-the-box thinking can help keep the party atmosphere going.

If you’re planning on seeing the fireworks know that so is everyone else in London, and probably their dogs too. Avoid the main crush points near the London Eye — all areas immediately around this require tickets, which are no longer available — by finding a spot further down the river near Lambeth Bridge. Here you’ll have room to breathe and still get to see the display.

Alternatively head to high ground such as Hampstead Heath or Primrose Hill where the fireworks will be more distant but you can take in numerous displays at once. You’d also be wise to take some sustenance with you — a flask of mulled wine will do wonders at keeping the cold out, and a mince pie or three will ensure you’re not flagging by the time Big Ben is chiming.

If you’d prefer a roof over your head and for someone else to sort the food and drink, explore the options at The Shard and the Sky Garden from where you have the chance to look down on, rather than up at, the fireworks.

Wherever you go, also be sure to make a plan for getting home. The Tube will be running, but the slow shuffle towards it could easily take up more than an hour of your night. Pool some local knowledge, escape to the side streets and sit out the queue in a pub. It’s a much better option than spending the first part of 2017 in a crush.

If you’re going back to someone’s house, plan ahead and work out who is most conveniently located. Central isn’t always better as there will be road closures galore in the middle of town.

Pre-buy food and drink for when you get there in order to save time and effort trying to find open off-licences — order a supermarket delivery a few days beforehand and split the cost.

For those heading out, there’s plenty of choice, from Twenties swing to full-on techno. See our pick of the best New Year's Eve parties in London for the rundown.

The morning after…

A good night can sometimes lead to a not so great-feeling morning. Plan ahead and make sure you’re well-equipped to fight your body’s inevitable backlash to a night of alcoholic overindulgence.

Stock up

Get in the bacon, the coffee and the vitamin C — or opt for hair of the dog with all the ingredients for a Bloody Mary. Plenty of horseradish will help blow away the cobwebs.

Get out

Don’t stay in, get out in the fresh air and let the winter chill nurse you back to health. London’s streets will no doubt look like something out of 28 Days Later, so take a walk through the centre of town — and enjoy the quiet.

Run it off

A hangover is no match for a run. Join in the Serpentine Running Club’s annual NYD10K run through Hyde Park, or go for the slightly more chilled 3k fun run.

Party on

More into indulging than exercising? Head to The Pickle Factory in Bethnal Green for another blow-out party, or visit The Schoolhouse in Battersea for a bottomless brunch with free-flowing prosecco.

Follow Ben Norum on Twitter @BenNorum

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