Bringing in 2018 in London

Bringing in 2018 in London

• Visiting London, Top Picks

We’re sad to say, but Christmas is almost over. Most of the country is attempting to reinvent the infamous turkey curry in the post-Christmas, pre-new year purgatory, whilst trying to organise a wonderful night out to wave goodbye to 2017 in style. Fear not! Here at Ivy we know exactly how to celebrate the start of 2018, so let us help you out with our personal recommendations to suit both party animals and those who will be in bed at 10pm (no judgement here!).

A Night on the Town

Central London is a safe bet if you are looking to pull an all-nighter – think fun, booze, dancing and fireworks. Join the crowds in Soho, Covent Garden and Trafalgar Square to have a good time, although if you’d like to get a closer view of the fireworks I’d recommend heading to the bars along Embankment. Nowadays, the firework display is ticketed, but of course is heaving and slightly restrictive in what you can do on the night.

[Photo Credit: EveningStandard]

My secret spot is Gordon’s Wine Bar by Embankment station. It’s free to enter, although you need to print off a ticket online (a ploy to avoid random stragglers from entering and overcrowding the place – a huge bonus if you ask me), and you can spend the evening drinking delicious wine, eating platters of cheese, ham and crackers, with spectacular views of the fireworks as you are directly opposite the London Eye. After the display, you can continue your civilised wine and cheese night, walk to Soho for dancing, or pop straight onto the tube and head home! No annoying barricades here.  

[Photo Credit: Instagram @GordonsWineBar , @ThatFoodFeeling]

If you do manage to stay out until the following morning, try and see the New Year’s Day Parade that goes through Oxford Circus, although I do understand perhaps bed sounds better by this point.

A Quieter Affair

If you’re looking to celebrate the end of 2017 with good food and good company, look no further than TimeOut London’s number 1 restaurant of the year, The Barbary. It’s not possible to have a bad time there. You may have to queue, but if it’s too much then you can while away the time in the iconic Neal’s Yard, one of London’s loveliest hidden courtyards. The food is called ‘modern Israeli’, the room is bursting with music, laughter and people enjoying themselves all year round, so is the perfect location to wave goodbye to 2017.

[Picture Credit: Instagram @srs10]

Not a fan of crowds? Understandable. You can head to one of London’s many hills for a seat with a view over the whole of the city. Those in the know will go to Primrose Hill or Parliament Hill in north London, or Sawyers Hill out west to watch the whole city come to life with firework displays at the stroke of midnight.

Take a picnic, blanket and champagne to keep you warm, but be sure to wear a comfortable pair of shoes!

Keeping Cosy

Fancy staying in? Well, the fireworks are shown on TV after all... We still have a few homes available over the New Year weekend – but you’ve got to be quick, they’re going fast!

Bermondsey Village Warehouse

Choose this stylish 1 bedroom apartment, located within walking distance of the firework displays by the London Eye and Houses of Parliament, so no cramped tube rides for you!

Eccleston Square 2

This exquisitely elegant 1 bedroom apartment is perfect for a refined weekend bringing in the new year.

Waterford Road

A very large family home on a quiet residential road, an easy walk to Fulham Broadway tube station. With abundant space indoors and out, it will suit families and larger groups in great comfort.

Waterloo

Looking for a room with a view? The location of this 2 bedroom property is almost unbeatable. It is an easy and very rewarding walk from the flat into the centre of London – walk across Westminster Bridge to see the Houses of Parliament, Big Ben and the London Eye, as well as getting an excellent view all the way down the river to St Pauls and The Shard.

For handy advice on public transport closures during the festive season, see here for more information. We also recommend downloading CityMapper for up to date transport information when you're out and about!

Not quite sure what you're looking for? No worries - our friendly sales team are here to help you find the ideal holiday apartment or vacation home! If you'd like our advice, please give us a call on +44 020 7349 7016, email [email protected], or submit our enquiry form. We look forward to hearing from you!