Ring in 2021: London's best New Year’s Eve events – at home and virtual
From the virtual rave in aid of a good cause to gourmet bundles to devour at home, here's how to spend a tamer-than-usual New Year's Eve in
London

New Year's Eve with the Ham Yard Hotel
Those seeing in the New Year from home can do so in style, ordering a Ham Yard Hotel Home Celebration Box. Created by executive head chef Robin Read, the artisanal boxes come filled with a gourmet feast of salmon-led canapés, a starter of lobster thermidor, a main of beef Wellington and a chocolate fondant dessert. All this can be enjoyed with a wine pairing and Pierre Mignon Champagne. Boxes cost £280 for two with wine and £200 for two without.
Virtual celebrations with Smart Parties
New Year's Eve can still feel momentous at home if you have all the right equipment. Order a 'Party in a Box' from Smart Parties and ring in the New Year with a three-course feast or a selection of cheeses and charcuterie, and your choice of either a mini bottle of Moët or canned craft cocktails. Each box comes with novelty extras and access to exclusive virtual entertainment. Boxes are priced at £79pp.
Hame by Adam Handling: New Year's Eve boxes
Photo: Tim Green
While his collection of tip-top restaurants remains closed, chef Adam Handling is helping London gourmets see off 2020 in style with his Hame home-delivery boxes. Look forward to a six-course tasting menu for two, featuring signature dishes from Handling’s flagship restaurant, The Frog by Adam Handling, including: wagyu and caviar tartare, beef Wellington, and a chocolate and raspberry delice cake to finish. Vegetarian? Look forward to Adam’s signature ‘Mother’ dish (celeriac, dates, apple and truffle). Each box includes a bottle of Adam Handling's own-label English Sparkling Wine plus a 500ml bottled Negroni cocktail from Handling’s award-winning Eve Bar.
The New Year’s Eve box is £350 for two people. The Vegetarian New Year’s Eve box is £275 for two people.
Rave to the Moon virtual New Year's Eve party
Join a Zoom rave in aid of a good cause this New Year's Eve. Created by world-record-breaking beatboxer SK Shlomo, Rave to the Moon will see virtual DJ sets streamed into homes around the world, with housebound audiences invited to track their steps using free app Sweatcoin, and to raise funds for a charity of their choice via JustGiving. Among the global stars delivering sets are Rob Da Bank, Mr Scruff, Arielle Free, DJ Yoda and Beardyman (pictured). Rave to the Moon is free to stream, 8pm - 1am.