Hogmanay hang-outs
Best for Bobby Darin dazzlers: Piano
Kensington ivory-tinklers' lounge Piano provides a buffet and champagne for £50 a pop. Owners Baz and Maya cover standards from Bobby and Ella to Elt.
Dishy waiters and coulda-been-a-star punters are encouraged to chime in at this 'grown-up house party'. 8pm to (very) late.
106 High Street Kensington W8. Tel: 020 7938 4664. Tube: High Street Kensington
Best for lounge lizards: Loungelover
Dig the loopy pose at this East End lounge, open to diners and drinkers on the big night. The £25 tickets buy champagne reception, magician, singer and wacky treats. Fifty notes more buys seasonal dinner. Dress understated or be upstaged by the fabulous decor. 7.30pm to 2am.
1 Whitby Street E1. Tel: 020 7012 1234. Tube: Liverpool Street
Best for sneaker pimps: Tabernacle
Old-skool trainers should anticipate vodka luges, chocolate fountains, champagne, canapes and DJs on two floors cranking up the countdown at this Shoreditch stunna. The asking price of £35 seems fair for such hip high jinx from the Tabernacle posse. 8pm to 2am.
55-61 Tabernacle Street EC2. Tel: 020 7253 5555. Tube: Old Street
Best for tired feet: Millbank Lounge
December 31 is a cash cow to cynical promoters happy to milk punters. Cheers, then, to the honchos at this sleek hotel cocktail lounge for their free-entrance-on-the-night policy. Or, £229 per couple buys a generous buffet, cocktails, crashpad and breakfast to soak up the next day's hangover. 8pm to 2am.
City Inn Westminster, 30 John Islip Street SW1. Tel: 020 7630 1000. Tube: Pimlico
Best for kilts: Albannach
This contemporary, just-launched Scottish bar/restaurant is sure to be a 2005 hot ticket. Expect midnight piper, a real hootenanny and cracking views through huge windows overlooking Trafalgar Square. The next best thing to Hogmanay on Edinburgh's Princes Street. Tickets £45 (includes champagne and canapes) or £95 (includes five-course fine dining menu). 7.30pm to late.
66 Trafalgar Square WC2. Tel: 020 7930 0066. Tube: Charing Cross
