Sometimes the best view is from above, with a cocktail in hand. Rooftop bars like Madison in St Paul’s or Sky Garden at 20 Fenchurch Street offer exclusive ticketed events. They’re not cheap—expect £150–£300 per person—but you get shelter, toilets, and a glass of bubbly. Pro tip: Book in September, as these sell out faster than a West End show.
Fun fact: The Sky Garden is actually free to visit during the day, but on NYE it transforms into a ticketed party. If you’re flexible, consider a dinner reservation at a restaurant with a view—like Oxo Tower or Searcy’s at the Gherkin. You’ll eat well, watch the fireworks from a warm window, and skip the midnight tube crush.
