Best place to see in the Bells

Published on Tuesday 30 December 2008 18:17

IT'S that time again – what to do for New Year – a night in or something more adventurous?

GO WEST (END): Glasgow's West End always has a brilliant atmosphere at New Year. Ashton Lane is great but it can get too busy – for a more chilled out vibe, the Lansdowne Bar and Kitchen, near Kelvinbridge underground, is perfect – it's got all the West End's charm – but with space to breathe! This year they've got DJs Duomax playing from 9pm-1am, with tickets at only 5. Who can resist their big, comfy sofas?

CENTRE OF THE ACTION: In Glasgow city centre, the Living Room on St Vincent Street is going for all-out red carpet glamour with its Masquerade Party. The dress code is provocative, stylish and grand, with masks a must! Entertainment includes burlesque dancers, a live DJ and a piper at the bells. All guests will be treated to a complimentary white peach Bellini on arrival, and it's open till 4am. Guests can have a three-course New Year's dinner for 60 each and tickets to the Living Room bar cost 10.

ESCAPE TO ARROCHAR: If you're tired of the city centre, why not escape to the Village Inn, Arrochar? This sleepy inn, with its roaring fire and stunning views over Loch Long is the perfect place to leave all the hustle and bustle behind and really unwind. The Village Inn offers live entertainment from local band Time Out to see in the New Year, and has a three-course meal priced at 42.95.

CEILIDH CAPERS: In the capital, the Glayva Ceilidh in the Garden kicks off at 9pm in East Princes Street Gardens with live music from The Occasionals, the Sandy Brechin Band and Hugh McDiarmid's Haircut – perfect for a high-energy start to 2009. Tickets are priced at 35.

SLOAN RANGERS: For Glaswegians in the mood to bring in the New Year with a jig, the city's oldest bar and restaurant, Sloans, is hosting a dinner and dance. From 8pm, there will a night of fine dining in 'Upstairs at Sloans' followed by Scottish country dancing in the Grand Ballroom. Tickets are 40 per person and include a three-course meal and a complimentary glass of bubbly.