The 50 Best: How and where to party like it's 1999

Okay, we know you've barely digested the turkey - but the New Year is just around the corner, and chances are you haven't decided what to do yet. So to make sure you have a good time on the night (and the following day, if you're feeling up to it), here's The Information's definitive guide to the best places to be over New Year - whether you fancy a night out at the biggest club party in town, swigging champagne at a swish restaurant, or celebrating with Edinburgh's Hogmanay crowds. Enjoy ...

10 BEST SPECIAL EVENTS

10 BEST HOTELS & RESTAURANTS

10 BEST CLUBS IN LONDON

10 BEST CLUBS NATIONWIDE

10 BEST THINGS TO DO ON 1 JAN

THE EXPERTS

This week's 50 Best was researched and compiled by a panel made up of The Information's regular team of writers and critics, including Sharon Gethings, Jenny Gilbert, Alister Morgan and Nikki Spencer.

NOTE: While all venues/events had tickets and/or space remaining as we went to press, readers are strongly advised to check availability before setting out and to book in advance where possible.

NEXT WEEK: THE 50 BEST WAYS TO GET FIT

HOGMANAY IN EDINBURGH

This year's four-day festival - the sixth - promises to be the largest yet, with the Virgin and McEwan's Street Party around Princes Street the focal point amid all the concerts, processions, fairground rides and fireworks on offer. You need a pass for the cordoned-off Street Party and the only way to get one now is to buy a ticket for one of the events below.

Where & when: Hogmanay Gala (Royal Scottish National Orchestra), 6pm, pounds 7-pounds 19.50; Candlelit Concert in the Cathedral, 7.30pm, pounds 10; Concert in the Gardens (UB40, the Pretenders, Mansun), 10pm, pounds 15.

Information/box office: 0131-473 1999.

2

MOMO, LONDON

This hip Moroccan joint is where the beautiful people will be spending New Year's Eve. "Like a very exclusive, very funky private party" say the organisers - but then it would have to be as you can probably fly to North Africa for the price of seeing in 1999 here. What you get for your money is all you can eat from a six-course buffet, all you can drink, and entry to the Kemia Bar in the basement (usually members only), with music from resident DJ, Francis Peyrat.

Where & when: 25 Heddon St, London W1 (0171-434 4040) 9pm-3am. Wear: the less the better.

How much: pounds 150 per person, advance tickets only.

3

BEST OF 98 ALL-NIGHTER @ DOGSTAR, LONDON

To the naked eye, this south-London venue looks like a huge pub - but the multi-floored interior houses a cosmopolitan and sociable crowd. Dogstar is in fact Brixton's best-known nightclub, with a relaxed vibe and varied musical sets; it won't win any awards for aesthetics, but that's all part of its charm. There's a free buffet and champagne reception before Justin Rushmore, Jay Chappell and Moveya herald the break beats.

Where & when: 389 Coldharbour Lane, London SW9 (0171-738 6532), 8pm-6am.

How much: pounds 25 in advance/pounds 30 on the door.

4

CREAM @ NATION, LIVERPOOL

If one club event stands out this year it has to be this. Take four separate parties, run by what is viewed by many as the best club in the UK, at four top venues in four cities (see also No 43) around the country and you begin to get the picture. Then consider that Cream has chartered a jet to fly Paul Oakenfold, Fat Boy Slim, Roger Sanchez and Todd Terry between the cities. The Liverpool event also features Judge Jules, Sonique and Seb Fontaine in 10 hours of revelry.

Where & when: Wolstenhome Square, Liverpool (0151-709 1693), 8pm-6am.

How much: pounds 39 plus booking fee.

5

NEW YEAR'S DAY PARADE, WESTMINSTER

Around a million people regularly witness this annual New Year's Day procession. This year's will feature more than 125 international groups, including 40 marching bands, 100 clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers and acrobats, more than 50 animals and several 75ft cartoon-character balloons, as used in the Macy's Thanksgiving parade in New York.

Where & when: starts opposite the Houses of Parliament at Parliament Square then proceeds up Whitehall, round Trafalgar Square, along Piccadilly and ends in Berkeley Square; 12noon-3pm.

How much: free.

6

FIREBALL FESTIVAL, STONEHAVEN

Second only to the Northern Lights as a spectacle worth trekking north for. A pipe band strikes up at 11.30pm, followed by a unique procession: at midnight, locals make "fireballs" by lighting rags (or anything flammable that comes to hand) and then carry or swing them like censers down Stonehaven High Street, before flinging them into the sea at the harbour.

Where & when: Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire (information: 01569 762001), from 11.30pm.

How much: free.

7

TIME, GREENWICH

If one venue should get the New Year's Eve countdown right it's this newly opened bar, restaurant and art gallery in the place where it all started (Mean Time, that is). As owners Stefan and Pascal Dowers used to promote New Year's Eve parties it should be lively.

Where & when: 7a College Approach, Greenwich, London SE10 (0181-305 9767), 8pm-2am.

Wear: "No scruffs," says Pascal.

How much: pounds 70 a head includes light buffet, all drink (except champagne), live music and a DJ; pounds 25 excluding food.

8

PUSHCA, LONDON

Pushca's reputation in the club world is based on throwing parties with a difference - mainly in the style department. You won't hear many cutting- edge tunes (basic hard house with DJs Frankie Foncett and Paul Gardner), but the clientele more than compensates by wearing the most fashionable and outrageous garb you'll find anywhere. This year's party promises "commotion, sensation, fuss & uproar".

Where & when: east London - location given on purchase of tickets (0171- 734 7110), 9.30pm-6am.

How much: pounds 36 members/pounds 40 non-members.

9

GLOBAL GROOVES PRESENTS SASHA @ THE CENTENNIAL CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM

From his early days with Renaissance through to his current residency in New York, Sasha's personal brand of deep, melodic house music has had people flocking. As the title suggests, Global Grooves are selling this event on the name of the country's top spinner (above), who will perform a four-and-a-half-hour set. Steve Lawler, Marcus James and Pete Gooding support.

Where & when: Icknield Port Road, Birmingham (01244 343781), 8pm-4am.

How much: pounds 35 plus booking fee.

10

NEW YEAR'S DAY RACING AT CHELTENHAM

Welcome the New Year with a lungful of fresh air and a flutter at the home of National Hunt racing. The first meeting of 1999 includes the Sporting Index Select Steeplechase over Cheltenham's unique cross- country course. A pounds 15 ticket allows access to all areas, including the Members' Lawn, viewing steps, paddock and centre of the course by the jumps.

Where & when: Prestbury Park, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire (01242 513014), gates open 10.30am, first race 12.30pm. How much: pounds 5-pounds 15, students half price, accompanied children free.

11

COUNTDOWN 2000, NEWCASTLE

Initiating a programme looking towards Millennium Eve celebrations, Newcastle is going to town on its New Year's party this year. Against a background of day-long outdoor entertainments, inflatables specialists Plasticiens Volants will be parading their huge helium-filled "sculptures" through the streets, culminating in a massive balloon release outside the Quayside Law Courts. A fireworks display will follow at 11.40pm.

Where & when: various locations in the city centre from New Year's Eve afternoon onwards; for detailed information, call 0191-261 0610.

How much: free.

12

THE GRIFFIN INN, EAST SUSSEX

If the 20th century (and the impending 21st) is too much for you, follow the Meridian line due south to the Griffin Inn in Fletching. This 500- year-old pub is hosting a Dickensian Banquet where you can eat roast suckling pig, then dance to a local jazz band. You can stay overnight in the restored Coach House.

Where & when: Fletching, Nr Uckfield, East Sussex (01825 722890), 7.30pm- 1am.

Wear: the owners Bridget and Nigel Pulan are coming as Mr and Mrs Scrooge. A local dressmaker is making Dickensian costumes to order.

How much: pounds 60 a head includes four-course dinner and flute of champagne.

13

MINISTRY OF SOUND NYE WEEKEND @ MINISTRY OF SOUND, LONDON

The UK's most famous club is providing three parties for hardcore party animals. On New Year's Eve, "Studio 99" delivers 12 hours of madness and mayhem; anyone left standing after that starts January at the members' party. Those with a total disregard for their health can complete the final leg the following night at the "History of House" party. A dress- to-impress code will be enforced at a do boasting some of the world's best house DJs.

Where & when: 103 Gaunt Street, London SE1 (0171-378 6528). 31 Dec: 9pm-9am. 1 Jan: 11pm-6am. 2 Jan: 12m't-9am.

How much: 31 Dec: pounds 40. 1 Jan: pounds 12; members free. 2 Jan: pounds 10; members free.

14

RADIO 1 & GATECRASHER PRESENT ESSENTIAL MIX @ LEEDS TOWN HALL

Mix Mag voted Sheffield's Gatecrasher the best nightclub in the UK, and their collaboration with Radio 1 looks set to be one of the biggest and best parties this year. DJs include Radio 1's Pete Tong, Judge Jules and Scott Bond, who will be playing in front of 3,000 people. A 30-feet video wall will transmit sounds and vision, alongside a live transmission on Radio 1.

Where & when: Leeds Town Hall, The Headrow, Leeds (0900 344 4444), 8pm- 6am.

How much: pounds 40.

15

NEW YEAR'S DAY MORPETH TO NEWCASTLE ROAD RACE

Shake off dull sloth ... or just line the route and watch other people do it. The oldest road-running race in the UK starts from Castle Square in Morpeth and follows the course of the old A1 into Newcastle, finishing up a little over 14 miles on at the Civic Centre. The top men regularly finish in just under 70 minutes, while the top women usually come in at around 80 minutes. The annual event regularly attracts around 1,000 runners, and entries are accepted on the day.

Where & when: Castle Square, Morpeth, Northumberland, to Civic Centre, Newcastle-upon-Tyne (0191-211 6221). Race starts 1pm. How much: pounds 11 to run.

16

FAMILY BALL AT BLACKPOOL WINTERGARDENS

A chance for mums, dads and young 'uns to celebrate together, the Family Ball's separate children's disco means that the youthful contingent can avoid suffering the embarrassment of dad's dancing. And freed from the fear of ridicule, grown-ups can swing their pants to the live sounds of "Seventies singing sensation" Boogie Fever before enjoying their free glass of bubbly. There will be party games with prizes for everyone - plus those illuminations to light your way home.

Where & when: Blackpool Wintergardens, Church Street, Blackpool (01253 292029), 7pm.

How much: adults, pounds 14; children and senior citizens, pounds 7; family ticket (two adults and two children), pounds 33.50.

17

RIVERSTATION, BRISTOL

This critically acclaimed restaurant (admired for its architecture as well as its food) opened in the former river-police station just over a year ago. It is offering two different dining experiences on New Year's Eve: upstairs, in the restaurant, there's a formal six-course dinner, with dishes such as roast halibut with artichoke gratin and terrine of rabbit with prunes; while downstairs, in the Deli and Expresso Bar, they are offering a seafood and champagne menu.

Where & when: The Grove, Bristol (0117 914 4434), 6pm until late; last orders for food at 11pm.

Wear: customers usually make a bit of an effort.

How much: restaurant: pounds 39.50 for six courses. Deli and Expresso Bar: pounds 25 a head. Both include a glass of champagne and canapes.

18

CLUB YO YO @ VILLA STEFANO, LONDON

This is a strictly no-house music event. Instead, R'n'B, soul and rare grooves are on the menu for a soulful climax to the year. Resident DJs Ronnie Herel and JP play the best R'n'B classics from both sides of the Atlantic at a club night that always attracts a stylish, cosmopolitan crowd of twentysomethings. With the majority of clubs playing house music, a promotion of this kind offers a break from stale musical formulas - something that can be hard to find around New Year. Surprises promised on the night include free mix tapes.

Where & when: 92 Kingsway, London WC1 (0171-434 3639), 9pm-5am. How much: pounds 25; members pounds 18.

19

ARCHES COLLECTIVE HOGMANAY, GLASGOW

The Arches is one of Glasgow's premier venues, with a cavernous interior and a young, energetic crowd which doesn't require much encouragement to hit the dance floor. For the big night of the year, Stuart McMillan & Orde Meikie take charge on the record decks, with support from Michael Kilkie, Iain Clarke and DJ Roy. The music is usually high-tempo techno house - this isn't an event for wallflowers, or anyone not prepared to work up a sweat on the dance floor.

Where & when: Midland Street, Glasgow (0141-221 4001), 9pm-5am.

How much: pounds 25.

20

NEW YEAR'S DAY BATH RACE, POOLE

Bath tubs in glass fibre, pressed steel, plastic... you name it, you'll see it here. Almost anything but cast iron will float, given a bit of help. The winner of the first Poole Bath Race managed to cover the 500- yard course with no flotation aids whatsoever; more often, contestants attach floats or old inner tubes to their craft to buoy them up. Ingenuity increases by the year - the only rules are: no engines, no rollocks, and no boat parts. The winner gets a trophy.

Where & when: Poole Quay, Poole, Dorset (for entry details, call 01202 682247). The official start is 12noon, but it can vary by up to an hour depending on the tide. How much: pounds 2 to enter.

21

TRAFALGAR SQUARE, LONDON

When the architect Sir Charles Barry levelled and paved this area north of Charing Cross in 1840, he probably didn't envisage the raucous celebrations that would one day be held here. Annually, some 40,000 souls gather around the Christmas tree (a gift from the Norwegian people each year since the Second World War), with a handful of them insane enough to brave the icy shallows of the fountains' waters. If you're a fan of large crowds in smallish spaces and the spontaneous hugging and kissing of strangers, then this one's for you. Bear in mind, though, that alcohol is not allowed in the Square itself.

Where & when: Trafalgar Square, London WC1.

How much: free.

22

COUNTY HALL RESTAURANT, LONDON

A great location for watching Big Ben strike 12 is the old GLC headquarters on the south side of the Thames, now a large hotel. Several tables in the restaurant overlook the river and it's expected that most guests will head out onto the terrace for the countdown. The restaurant is offering a seven-course dinner, which includes a glass of pink champagne on arrival. Entertainment will be provided by a four-piece dance band.

Where & when: County Hall, London SE1 (0171-902 8000), 6pm-3.30am; last food orders 10pm.

Wear: jacket and tie, and posh frocks.

How much: pounds 99 per person; "early bird" meal from 7-9pm, pounds 79.

23

MISS MONEYPENNY'S @ THE CHURCH, BIRMINGHAM

Vicars who used to preach at this converted church might be unimpressed, but clubbers will love this party. Jim Ryan, Farley Jackmaster Funk and Lord G keep the house coming thick and fast at Moneypenny's, which has a fabled social vibe in a great-looking venue. Hedonists from across the country will brave Birmingham's orbital traffic for the chance to join the party. But they won't turn up in a favourite pair of trainers and an old pair of jeans: dressing to impress is the only way to pass the all-seeing fashion police at the door.

Where & when: Hurst St, Birmingham (0121-454 9560) 9.30pm-4am.

How much: pounds 35 plus booking fee.

24

FULL CYCLE EXTRAVAGANZA @ THE END, LONDON

Award-winning Roni Size brings his Bristol-based Reprazent crew to London's most handsome venue for the capital's best drum'n'bass event this New Year's Eve. The venue has a policy of showcasing groundbreaking music, supported by an excellent sound system and a bright, inviting aesthetic. Size is joined by DJs Krust, Die and Suv, with vocal support from MC Dynamite. No dress code will be enforced at this event - but protagonists are advised to "dress to sweat" and to make no fixed plans for New Year's Day.

Where & when: 18 West Central St, London WC1 (0171-419 9199) 10pm-6am.

How much: pounds 30 plus booking fee.

25

NEW YEAR'S DAY TREASURE TRAIL, KENT

One of Britain's very few historic houses to stay open all year, the regular attractions of Leeds Castle include its duckery, a habitat for a large collection of unusual water fowl; an aviary, with more than 100 species of rare birds; a wooded garden; a Culpeper garden, and a maze created from 2,400 yews with a grotto at its centre. A series of clues leads visitors around both castle and grounds. Hot soup and drinks available.

Where & when: Leeds Castle, nr Maidstone, Kent (01622 765400) 10am-3pm; last admission for the treasure hunt, 2pm.

How much: adults pounds 8.80, concs pounds 6.80, accompanied children free.

26

LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA VIENNESE CONCERT, LONDON

The London Symphony Orchestra's former leader, John Georgiadis, returns to conduct a programme of dance music from those masters of the waltz, the Strauss family. All the favourites are here - Johann the Elder's Radetsky March, Johann the Younger's Thunder and Lightning and, of course, The Blue Danube. A Viennese obituarist called the latter composer "the last symbol of cheerful, pleasant times", which is what the LSO hopes his music will be creating for you tonight.

Where & when: Barbican Centre, London EC2 (0171-638 8891) 7.30pm.

How much: pounds 7.50-pounds 27.50.

27

WALNUT TREE INN, WALES

Franco and Anna Taruschio's whitewashed country pub and restaurant has been celebrating New Year's Eve in the same way for over a decade. At midnight there is champagne on the house and a fellow Italian (a local soft-fruit gardener in his seventies) plays the accordion. Invariably, the extensive menu will include Cotechino, a traditional Italian New Year's Eve dish of pig's trotters with lentils. You can either dine in the restaurant (booking essential), or in the bistro (the menu is the same, but it's less formal).

Where & when: Llandewi Skirrid, Monmouthshire (01873 852797) 7pm until about 1am.

Wear: "We don't require evening dress, but people do tend to make the effort," says Franco.

How much: about pounds 25-pounds 30 a head for three courses.

28

FREEDOM 99: A DANCE ODYSSEY @ BAGLEY'S, LONDON

Freedom is a bona-fide clubbing legend, which attracts a frightening number of punters to this huge venue - a maze of a club that continually springs new rooms on you. This 12-hour marathon boasts five rooms, featuring Ariel, Lisa Pin-Up and Darren Pearce; hard house features in the main room, but a quick wander will find you underground UK garage, deep disco and funky rhythms from across the Atlantic. The theme is a historic journey through space and time: a visual and audio treat guaranteeing an unforgettable night.

Where & when: Bagley's, King's Cross Goods Yard, London N1 (0171-278 2171) 8.30pm-7am.

How much: members pounds 25/others pounds 30.

29

NY SUSHI @ CLUB GENERATION, SHEFFIELD

This promotion has been so successful that the NY Sushi boys have expanded beyond their native Sheffield to run an additional promotion in Birmingham. Their New Year celebrations return to Sheffield - though now in a bigger venue, to accommodate their ever-expanding numbers of close personal friends. Andy Weatherall will be playing an exclusive five-hour set, as well as giving away free limited- edition CDs. A hybrid of nu-skool break-beats, hip-hop and other innovative rhythms, combined with various oddball gadgetry, should provide enough distractions to keep anyone happy.

Where & when: 33 London Rd (formerly Music Factory), Sheffield (0114-2671869) 9pm-6am.

How much: members pounds 20/others pounds 25.

30

NEW YEAR'S DAY HUSKY RACING, EDINBURGH

Edinburgh's Hogmanay, the world's largest winter festival, culminates on New Year's Day with several outdoor events, including a meet of huskies and other sled-dog teams, which run organised races in the park just by the Palace of Holyrood House. With both dogs and their owners strutting their stuff, the afternoon promises friendliness and furriness in equal measure.

Where & when: Holyrood Park, Edinburgh; 2pm.

How much: free.

31

SALISBURY CATHEDRAL WATCH-NIGHT SERVICE

If you wish to take a more spiritual approach to welcoming in 1999, head for Salisbury and the dramatic surroundings of the 13th-century Cathedral Church of the Blessed Virgin, which will be holding its annual candle- lit Watch-Night service. The local choir, The Sarum Consort, will be providing vocal support for the various hymns, directed by a former lay vicar of the Cathedral, Andrew Mackay. Organ scholar Robert Quinney of King's College, Cambridge, will once again be providing the music.

Where & when: Salisbury Cathedral, The Close, Salisbury (01722 555126) 11.30pm.

How much: free.

32

THE LANESBOROUGH, LONDON

This place has come a long way since it was an NHS hospital - its New Year's Eve bash is probably the most expensive in the capital, if not the UK. The elegant Conservatory Restaurant is offering a six-course menu featuring foie gras, truffles and salmon. Entertainment is provided by the singer Helen Reddy (you may remember her from the Seventies), who is being flown over from America especially for the evening.

Where & when: 1 Lanesborough Place, Hyde Park Corner, London SW1 (0171- 259 5599) 7.30pm-1am.

Wear: black tie.

How much: tickets pounds 395 each, including wine, champagne toast & fireworks.

33

PURE SILK NYE BASH @ WEMBLEY C&E CENTRE

If underground garage house is your preferred choice, then you'll struggle to find a better event this New Year. Pure Silk has been at the forefront of championing this underground sound by filling their gigs at SW1 week after week. For this event, a new, larger location (holding 7,000 revellers) has been found. The Tuff Jam collective feature tonight, with mainstays Karl Brown and Matt Lamont, plus support from Norris Windross, Mike Lloyd and DJ Spoony. R'n'B will be showcased in a second arena.

Where & when: Wembley Conference & Exhibition Centre, Wembley (0171-344 4444) 8pm-6am.

How much: pounds 37 plus booking fee.

34

PROGRESS NYE PARTY @ TIME, DERBY

Progress gets the party balance just right this New Year's Eve with plenty of house anthems in stylish surroundings for 1,500 punters, who pull out all the stops on the dancefloor and in the dress department. Allister Whitehead, Lisa Loud & Miss Jo Lively feature, with support from excellent residents Russell, Pete and Rob Webster - who often control the crowd with more skill then many "big name" counterparts.

Where & when: Mansfield Rd, Derby (01332 600700) 9.30pm-6am.

How much: pounds 30 plus booking fee.