Thinking of going out on December 31? Then let The Times be your guide to the best places to see -and be seen. In part two of our special guide we highlight the most lavish gala dinners and coolest bars to welcome in 2017 . . .
 VIP Dining:
One Warwick Park – Tunbridge Wells’ latest luxury hotel offering is going all out to make December 31st 2016 one to remember. It’s offering a lavish New Year’s Eve tasting menu with champagne, which includes one night’s accommodation and a brunch and late checkout the next day. Prices are from £320 which is based on two people sharing club room.
The Spa Hotel – There’s nothing like getting all dressed up in your finery to celebrate the end of a year and the beginning of a new one. The Spa’s annual black tie gala dinner allows guests to do just that so no wonder it’s enormously popular. Kicking off at 7 pm the £120 per person price tag includes a delicious six course meal, dancing and a glass of Champagne at the stroke of midnight.
The Mercure – The Pembury-based hotel is hosting a Carnival Gala Ball this evening. Guests will be greeted on arrival at 7pm with a Kir Royale – but if you are really ready to party then there will be special drinks offers in the bar between 5 and 7pm. Dinner will be served at 7.45pm with dancing until 1am courtesy of a disco. Dress code is simply ‘dress to impress’ and no under 16s will be permitted. Tickets cost £85 per adult or you can pay £130 and stay the night. For those wanting to keep the party going they can stay two nights for £175 per person.
Hotel du Vin – Dining in the sumptuous surroundings of the Hotel du Vin is always an enjoyable experience but at New Year it’s even more so. This year guests can indulge in a four course dinner in the elegant bistro during the lead up to the clocks striking twelve. Once the New Year is welcomed in glasses of Champagne will be offered with live music and fireworks providing the celebratory entertainment. Dress code is black tie and tickets cost £149 per person.
 Best Bars:
Woods – one of The Pantiles’ most popular spots will be open from 6.30pm in order to accommodate all those heading down to the Hug-Many celebrations. Although they won’t be serving food they’ll have all three of their bars open. www.woodsrestaurant.co.uk
Saint John’s Yard – There will be a free ticketed party happening in this busy bar from 8pm until 1am. The venue has hosted a number of New Year’s Eve events in the past and they are always very popular so make sure you reserve your ticket so you can dance into the early hours of 2017.
Sankey’s – The town’s trio of eponymously named bars and eateries will be doing brisk business on December 31. In Sankey’s Pantiles seafood restaurant there will also be a pop-up bar serving mulled wine and cider while in their Mount Ephraim premises there will be an end of year celebration party.
The Sussex Arms – This historic pub will be open as part of the Hug-Many celebrations on The Pantiles they will also be hosting a set of live music from The Incredible Bert and be open until 2am.
The Ragged Trousers – The Sussex’s sister bar and bistro will also be participating in the Hug-Many celebrations until 1am.
The George – At this recently refurbished pub there will be a New Year’s Eve Hoedown with live music from The Orange Circus Band. Â And revellers can enjoy all the fun of December 31st until 2am.
