The best 2018 Turkish New Year parties in London

New Year’s Eve is all about letting go of the stresses of the past 12 months to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.

What better way to set the tone for 2019 than having yourself a memorable night out with family and friends. If happiness for you equates with tucking into kebabs and shimmy-shaking on the dance floor to Turkish pop and arabesque beats, these parties are for you!

Here are our hot picks of the best Turkish New Year’s Eve events in London.

Cyprus Garden, Chingford, E4, t: 020 8527 9892 / 07738 410 870

8pm to 4am, £65 per person including fixed menu dinner

Hosting the capital’s biggest Turkish party every week, Cyprus Garden’s New Year’s Eve Ball offers live music with regulars, singers Kray Eral, Semra İleten, and Burçin spanning pop, arabesque and, with cabaret man Kerem Ergen hosting. There are also “surprise guests” and a free bottle of wine for every four guests. Book early as this will sell out.

Big Şeff, Winchmore Hill, N21, t: 020 8360 6055

8pm till late, £55 per person with dinner from a set menu

Tuck in to hot and cold meze, tasty mixed kebabs and fruit platter, plus complimentary champagne, while you are entertained by top Turkish band Fasl-i Keyf. Comprising of leading musicians specialising in fasil, where Turkish classical music meets popular taverna songs. It’s the perfect party combination, ideal for those wanting to sing along and dance.

Ateş Türkü Evi, Tottenham, N17, t: 0756 806 6550

Times tbc, £60 per person including fixed menu dinner

London’s leading Türkü (Turkish Blues) venue is headlined by singers Seydi and Eda Alakuş, who make their way over from Turkey for this special New Year’s bash, with bağlama players Aziz Aral and Uğur Alakuş providing the music. It’s a night to sing your heart out to classic and contemporary Turkish and Zaza blues into the early hours of the New Year, as you’re fed and watered.

Yosma, Marylebone, W1, t: 020 3019 6282

Starts 9pm until late, £55 per person sharing menue

Celebrate NYE in style in Central London at hip Turkish restaurant Yosma. There’s a delicious sharing menu and a glass of bellini upon arrival. The DJ kicks in with the party beats from 10pm. Prior booking essential.

Hattush, Honor Oak, SE23, t: 020 8291 1447

Starts 7pm until late, £65 per person with “unlimited food”

*Dancer Anett Nemeth at Hattush. Photo © Facebook/Hattush*

This famed southeast London eaterie, owned by singer-songwriter Sezar Uygar Soy, claims “no one can beat our new year offer”. Soy will be on hand to perform, and the night also boasts a DJ, bellydancer, live music, and a free raffle for all diners.

Turkish School New Year’s Eve Party at Metrogas Sports Club, New Eltham, SE9, t: 020 8291 1447

8pm until 1am, £40 per person, £20 for children

Southeast London’s Rauf Raif Denktaş Turkish School host this end-of-year party suitable for all ages. There’s an open buffet of Cypriot cuisine, music and other family-friendly entertainment.

Blue Harbour, Bromley, BR1, t: 020 8313 1379

8pm till late, £75 per person with dinner from a set menu

For a classy intimate affair, head on down to family-run sea food restaurant Blue Harbour. The restaurant has carved out a good name with its weekly rakı meze nights, and although the music on New Year’s Eve won’t be Turkish, DJ Tzuu will be taking requests. The night will start gently during dinner, with the party getting into full swing “after 10pm” and will go on as long as guests like – “we’re not opening the next day” staff tell T-VINE.