Want some insider tips on where to go and how to celebrate the New Year in London? From a masquerade ball to fireworks and French food – here are six ideas…

The event: Fireworks and French fare
Where: Coq d’Argent

If decadent dining, sultry jazz tunes and a rooftop fireworks display pique your interest, head to Coq d’Argent this New Year’s Eve to welcome 2012 in style. Known for his love of seasonal produce, head chef Mickael Weiss is set to whip up a three- and five-course feast in two separate sittings. Winter-inspired vegetables are key to Mickael’s New Year’s Eve menu: think wilted leeks, wild mushrooms, parsnip mash and shaved truffles. His French fare will be matched with live entertainment from the Irene Serra Quartet, and at the stroke of midnight the restaurant’s outdoor terrace will host a fireworks display.

The event: Venetian Masquerade Ball
Where: Sartoria

Sartoria restaurant will return to its glamorous Italian roots by ringing in the New Year with a Venetian-inspired masquerade ball. Head chef Lukas Pfaff will pull out all the stops to impress his masked guests with a round-up of Italian delicacies, such as Venetian duck, spider crab risotto, grappa sorbet and traditional pastries. The party really kicks off at 12pm when revellers remove their masks to enjoy an evening of music mixed up by Sartoria’s in-house DJ.

The event: West End Cabaret
Where: Floridita

See in 2012 Soho style with a line up of sizzling entertainment before you dance until dawn... Enjoy a delectable three course meal at legendary West End night spot Floridita , whilst on stage the glittering Globe Girls, multi-talented Black Hat band and a host of other West End entertainers will ensure you truly have a night to remember.

The event: Riverside dancing & dining
Where: Le Pont de la Tour

For a chic evening filled with guests donning their best 1920s attire, head along to Le Pont de la Tour. Located on the river with views overlooking Tower Bridge, the restaurant is this year hosting a gala event with a New Year’s four-course menu by head chef Tom Cook. On arrival, guests will be greeted with a flute of champagne followed by amuse bouches. Tom’s team will be creating a French fusion of flavours, from roasted foie gras and beetroot and ricotta ravioli to salted caramel crème brûlée. After gorging yourself silly it’ll be time to hit the dance floor in the bar and grill and welcome 2012 with friends, music and fun.

The event: An understated foodie affair
Where: Almeida

Fine food and simplicity will be the order of the day at Almeida restaurant on New Year’s Eve. Thanks to its ideal location in Angel and Islington near some of the city’s best bars and nightlife, Almeida will host a night of understated elegance with a special one-off menu, allowing guests to relax and unwind before their festive new year celebrations begin. Head chef Alan Jones has created a menu especially for the night, which can be booked as a four-course or seven-course meal. It includes smoked salmon canapés, champagne and pink grapefruit granite and fillet of beef with creamed cabbage and green peppercorn sauce.

And for New Year’s Day…

If you can drag yourself out of bed, don’t miss the New Year’s Day Parade and Festival, which starts at 11.45am on Piccadilly. Expect to see more than 10,000 performers ranging from clowns and acrobats to marching bands and cheerleaders.