Yellow cabs, hot dog vendors and washing lining the graffiti lined streets of New York – but in Battersea.
If you have ever wanted to experience the glitz and glamour of the Big Apple without the big price tag, now you can do just that without leaving the capital.
The London New Year’s Eve Ball is a glitzy bash thrown by hospitality company Smart Group, and boy do they not disappoint.
Nestled in the stunning Battersea Evolution, the appearance of sky beams on the horizon lets you know you’re close, with the outside decked out with enough lights and sparkles to make Santa need shades.
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This reporter was lucky enough to attend the New York New York spectacular, modelled perfectly on the city that never sleeps.
Despite never visiting across the pond, the night was enough to make me think I have a pretty good idea of what a night on the town would be like.
Walking through tunnels adorned with graffiti, you enter through different subway stations into the mezzanine.
Blocks of flats rise high into the ceiling with the classic fire escape stairs snaking down the side, with washing hanging out of course.
The traditional yellow cab is flanked by hot dog vendors as dancers high up on podiums – in a range of all-American outfits such as bellboys – keep everyone’s attention.
Not to worry if hotdogs aren’t your thing though, a steady supply of waiters circulate with canapés from fishcakes to mini hamburgers.
Never a party without a touch of sauce, a fully stocked bar is complimented by an authentic Irish pub tucked away in the corner.
The main event opens with a bang – literally – as the near 1,000 capacity dining room is unveiled complete with a star-studded ceiling.
Course after course is brought by waiters in unison, as dancers, acrobats, singers, adagio and cirque acts take to the stage.
A giant screen linked to social media allows the guests to tweet images and photos which periodically flash up on the big screen, a recipe for both laughs and disasters.
The finale of the night was the full-size dodgems, a must have for any party I’ve now decided.
But they’re not to be upstaged by the casino tables, which saw a healthy chunk of the guests gravitate towards.
Between those and the DJ blasting out floor fillers on the dance floor, there’s little more that could be added to a show stopper of an evening.
Tickets are available for the New Year ’s Eve extravaganza, a night which will surely not disappoint.
For more information or to book visit: www.smartgroupltd.co.uk/christmas-parties/the-london-new-years-eve-ball/
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