Celebrating New Year at the pub
Ahhh, New Year. When the bells ring, the party parties and the worries of last year are left behind. We’re all about throwing a New Year’s bash to remember, which is why we’ve popped together a little ‘how-to’ if you’re looking to level up your New Year’s this year. Read on for our New Year’s plans at Greene King Pubs, what to expect this New Year and some fun facts you really need to know. In our opinion.
Happy New Year!
Why you should head to the pub this New Year
From New Year’s Eve festivities to a recovery meal on New Year’s Day, going to the pub at New Year is a must-do celebration. Luckily for you, we’ve got a variety of celebrations happening across the country that are sure to help you and your loved ones celebrate the New Year the right way.
New Year's Eve pubs
When the countdown begins, there’s only one place we want to be: surrounded by friends and family, with a drink in hand at a Greene King pub! With fresh, hot, tasty food served from our kitchens throughout the day, you’re sure to be fuelled for a night of celebrations. Step up to the bar and you’ll find a wide range of all your favourite drinks, ready to take your New Year’s Eve celebrations from zero to hero.
And if you’re more of a daytime celebrator, you can book a table at your favourite Greene King pub to enjoy the festivities with a delicious meal and a New Year’s Eve tipple before the bell-ringers head out for the evening. Perfect for little ones (and older ones who like to be in bed pre-midnight), you could even organise your own countdown earlier in the day so that nobody has to miss out!
New Year’s Day pubs
On New Year’s Day, whether you’ve been up until the early hours or you’ve started the year with a full eight hours, the best way to celebrate is by spending time at the pub. Say ‘Hello!’ to the new year with a hearty portion of fish & chips or a warming pie while you debrief about last night and how you’ll never drink again, or chat through your New Year’s mood board and kick-start those New Year’s resolutions.
And you can grab a drink to ‘cheers’ with, if you’re feeling up for it! With refreshing pints, perfectly mixed cocktails and soft drinks for those of us who are feeling a little bit delicate, you’ll want to visit a New Year pub this year. Raise a glass with the ones you love and make this year your best one yet.
What to expect when you celebrate New Year’s at the pub
If you’re planning to head to the pub this New Year, expect fun, excitement and a few renditions of Auld Lang Syne! We’ll have a variety of events and entertainment at each of our pubs. Think: live music, curated playlists and a whole host of merriment!
Our tips and tricks to celebrate the New Year right
Feeling ready for your New Year’s bash? Read on for our top tricks and tips to make your New Year one to remember:
- Remember to eat! It’s easy to get carried away with the festivities, but it’s important to fill up to keep your energy levels high throughout the day. At Greene King pubs, we’ve got a menu that’s full of pub classics to ensure you’re fuelled up ready for an evening of partying.
- Choose your location wisely. When the party ends, you’ll want to make sure that you can get home safely (and quickly!). Luckily, our Greene King pubs are located across the country, so you’re sure to find one within walking distance from home – and our Greene King Inns are the perfect place to rest your head if you’ve made a trip this New Year.
- Wear something comfortable. New Year’s Eve can be a long night, so make sure you’ve got comfy shoes on. But don’t forget the sparkles!
Why Greene King pubs are the place to be during the festive season
For us, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are just two days out of a whole season of fun, happiness and good times. With Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day just a few days before, you can maximise those festive vibes by bringing the celebrations over to ours and enjoying festive food, drinks and entertainment all month long.
Find a New Year’s pub near you
Ready to don your sparkles, grab your 2026-shaped glasses and celebrate the New Year with us? Find a pub celebrating New Year near you right here!
What’s the history of New Year?
New Year celebrations date back to around 4,000 years ago, when the Mesopotamians would celebrate (albeit, in early spring rather than mid-winter) with an 11-day festival.
Chinese New Year is another long-standing celebration that occurs based on the lunar calendar, as opposed to our celebrations in the UK that align with the solar calendar. The origins of Chinese New Year are steeped in legend and history and see families reuniting to welcome a prosperous year ahead.
Celebrating New Year’s Day on the 1st of January was a tradition set by the Romans, which is where we find the earliest beginnings of New Year’s resolutions.
In modern days, the New Year is synonymous with a blend of old and new festivities, from fireworks to feasts to spending time with those you love.
Fun New Year traditions you might not know
New Year’s Eve traditions are widespread across the world, with many cultures having their own special celebrations to ensure each year is better than the last. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourites – take a look and see if you’ll be incorporating any of these into your New Year’s plans this year!
Making New Year’s resolutions
The turn of a new year is the perfect chance to reset, realign and make some new goals. Some of our favourites include fitness goals, dry January, Veganuary and starting that new business idea!
Eating steak pie on New Year’s Day
In Scotland, it’s tradition to eat steak pie on New Year’s Day, but the origins of starting the year off with pie are unclear. Either way, we think it’s a pretty tasty way to kick off the year! And even better? You can tuck into a flaky pie, stuffed with tender meat and thick gravy at your local Greene King pub!
12 grapes at midnight
The Spanish take a slightly different approach to the New Year, with 12 grapes eaten at midnight to ward off bad luck and welcome a year of prosperity.
Wearing red underwear
Now this is one we can all manage! In Italy, wearing red underwear on the 31st of December is thought to bring fertility in the new year.
Smashing plates
Ever thought of throwing a plate at your mate’s door on New Year’s Eve? In Denmark, it’s tradition! The Danes believe that smashing plates is the way to go if you’re looking to leave ill will behind as you enter the New Year.
Fireworks!
Here’s one you might be a little more familiar with! Fireworks are the symbol of a New Year in our eyes, from the spectacle of London’s show to the cascade of Edinburgh’s Hogmanay celebrations. There’s no better way to start the New Year off with a bang... Than with a bang!
Book your New Year celebrations
To find out more about what’s happening at your local this New Year and book your space, just use our handy pub finder! All you need to do is turn up – we’ll sort the rest!