New Year celebrations are always messy, well they are round my neck of the woods. But one way to ensure you're not telling everyone how much you love them by the time midnight rolls around is to stuff yourself stupid before you get drinking any of the hard stuff.
And so the best way to avoid it is by planning your New Years Eve at Bristol restaurants. What could be better than treating yourself to a slap-up meal?

Over at Hotel Du Vin they have just the ticket, but it's not cheap. For £125 a head you get canape and Champagne reception followed by a six-course meal. OK, it's expensive but if you can't stretch to that they have a cheaper option at £40 in the bar. You'll get Champagne and live Motown music and a few light bites at midnight so you're not stumbling your way through Jan 1 2009.

Another slap-up option for New Years Eve at Bristol restaurants is at the Fishworks which, for £75, is laying on a five-course extravanganza. It's all seafood but if there's someone in your party who isn't a fan they do have meat and vegetarian options available.

For a cheaper New Years Eve at Bristol restaurants head to the Bordeaux Quay. It's a great spot anyway and you always feel like it's a special evening, but they've really pushed the boat out for New Year, and it doesn't have such a hefty price tag. For £50 you get a glass of fizz, canapes and a three-course meal and they're putting on entertainment down in the bar. But, again, if you can't stretch to the extravangance of spending your money on New Years Eve in Bristol restaurants for £15 you can enjoy the music from James Morton in the bar.

Raymond Blanc has probably had as hectic year as any, what with his show - The Restaurant - and to prove how it's done he's put on a fantastic menu at Brasserie Blanc which is surely one of the best of the New Years Eve at Bristol restaurants. It's £40 for four courses, so it's not going to break the bank. But bear in mind you'll have to fork out for booze.