Balham

Burns Night is celebrated on 25th January, the birthday of beloved Scottish poet Robert ‘Rabbie’ Burns, with a very traditional supper. We've tracked down some Burns Night suppers for mostly around or under, which we think gives you pretty good bang for your buck considering that most evenings include a three- or four-course meal, a welcome whisky-based drink, bagpipes and poetry readings. Alternatively, there are a couple of fully Cheapo options under for those who just want a brief (Highland) fling. The Traditions of Burns Night Not every Burns Night supper will be run exactly the same way, but this is the classic format: The host calls the guests to be seated and the Selkirk Grace is said. Food is served, beginning with a starter of either Scotch Broth (a thick, warming soup made with lamb, barley, dried pulses and vegetables) or Cullen Skink (a creamy soup of undyed smoked haddock - ideally, finnan haddie - onions and potatoes). The main course will be Scotland’s beloved national dish, haggis: a savoury meat pudding made from sheep’s pluck (i.e. the liver, heart and lungs) mixed with suet, oatmeal and spices, stuffed into a sheep’s stomach and boiled. By the way, if this sounds like something you wouldn’t even think about eating, try googling what bits of an animal are used to make hotdogs. Or maybe don't. The haggis is ‘piped in’ proudly to bagpipe music, the guests raise a dram of whisky in a toast, then Address to a Haggis is recited as it is ceremonially sliced and served with neeps (mashed turnips) and tatties (potatoes), usually with a whisky sauce. Dessert could be classic Scottish Cranachan, a layered dessert of raspberries, toasted oats and whipped cream topped with honey and whisky, or Clootie Dumpling, a steamed suet pudding with dried fruits, usually served with custard and - you guessed it - whisky. Next comes the recitals; at the very least Immortal Memory, followed by several others and finishing with everyone around the table standing (whisky consumption permitting) and singing Auld Lang Syne, whilst crossing arms and shaking hands with their neighbours. Happy Burns Night, Cheapos! Where to Celebrate Burns Night in London Quo Vadis, Soho The big ticket for Burns Night has to be the legendary Quo Vadis knees-up, hosted by Scottish chef patron Jeremy Lee and FKABAM's Lee Tiernan. It's not the cheapest evening on here but in terms of value for money, it's the top choice - prepare for an evening you won't forget. There will be bagpipes, haggis, whisky, poetry, kilts galore, a non-traditional three-course sharing menu (including a VERY non-traditional pudding) and much revelry; this one sells out within minutes, but it's worth hovering over the keyboard for. Price: Book here Rails Restaurant, King's Cross Enjoy Burns Night at Rails Restaurant with a classic set menu of Cullen Skink, then haggis with neeps, tatties and whisky sauce, finishing with a traditional Cranachan dessert. The menu is available from 23rd–25th January for lunch and dinner; add the limited-edition ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ cocktail, blending Scottish whisky with passionfruit and chilli, for an additional . Price: Book here The Oyster Shed, Monument Enjoy a dram of whisky on arrival, recitals of Burns' poetry, bagpipes piping in the haggis and a four-course modern Scottish supper: the bard would approve. Vegan/vegetarian haggis is an option. Price: Book here. Studio Five, Wembley Park Raise a glass to Scotland’s beloved bard with a three-course set menu that is a true celebration of Scottish culinary traditions. Begin your evening with smoky whisky-cured salmon served with crispy oatcakes, then choose between traditional or vegetarian haggis served with neeps and tatties. Round off your meal with a delicious sticky toffee pudding drizzled with a whisky caramel sauce. In addition, the drinks menu features perfect pairings including an Old Fashioned or a dram of Monkey Shoulder Whisky. Rita Fernandes, from the Scottish and traditional Celtic music group Sassenachs Ceilidh Band, will take to the stage from 7pm providing the perfect soundtrack to your evening. Price: Book here Great Central Pub in The Landmark London, Marylebone Celebrate Burns Night menu in style at Great Central Pub by Matt Fletcher. Tuck into a menu of traditional Scottish fare with starters such as gin & juniper-cured Scottish salmon fillet or beetroot, fennel & rye crisp, a main of traditional Haggis, neeps & tatties with a rich whisky sauce and an indulgent Cranachan cheesecake for dessert. Price: from for 3 courses Book here The Grove, Balham The Grove's Burns Night supper club includes a three-course meal, a dram of whisky and poetry readings; guests are encouraged to bring their favourite Burns poem and get involved. Price: Book here The Ox, Clapham If you're really not feeling the turnips and sheep's innards, this menu features all the classic ingredients but with a Scottish-inspired modern twist. Wet your whistle with a whisky toddy then kick off with a Scotch egg served with Bramley apple ketchup, followed by either a Highland venison haunch steak with a haggis, neeps and tatties croquette and bone marrow mash, or a Chicken Balmoral Pie with a single malt sauce. Finish with a wild berry Cranachan accompanied with - rather wonderfully - deep-fried Mars Bar petit fours. Price: A la carte: - for three courses, add for the whisky toddy Book here The Cutty Sark, Greenwich Celebrate all things Scottish at the Burns Night edition of ‘The Captain’s Club’. Start with a welcome whisky cocktail followed by a traditional three-course Scottish supper; tuck into Cullen Skink, Haggis, neeps & tatties, and Cranachan trifle. There will, of course, be bagpipes; don’t say we didn’t warn you. Price: Book here. Activity Option Ceilidh Club, Marylebone and Bayswater It’ll be no surprise that the emphasis is on the three hours of dancing included throughout the evening, but don’t worry; they have a caller who will let you know the steps so even complete newbies can get involved in the fun. There will be a Burns-themed buffet with haggis, neeps and tatties (including a vegan/vegetarian version) where the haggis is piped in, and a recital of Address to a Haggis. After more dancing, the evening will finish with Auld Lang Syne. Price: , concessions Book here Budget Options Doughnation, Covent Garden If your budget doesnt stretch to any of the above, grab a copy of Burns's poetry from a second-hand bookshop and treat yourself to a Burns Night pizza, topped with haggis, bacon, mozzarella and whisky sauce. Price: Book here Xi Home Dumplings Bay, Spitalfields Alternatively, XI Home Dumplings Bay has a special menu of haggis dumplings and whisky cocktails running from 4th January to 28th February in honour of Robbie Burns. Price: for 5 dumplings Book here While we do our best to ensure it is correct, information is subject to change. This article was originally published on 19th January 2024; last updated January 2025.

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