Burns Night Posts

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 a range of Burns Night suppers with some around and another group about 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. Burns Night Traditions 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. If you're not an offal fan, this is actually a good place to start; everything is very finely chopped so you won't come across any unfamiliar textures - and haggis is actually delicious! For those swearing you would never eat offal, try googling what bits of an animal are used to make hotdog sausages (or maybe don't); if you're still unconvinced, most menus have a vegetarian option so you don't have to miss out on the fun. 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 The Cutty Sark, Greenwich Celebrate all things Scottish for Burns Night. 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. From 23rd January 2026 Book here Galvin Bistrot & Bar, Spitalfields A comforting and traditional Scottish tasting menu designed to evoke the warmth and conviviality of Burns Night begins with beetroot-marinated Scottish salmon with herb crème fraîche and rye bread, followed by Cullen Skink. Guests will then enjoy haggis with neeps and tatties, followed by Isle of Mull cheddar with oatcakes and quince jelly. A raspberry cranachan is to follow and, to round off the meal, Scottish fudge will be served with coffee. 25th January 2026 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 available. 22nd January 2026 Book here 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 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. 23rd January 2026 Book here Rails Restaurant, King's Cross Start with the ‘Ae Fond Kiss’ cocktail, blending Scottish whisky, passionfruit and chilli, followed by a warming bowl of Cullen Skink – a soup with smoked haddock, potatoes, and onions. The main course features haggis served alongside neeps, tatties and whisky sauce, before finishing with a traditional cranachan dessert for a perfect finale. From 23rd January 2026 Book here Ria's, Soho and Notting Hill Go for a more modern take on the celebrations with Ria's: a whisky & Buckfast cocktail with haggis pops, a haggis, neeps and tatties pizza and - wait for it - Irn-bru ice cream, with chunks of salted Scottish tablet and deep-fried Mars bar, from Big Kid Ice Cream. Genius. 25th January 2026 Book here Castle Pubs, multiple locations Castle Pubs across the capital are serving a three-course set menu that celebrates the best of Scotland. Raise a dram and enjoy classics such as a Scotch egg; haggis, neeps and tatties; Balmoral chicken; and a traditional cranachan pud. To honour Robert Burns, the menu is paired with a curated whisky flight featuring pours of Glenmorangie, Johnnie Walker and Glenfiddich. Available at select Castle pubs across London, including Gipsy Moth (Greenwich) Jolly Gardeners (Putney), Windsor Castle (Kensington), Engineer (Primrose Hill) and the Southwark Tavern (Southwark) From 23rd-25th January 2026 Book with individual venues Barge East, Hackney Wick A sustainability-led Burns supper with live music, poetry readings and four courses including a dram of whisky to toast the haggis. Start with Cullen Skink, followed by venison pie alongside classic haggis, neeps and tatties, a pre-dessert of tablet and Cranachan to finish. From - 24th-26th January 2026 Book here The Grove, Balham The Grove's Burns Night relaxed supper club is back, including a set menu, the odd dram of whisky and poetry readings; guests are encouraged to bring their favourite Burns poem and get involved. A chilled and affordable introduction to Burns Night. 25th January 2026 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. Kick off with a haggis croquette with swede puree and spiced grains, followed by slow-braised shin of Galloway beef pie, crushed neeps & tatties, and ale gravy. Finish with a traditional Cranachan. 24th January 2026 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. Book here The Carpenter's Arms, Chiswick This stylish gastropub has a menu of Burns Night specials on for the week before the big day, so you can choose anything from a full three course meal to a haggis scotch egg with whisky mayonnaise as a bar snack. From 19th-25th January 2026 Book here Xi Home Dumplings Bay, Spitalfields Alternatively, XI Home Dumplings Bay has a special menu of haggis dumplings and whisky cocktails running for the first two months of the year in honour of Robbie Burns. for 5 dumplings 4th January - 28th February 2026 Book here Market Place Food Hall, Leicester Square and Vauxhall Go rogue with London's first haggis burrito: haggis, neeps & tatties are loaded into a plate-sized Yorkshire pudding before being tucked and rolled into a burrito fit for the bard himself. In keeping with the Yorkshire side of things, each Haggis Yorkshire Burrito will be served with a bucket load of whisky-infused gravy to dunk your ‘Burns-ito’, as you celebrate a true Scottish legend in unique style. 24th-25th January 2026 Book here Activities and drinks Big Penny Social, Walthamstow It's Burns week at Big Penny Social; this is another one that sells out quickly, so jump in now. There's live music from The Sassenachs and you'll be led through some traditional Gaelic dances. It's all very relaxed and huge fun, with something for everyone: Ceilidhs on Wednesday & Thursday Burns Night Ceilidh with afterparty on Friday & Saturday Family Burns Night Ceilidhs on Saturday & Sunday daytime Burns Supper & Ceilidh on Sunday evening From - 21st-25th January 2026 Book here 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. , concessions 23rd and 24th January 2026 Book here Small Beer Brew Co, South Bermondsey There's a wee Burns Night pop-up ceilidh on at Small Beer, with live fiddlers and a full Burns supper of haggis, neeps and tatties - plus whisky cream brownies to fuel your dance moves. 30th January 2026 Book here Bagpipe pub crawl: The Cock & Bottle, The Duke of Wellington & The Elgin, Notting Hill Embark on a fiery celebration of Scotland’s most famous bard with the Bagpipe Pub Crawl. Guided by a live bagpiper, join the lively procession on a journey between three West London Young's pubs and raise a glass (or three) at each with a special dram of whisky poured to honour the spirit of Robert Burns. From 25th January 2026 Book here The Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green Bethnal Green cocktail bar The Sun Tavern will celebrate Robert Burns with an exclusive, one-day-only Aberfeldy whisky cocktail menu, free haggis canapés from Deeney’s, and a programme of whisky, poetry and music inspired by Scotland’s national bard. The evening features Burns-inspired cocktails using Aberfeldy 12-year-old Single Malt, rare 18-year-old drams served Beer & a Bump style, a complimentary whisky and cheese tasting at 4pm with Provisions Wine & Cheese, Burns recitals throughout the night, and a DJ set from Rennie of Scottish indie band The View. Cocktails from 25th January 2026 Book here The Rhum Tavern, West End Quirky pirate-themed Rhum Tavern will be raising a glass to Scotland’s national poet with a special Burns Night celebration on 25th January, hosted in partnership with Cutty Sark and Lyre’s. The ticket price includes 2 cocktails from their Burns Night menu, mini haggis bites, bagpipes, and live music until late. 25th January 2026 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 20th January 2026.

Burns Night Posts

Where to Celebrate Burns Night in London

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