Burns Night Suppers To Book in London For 2024
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1 year ago
Celebrate Scotland's National Bard at these London restaurants
Laddies and lassies: it’s that time again. Burns Night falls on 25 January each year, celebrating the birthday of the Scottish poet Robert Burns – and though you’ll find the biggest festivities in his hometown, plenty of London venues are marking the occasion too. Keen to get involved with the fun? Here we highlight the best Burns Night suppers taking place across the capital in 2024, complete with traditional Scottish food, whisky, ceilidh dancing and more. Who said nothing good happens in January?
What is Burns Night?
Burns Night is a celebration of the life of 18th-century Scottish poet Robert Burns, who is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland. It was initially organised as a memorial by family and friends after he died back in 1796, but over the years it has merged into a nationwide affair, taking place on his birthday, 25 January, each year.
Burns is considered to be a pioneer of the Romantic movement, and after his death he became a source of inspiration to the founders of both liberalism and socialism. His iconic poem and song, ‘Auld Lang Syne’, is sung at Hogmanay, while ‘Scots Wha Hae’ was considered Scotland’s unofficial national anthem for many years.
Burns Night Dinners London 2024
The Cadogan Arms
Chelsea’s much-loved pub The Cadogan Arms is one of the city’s cosiest spots – think fireplaces and velvet bucket chairs – with an impressive food offering to match. Executive Chef Alex Harper has put together a three-course Burns Night menu, beginning with whisky cured Scottish smoked salmon ahead of a venison and haggis wellington main, with a raspberry and whisky cranachan for dessert. And as if that wasn’t enough whisky infusion, you get some whisky cocktails too, made with Aberfeldy. To complete the festivities, there will be music from a live bagpiper alongside a traditional reading of the Address to a Haggis poem.
When? 25 January 2024, sittings at 6pm and 8.30pm
Price: £75pp
BOOK: thecadoganarms.london
The Pelican
Buzzy Notting Hill pub The Pelican is renowned for its food, and no doubt its Burns Night offering will be impressive. This January the venue will be hosting a Cockney Burns Night supper club: a Scottish celebration with a London twist, featuring a three-course feast paired with whiskies from the East London Liquor Company. Begin with cullen skink ahead of haggis, neeps and tatties, with a rhubarb and pear cranachan for dessert. While dining, guests will be treated to poetry from a Scotsman, plus original Cockney poetry which explores the relationship between England and Scotland.
When? 25 January 2024, 6.30pm
Price: £75pp
BOOK: thepelicanw11.com
Ham Yard Hotel
For one of London’s most stylish Burns Night soirees, head to Ham Yard Hotel, where you’ll be treated to a five-course Scottish-inspired feast paired with whiskies. Executive chef Jamie Atkinson and his team will be cooking up dishes like Loch Fyne smoked salmon with haggis, neeps and tatties, venison wellington, and a burnt orange brûlée, finishing with a cheese course. Not only that, but you’ll have the chance to learn about the world of whisky from the experts at Bruichladdich, discovering the nuances between five very different bottles.
When? 25 January 2024, 6.30pm
Price: £100pp
BOOK: sevenrooms.com
Duke of Cambridge
This beloved Islington pub (part of The Culpeper Group) is giving the traditional festivities an eco-twist, focusing on produce from regenerative British farms. Tying in with the group’s wider Regen Action project, the evening will include a three-course menu from head chef Rico Abella, made using ingredients from The Rhug Estate’s regeneratively farmed meat and Hodmedod’s sustainably produced British pulses. Festivities will kick off with a cullen skink starter – made with the kitchen’s own house-smoked Cornish white fish – ahead of haggis, neeps and tatties with whisky gravy. Finish with either Clootie Dumpling (steamed Scottish dumplings packed with dried fruits and spices, or the classic cranachan. There will also be a live bagpipes performance from a Scotsman donned in full Highland attire.
When? 25 January 2024
Price: From £45pp
BOOK: sevenrooms.com
Carousel
Carousel is renowned for its pop-ups and supper clubs, so no doubt its Burns Night dinner will be one to remember. Following a hit four-hands supper last year, residency veteran chef Tomás Gormley will be returning to the venue – this time as a solo act. The one-off event will feature dishes like Orkney scallops, lobster and squid ink crumpets, and venison with quince, all made with the finest Scottish produce, alongside tipples from Aberfeldy whisky.
When? 26 January 2024
Price: £75pp
BOOK: sevenrooms.com
Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Richard Corrigan and the Bentley’s Oyster Bar team will be celebrating their fellow Celts with a traditional Burns Night supper. Expect all the Scottish classics: cullen skink, roasted Orkney scallops, Highland venison loin, and a Tipsy Laird Trifle for dessert. The haggis address will be performed by resident piper Maggie McNaulty, with whisky flights available throughout the evening. Can’t make it on the night? Fear not: the specials will be available from 22 January 2024.
When? 25 January 2024
Price: Dishes from £13.95
BOOK: bentleys.org
Chris Coulson
Big Penny Social
If you’re more focused on a lively atmosphere than the food itself, head to Big Penny Social, Walthamstow’s warehouse-style venue. Its annual Burns Night Ceilidh will kick off with a traditional bagpipe player, ahead of live violin music and a band – so expect lots of dancing. You won’t go hungry though: a menu of haggis, neeps and tatties will also be on offer, alongside craft, beers, wine and non-alcoholic drinks. A great option for big groups.
When? 24, 25 and 26 January 2024
Price: From £14
BOOK: bigpennysocial.co.uk
