Despite his untimely death at just 37 years old, 18th-century poet Robert Burns is one of Scotland’s most revered sons for the mastery with which he captured the essence of his nation in words. Falling on his birthday, January 25, Burns Night is one of the most important days in the Scottish calendar. Here are a few of our favourite ways to celebrate Burns Night 2018 in London.
Galvin Bistrot de Luxe
Restaurant, French, $$$
Get down to the Michelin-starred Galvin brothers’ flagship restaurant in Marylebone, Galvin Bistrot de Luxe, where diners are invited to devour a delicious six-course meal, with a side of poetry in the spirit of Robbie Burns. The restaurant is teaming up with Glenmorangie Whisky, so whisky pairings will also be available to complement the meal for £45 per person, while the wine pairing package is £35.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
From £49 per person
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The Kensington Hotel, London | Courtesy of Town House
Delve into a delightful three-course Scottish meal at Town House, the antiqued restaurant at stylish West London hotel The Kensington. Available with whisky pairing for an extra £20 per person, the Burns Supper menu options include haggis served with bashed neeps and tatties and a Selkirk bannock bread and butter pudding.
Returning for its second year, the National Whisky Showcase will be launched by Nicholson’s Pubs on Monday January 15. A special Burns Night menu will also be available in 44 pubs across London from January 22-28. Two pubs – The Hoop & Grapes in Aldgate and The King’s Head in Mayfair – are pairing up with Maxxium to host ticketed whisky evenings on Thursday, January 25.
January 15-28, 2018
Multiple locations.
Auchentoshan and Laphroaig, two whiskies featuring in Nicholson’s Whisky Showcase 2018 Courtesy of Nicholson's Pubs
The Bloomsbury Club Bar
Bar, British, Pub Grub
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Bloomsbury Club_ Hot Toddy 6_HighRes | Serving up a hot toddy
Enjoy an evening of live music at The Bloomsbury Club Bar while sipping on a range of concoctions from the unique Talisker Whisky cocktail menu. There will also be a selection of Scottish small plates, including haggis and truffle sausage rolls and Irn-Bru sorbet.
The Jugged Hare, Chiswell Street | Haggis croquettes with whisky HP sauce
Ideal for anyone working in the City of London, this five-course meal with wines to match at The Jugged Hare incorporates a unique Scottish twist at every turn of the plates, including quirks such as whisky HP sauce and deep-fried Mars bar with Glenfiddich ice cream. Scottish bagpiper Alan Henderson will be on hand for an address to a haggis before leading a whisky toast to Rabbie Burns.
Receive a whisky on arrival at The Fentiman Arms in Vauxhall, where there will be a live bagpipe player helping to instill an authentic Scottish atmosphere to accompany the traditional three-course meal on offer. Turn up in traditional tartan for a wee dram on the house.
Any wannabe whisky connoisseurs should get down to The Castle in Tooting, where Chivas Regal will be taking guests on an adventure encompassing the heritage and flavour profiles of a range of whiskies. For an extra £10, there will also be the chance to create your own blend to take home.
Cocktail Bar, Restaurant, Bar, Brasserie, European, Vegetarian, $$$
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108 Brasserie, London | Courtesy of 108 Brasserie
Head to 108 Brasserie in Marylebone, where guests are invited to indulge in a very Scottish three-course meal featuring cullen skink, haggis and deep-fried Mars bar. Get the menu complemented with selected whisky pairings for an extra £20 per person.
Young’s Pubs across the capital will be getting in full Scottish swing to honour Robbie Burns Night with mighty meals inspired by his cherished Caledonia. The Fox & Anchor in Farringdon and The Duke’s Head in Putney are just two Young’s Pubs hosting events in the city.
Thursday, January 25, 2018
From £40 per person
Multiple locations.
Courtesy of Young's Pubs
The Lamb Tavern
Gastropub, Pub, Tapas, Pub Grub, British, $$$
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Poetry, cocktails and a Scottish take on tapas are on the agenda at The Lamb Tavern. Adam Handling from Frog by Adam Handling is looking after the food, Matt Whiley of Scout is taking care of the drinks, while Loud Poets will be offering up their own unique interpretation of Rabbie Burns’ work. Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Tuck into a three-course dinner at The Spring Grove in Kingston featuring Scottish classics executed with modern pizzazz. The meal starts with a cock-a-leekie consommé with leeks, peppered chicken, pearly barley and a side of sourdough bread; then it’s a choice of haggis or wild saithe fillet for the main; while a traditional cranachan will be served up for dessert.
