Eight ways to have a bonnie Burns Night in London

Are you planning to raise a not-so-wee dram to Robert Burns this Thursday?

Suffice to say, Burns Night is a big deal for lovers of Scotch and the mixologists who use it.

We’ve rounded-up the biggest, best and booziest Burns Night celebrations happening in London this week.

Keep scrolling to find the best jigs, neeps, deep fried mars bars and whisky-fuelled parties this side of Hadrian’s Wall.

The Devonshire Club’s supper club, Devonshire Square

(Photo: Devonshire Club)

Devonshire Club, in the heart of the City, will be hosting a traditional Burns Night supper which draws inspiration from the Scottish larder. The meal will commence with a steaming bowl of Cock-a-leekie soup, followed by the classic show-stopping dish of haggis, neeps & tatties or an indulgent Arbroath smokies fish pie.

For dessert, guests will be treated to a rich and fruity Cranachan and whisky-laced coffee, accompanied by a deep-fried Mars Bar. that’s right, a deep-fried Mars Bar in a private members’ club.

Diners will also enjoy performances from an internationally acclaimed piper Matthew Supranowicz, who won the world championship in 2015 with the pipe band Shotts and Dykehead.

Price: £28 for 2 courses £35 for 3 courses.

Whisky and beer pairings at The Gallery, West Hampstead

(Photo: The Gallery)

You can’t talk about Burns Night without touching on Scotch. With over 101 whiskies behind the bar – including many rarer Scotches – The Gallery is a good place to while away the night. This Burns Night, The Gallery has created a drinks menu for the evening which celebrates a selection of their favourite whiskies and Scottish beers. The menu will include a classic Bobby Burns showcasing Glenlivet Founder’s Reserve, as well as beer and whisky pairings including Chivas 12 with 6° North Four Saisons.

Price: Free entry

Whisky tasting at Blade Hairclub, Soho

(Photo: Blade)

Haircuts and cocktails might not be the most congruous combination that springs to mind (brings a whole new meaning to hair of the dog, doesn’t it?).

But swish salon Blade, which has its own basement bar, hosts live jazz nights and even lets customers play on iPads while they get their beauty fix, is inviting every guest through the door to indulge in customised whisky flights, mini tastings and scotch cocktails. Cocktails will include the Penicillin, a blend of Clynelish 14 year old Highland Malt, Ardbeg Uigeadail from the Isle of Islay, and a splash of King’s Ginger liqueur along with fresh pressed lemon juice, honey and orange bitters, garnished with organic candied ginger.

Price: Free entry

Scotch pairings at Craft, Greenwich

Restauranteur and chef Stevie Parle is partnering with boutique Scotch maker Compass Box for the second year in a row to create a bespoke four-course dinner complete with whiskies.

Parle will be there on the night to introduce each course, and whisky make Jill Boyd and Keiran Cusker the Brand Ambassador for Compass Box, will be on hand to talk through the whiskies they have expertly chosen to be enjoyed. Expect poetry readings, a superb traditional addressing of the haggis and much merriment with brooding views over the Thames.

Price: £48 per head

A reel knees-up at Mac & Wild, Fitzrovia and Devonshire Square

Fames for its bespoke whisky collection, Scottish champions Mac & Wild are marking Burns Night with a whole week of drinks-fuelled menus and events, from haggis-making masterclasses and beer and whisky pairing evenings, to live music and specially curated cocktails. On the menu all week will be a selection of Burns specials including the new Mac & Wild Haggis, Neeps & Tatties Burger and Rabbie’s Drams, a whisky flight dedicated to the poet himself.

On Burns Night itself, Mac & Wild will host a dedicated three-course dinner at both Mac & Wild restaurants, but the Devonshire Square branch is where you;ll find the real party. For a knees up the bard himself would commend, guests will be greeted with Highland pipers and drummers, Irn Bru Daiquiri cocktails and Mac & Wild’s Scottish signature haggis lollipops before tucking in.

Throughout the evening at both outposts, guests will be treated to renditions of Robert Burns while a Scottish great will address the haggis as guests begin their meal with a toast of Talisker whisky, shot through a bone marrow whisky luge

Price: Burns night tickets cost £40 in Fitzrovia, and £50 in Devonshire Square

A signature serve at Aqua Shard, London Bridge

(Photo: Aqua Shard)

No matter the occasion, some like to go the extra mile when it comes to celebrating, but they may have found their match in this salmon-laced serve.

Sky-high cocktail bar Aqua Shard has devised a fishy one-off cocktail to celebrate bonnie Burns Night which even incorporated smoked salmon to bring out the true flavours of Scotland.

The Made by the Sea combines Talisker aged for 10 years, smoked salmon fat-washed maple syrup, smokey lapsang essence, lemon juice and egg white. The whole thing is garnished with dried trout skin and trout roe. Not for the faint of heart…

Price: £14

Haggis rolls and Mars Bar bites at The Bloomsbury Club Bar, Bloomsbury

This celebration, sponsored by Talisker Distillery, will focus on Scots-inspired tapas and a single malt cocktail menu. Created by bar manager Brian Calleja, highlights of the cocktail menu are the classic Whiskey Sour and and Hot Toddy, as well as a selection of Burns-based beverages. Those looking for the ultimate whiskey experience can enjoy Flight Through Skye, a flight of three Whiskies, Talisker Skye, Talisker Storm and Talisker Port Ruighe, priced at £20, exclusively served with Campbell & Co Smoked Salmon.

Created by executive Head Chef Byron Moussouris, the special edition bar-bites menu will feature haggis & truffle Sausage Rolls, Whisky Cured Smoked Salmon with Horseradish Cream and Pickled Cucumber and Neep & Tatty Croquettes with whisky gravy. To finish, you can go all-out with deep-fried Mars Bar bites, or cool off with a refreshing, if slightly metallic, Irn-Bru Sorbet.

Price: Free entry

Haggis Scotch Eggs at the Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green

(Photo: Sun Tavern)

East London whisky bar the Sun Tavern is teaming up with boutique whisky maker The Balvenie for a night of music, poetry, speciality cocktails and, more importantly, free haggis Scotch eggs.

Available on Thursday 25th January, the Wha Hae (£6) is a scotch heavy cocktail made with Balvenie Double Wood, Amarao Montenegro, Winter Red Ale Syrup & Oak Bitters, creating a fine balance of malty sweetness.

Expect a rendition or two of Burns’ finest pieces as the nectar loosens the tongue, and to round it all off, Rennie from The View (remember Same Jeans?)will be DJing until the wee hours.

Price: Free entry