Och aye the noo! It’s that time of year again, Burns Night is soon upon us. For those of you who aren’t familiar, this Scottish tradition commemorates the life of poet Robert Burns (who wrote Auld Lang Syne). This year, plenty of London restaurants will be raising a wee dram to the man and here’s a list of some of the best…
1 Lombard Street
Don’t forget your kilt when you visit this City brasserie (based in the old Scottish Life Assurance building), as those in a Scottish skirt will be rewarded with complimentary whisky. You might want your ear plugs too, as there’ll be bagpipes galore.
Boisdale of Bishopsgate
If you fancy feeling stuffed in true Scottish style, then Boisdale of Bishopsgate (it’s a fine dining Scottish restaurant) is offering a feast menu. In an attempt to overturn the outdated American ban on haggis, they’ll be offering their unique version, using American barley and Bourbon whiskey.
Bonnie Gull Clerkenwell (pictured right)
This seafood café on Exmouth Market is offering a three course Burns Night menu for £45, which will quash your neeps and tatties cravings. The tipsy laird (the Scottish version of a trifle made with whisky) sounds like the perfect pudding.
BRGR.CO Soho
Looking for something a wee bit different? Then this Soho burger shop might be of interest with its ‘Ode to Haggis BRGR’. If the 6oz beef patty topped with smoked cheese isn’t enough, then the haggis fritters ought to do it.
J Sheekey Oyster Bar
This chic, Richard Caring-owned oyster bar and seafood restaurant is paying tribute to Burns Night with a specially crafted Scottish menu. Think Stornoway black pudding, hand-dived scallops from the Isle of Mull and the old classic, cullen skink - a smoked haddock, leek and potato soup.
Le Coq
Popular with the locals, this Islington-based rotisserie chicken restaurant will be devoting its weekly-changing menu to all things tartan. Perhaps black pudding, haddock and poached egg to start and a whisky marmalade tart for afters.
M Grill
If the whole kilt thing doesn’t do it for you, then maybe big bit of meat will. This City boy hangout from the ex MD of Goucho, is offering a short rib of Aberdeen Angus beef marinated in Scottish whisky and served with a whisky cocktail for good measure.
Quo Vadis (pictured right)
In true Scotsman style, Dundee-born head chef Jeremy Lee has added haggis to the menu of this Soho institution. Don’t worry, you won’t have to rush, as it’ll be on the menu all week long.
Rabbit
Don your kilt and head to the Kings Road. This joint venture between brothers Richard, Oliver and Gregory Gladwin (they also own The Shed in Notting Hill) will be offering a Scottish-inspired menu including homemade haggis.
Seven Park Place
If you’d rather a more refined, fine dining dinner for your Burns Night, then Seven Park Place at the St James’s Hotel has got it covered. This charmingly tiny restaurant is serving a six course tasting menu, including head chef William Drabble’s signature ravioli of haggis.