The 25th January is Burns Night: a Scottish tradition that celebrates the life of Scotland’s legendary poet Robert Burns. With literary feats such as ‘Auld Lang Syne’, ‘Tam O’Shanter’, ‘Red, Red Rose’ and ‘To A Mouse’ to his name, Burns’ poetry is loved all over the world. This year, we might not be spirited away to enjoy ceilidh dances, but we like to think you will still don your tartan, or your trews, to raise a wee dram of whisky to the Scottish bard Rabbie Burns, and recite ‘Address to a Haggis’ from the comfort of your home... with the gentle sound of bagpipes adding even more ambience to the occasion.
From Scottish Salmon, to haggis, neeps and tatties, we have curated the best ideas from St James’s neighbourhood to create your Burns Night Dinner below.
Paxton & Whitfield’s January Cheese Treats
This artisanal cheese selection has a Burns Night theme, with Glenfarclas Single Malt Scotch Whisky, shortbread, and three fine Scottish cheeses: Clava Brie, a soft, brie-style cheese with a delicate curd made using organic milk in the Highlands of Scotland; Auld Reekie, a traditional smoked style cheese, flavoured with a delicate whisky and wood finish; and a flavoursome Cheddar style cheese made at Tobermory on the Isle of Mull It costs £60 and can be bought here.
Fortnum & Mason’s Burns Night Selection Box
A box of must-haves for a Scottish feast, “gie her a Haggis!” from FruitPig Butchery, followed by Ewan’s Scottish Tablets’ butter-soft Macadamia Nut Shortbread Rounds – and a 20cl dram of Fortnum’s Speyside Single Malt Whisky for good measure.
News just in: the Selection Box has now sold out. However, there is no need to despair - you can still buy the tablet, whisky and shortbread as individual items for your feast. These can all be bought here.
45 Jermyn Street Smoked Salmon Starter
Order in from this seasonal restaurant thanks to Supper – or click-and-collect if you live nearby. We advise trying their Piccadilly Smoked Salmon, Horseradish Crème Fraiche and Soda Bread. A classic Scottish starter is the perfect way to begin a long, leisurely evening. Follow with a main course of Haggis, Neeps & Tatties for the standout dish. This dish costs £16.25 and can be ordered here.
Berry Bros. & Rudd Scottish Whisky
No Burns Night celebration is complete without a couple of drams, and Berry Bros & Rudd in St James’s is certainly the place to go if you wish to fulfil the true Scottish experience. Boasting an extensive whisky range, the expert team at the fine wine and spirit merchant has encyclopaedic knowledge. Find out more here.
For more information on the best way to curate your Burns Night experience, visit Scotland.org for the full affair. From Piping in the Haggis, to recommendations of the best poetry to read for your evening, there is plenty of history, and entertainment, to make your 25th January a night to remember! If you consider yourself an expert, why not take their quiz too.
We’d love to see and share your St James’s inspired Burns Night suppers – share your experiences on social and tag @StJamesLondon.
