Burns Night in London 2014

This Saturday marks possibly the biggest event on the Scottish calendar – Burns Night. A celebration of the life and work of the country’s national poet, Robert Burns, the main event is a traditional Haggis supper and for many, a few drams of whisky. But you needn’t cross over the border to celebrate in true Scottish style – we’ve hunted down three of the top ways to spend your evening right here in London.

The Traditional One – Fortnum and Mason

This institution is the epitome of tradition, so where better to have your Burns Night supper (supper is a bit of an understatement for this four-course feast) than here. You’ll eat what the Scots eat and drink what the Scots drink, all in the sophisticated surroundings of the iconic shop and restaurants. Start off with Cock-a-leekie Soup, carry on with the traditional Haggis, Neep & Tatties (that’s sheep’s innards, turnips and potatoes to us non-Scottish folk) and finish off with coffee and fudge, all washed down with a few wee drams of whisky. If you’re after the real deal, this is it.

Tickets cost £75, to book call 0845 602 5694 or for further information visit here.

The Alternative One – Netil House

Definitely not your average Burns Night celebration, but definitely an amazing way to spend it. If you’re new to the whole Burns Night scene, this is the place to get well and truly into the spirit. Never danced to a ceilidh band before? No biggy – Grannie Mac’s Highland Fancy Dance School will have you graduating with first class honours (maybe a 2:2 for the less co-ordinated) before the night’s through. If you’re not one for the dance floor, join in with Netil House’s very own Highland Games or simply stand around looking cool at the mobile cocktail bar.

Tickets cost £35 and include a three-course meal courtesy of street-vendor-kings Mussel Men, Cast Iron Kitchen and Love Fish, to book call 0203 095 0900 or or for further information visit here.

The Chilled One – The A Lounge at Albannach Restaurant and Whisky Bar

If you want to ease yourself into this Scottish tradition, why not raise a few toasts to the much-loved poet at this relaxed bar right above Trafalgar Square. The drinks menu has more varieties of Scotland’s favourite drink (that’s whisky – keep up) than you can shake a set of bagpipes at. With The Albannach being one of London’s top spots for a Scotch experience, there will of course be a traditional Burns Night dinner upstairs in the restaurant (tickets for this are £75) but for a cheaper and more chilled affair we say grab some mates and spend the night perfecting your best highland accent.

To book a table at Albannach Restaurant, 66 Trafalgar Square, WC2N 5DS, or for further information visit here.

 Laura McLeish