Top 5: Burns Night Events in LondonBy Angelica Malin
Burns Night isn’t just about eating your bodyweight in haggis, neeps and tatties. It’s about filling your boots with whisky too. We’ve discovered 5 amazing events to celebrate Burns Night in the capital in 2017. Bring on the booze:
1. For an Absolute Banger: KERB
What: For two magical nights on Friday 27th and Saturday 28th January, KERB and Monkey Shoulder will be transforming The Biscuit Factory into a humdinger of a Clubhoos to celebrate the great Rabbie Burns. One-off Scottish street food creations from 5 star KERBanists, huge live electric Ceilidh, whisky den and cocktails galore, the addressing of the haggis, highland themed games and a poetry slam corner, all set in a secret Bermondsey warehouse.
Expect: On the night there will be special one-off Scottish street food creations from five star KERB traders including The Wild Game Co’s haggis Scotch eggs; haggis mac n cheese, Deeney’s slow cooked venison tacos (with spicy salsa and whisky crème fraiche); and the famed Macbeth toastie crammed full of haggis, cheddar, caramelised onion, rocket and mustard. In true KERB fashion, the entertainment is set to take the roof off. The Teesside fiddler and accordion maestro meet dub-heavy electric bass group Monster Ceilidh Band will perform live as well as DJs before and after. Specially created Highland themed games will feature Corn-hole, “sheep shearing” and Donald Trump’s crazy golf course. Aim the golf ball right at his money maker.
Price: Tickets here
Where: The Biscuit Factory, 100 Clements Road, London, SE16 4DG
2. For a Week Long Knees up: Mac & Wild
What: Scottish champions Mac & Wild will be celebrating Burns Night with not just one night of shenanigans, but a whole week of Burns inspired menus and events. From haggis-making masterclasses and beer and whisky pairing evenings, to live music and Burns cocktails galore, both Mac & Wild Fitzrovia and Mac & Wild Devonshire Square are on hand to celebrate the life and works of one of Scotlands most renowned national treasures.
Expect: On Tuesday (24th), Mac & Wild Fiztrovia are hosting a whisky and beer pairing masterclass at 6.30pm. Throughout the evening, attendees will taste four whiskies from progressive Hebridean distillers, Bruichladdich, paired with four specially selected Scottish craft beer from Black Isle Brewery. Both venues will host their special Burns Night menu on Wednesday (25th), with traditional Scottish munch and a whisky pairing. But wait, because Thursday (26th) is when the Burns Night party truly gets poppin’ with live music, endless drinks and good vibes.
Price: Tickets here. To book for the party, email: info@macandwild.com.
Where: Locations here
3. For the Spoken Word: The Well, Clerkenwell
What: Descend the stairs at The Well in Clerkenwell into a subterranean Highland Hunting Lodge on Wednesday (25th January). For Burns Night, a one-night-only poetry slam between poets Jan Noble and Tim Wells will be injecting a little modern competition into traditional proceedings.
Expect: A whole lotta activities. The evening kicks off at 6pm with a mini whisky masterclass taking place at 6.30pm, followed by the poetry grand slam at 7pm. The team will be joined by whisky suppliers on the evening as they talk you through a selection of Scottish whiskys. Plus, after the poetry slam has finished – all you budding poets will also have the chance to step up and recite something you’ve penned yourself.
Price: Book here
Where: 180 St John St, Clerkenwell, London EC1V 4JY
4. For Booze and More Booze: Milroy’s
What: London’s oldest whisky shop Milroy’s will play host to a lively Burns Night shindig on Wednesday (25th January) with haggis cocktails and free whisky drams. Haggis cocktails are apparently all the rage.
Expect: Burns Night may be all about tradition but Milroy’s expert bartenders have created a special cocktail for the night using a relative newcomer on the whisky block, R&B Distillers’ Raasay While We Wait. The cocktail will be a peppery play on the classic ‘Bobby Burns’ and has been inspired by the spices used in haggis. For the inquisitive reveller, there will also be a chance to preview a free sample of the second batch of this lightly peaty single malt to toast to the haggis.
Where: 3 Greek St, Soho, London W1D 4NX
5. For a Trip to the Flicks: South Place Hotel
What: South Place Hotel are dedicating a night to their Northern neighbours, with a Burns Night celebration of all things Scottish on Wednesday (25th January).
Expect: Recline in a deckchair under a cosy blanket in their heated Secret Garden bar and enjoy Michelin-star wee Scottish bites created by Executive Head Chef, Gary Foulkes. Think classic eats, like haggis and handmade shortbread. Also included in the ticket price is gourmet popcorn and a whisky cocktail. While it’s not compulsory, a touch of tartan clothing is encouraged. Doors open at 6.30pm and the film starts at 6.45pm.
Where: 3 South Pl, London EC2M 2AF
