Burns Night 2024: 12 of the best suppers in London

A day held fondly in the heart of any Scot – plus all and any adoptive Scot – is Burns Night, the country’s official unofficial national day. While St Andrew’s Day might mark the calendar as the formal celebrations of Alba, Burns Night is when the main magic really happens.

On the 25 January each year the Scottish poet Robert Burns is celebrated in all his artistic glory. Giving him his appropriate dues, the day is filled with haggis, neeps, and tatties and usually a little bit of ceilidh dancing too, for good measure. Those who are happy to be out and about partying can expect a traditional three course meal – typically bookended by something like Cullen skink soup and a smoky cranachan pud – as well as a dram or two.

While of course the very best Burns Night celebrations are to be had in Scotland, with Edinburgh hosting many a soiree, the best place in England for a right royal knees-up is certainly London. The UK’s capital has taken it upon itself to create a home from home for any revellers who choose to get stuck into a night of merrymaking. From fine dining, fancy dinners through to rough and rustic slap-up meals, Burns Night in London has something for everyone.

If it’s your first-time celebrating Burns Night in London then you’re in for a treat, and may we suggest a dress code of wearing something tartan for the evening. Other optional extras include finding a deep-fried Mars bar somewhere, partaking in a dram or three and of course indulging in a glass of Irn Bru to keep energy levels up. Guests are typically also encouraged to perform at Burns Night suppers, by showing off their Scottish country dancing, reciting a classic poem or presenting a song. If you have a hidden talent, now’s the time to dust it off and take a moment to shine.

When is Burns Night 2024?

Burns Night falls on the 25 January every year, which means it'll be celebrated on Thursday 25 January in 2024. 

Boisdale of Belgravia

What: Tartan upholstery? Check. A lively atmosphere? Check? A bar stocked with the world’s best whiskies? Check. Boisdale of Belgravia is one of London’s only Scottish restaurants, and as such is a popular spot for people looking for an authentic experience in the heart of the capital. All week from 23 January 2024 the restaurant will be offering diners a four-course meal accompanied by an address to the haggis and some good old fashioned bagpiping. The fourth course here is a haggis made from Dumfriesshire Blackface lamb accompanied by neeps, tatties and liquor, while starters include the choice of things like smoked salmon; Stornoway black pudding scotch egg and carpaccio of Highland beef with truffle mayo. Mains run from a wild venison steak through to Boisdale fish pie, with options such as traditional steamed clootie dumpling for pudding. Plus, there's an added bonus in the form of live music. 
Where: 15 Eccleston Street, SW1W 9LX
Book now: Boisdale of Belgravia

Origin, City

What: With a family farm in Argyll Scotland, you can expect all meat to come straight from the source, and seafood to come from the sister aquafarm (Loch Fyne Oysters anyone?). To further bring a taste of the Highlands to the capital, the team are putting together a four course meal with classics like clootie dumpling for pud, a whisky welcome cocktail, and an address to the haggis. For a proper Burns Night that knows what it’s talking about, Origin is an essential.
Where: 12 West Smithfield, EC1A 9JR
Book now: Origin

Barge East, Hackney

What: Moored up in Hackney Wick, Barge East allows you to enjoy a celebratory meal on a historic barge, which is as about as far from mundane as you can get - perfect for a January pick-me-up. Stop by (or be safe and book a seat) from the 24-26 January this year and you’ll be treated to a four-course menu of classic Scottish fare with a twist. Think a langoustine oat cracker, an open mutton pie and a deep-fried Mars bar. Traditionalists needn’t worry either; there is also whisky and haggis aplenty. Playing second fiddle to the feast is a side of live music, poetry and the mandatory address to the haggis.
Where: White Post Lane, E9 5EN
Book now: Barge East

Carousel, Fitzrovia

What: Carousel is no stranger to an epic Burns Night event, with Tomás Gormley and Sam Yorke (of Michelin starred Heron, and newer opening Skua) joining the team last year to showcase what Scotland has to offer. This year Tomás is returning solo to take the helm for an extra special evening of first-class food, live entertainment and plenty of Aberfeldy Highland single malt whisky. To eat you can expect dishes like lobster and squid ink crumpets, or Venison with Quince, endive and bread sauce - it's not one to be missed. Tickets for dinner on Friday 26 January are available on the Carousel website.
Where: 19-23 Charlotte Street, W1T 1RW
Book now: Carousel

The Cadogan Arms, Chelsea

What: Possibly one of the grandest pubs to grace the city, The Cadogan Arms has always been capable of pulling customers from far and wide, and we expect Burns Night to be no different. The team have curated a three-course menu of Scottish fare to celebrate the life and poetry of Robert Burns. The star of the show comes in the form of a venison and haggis Wellington with spiced red cabbage, cranberries and chocolate sauce, with equally enticing dishes falling either side of the main. To whet your whistle, an Aberfeldy single malt whisky-based drink has been paired with each course - ‘Sláinte Mhath’ to that!
Where: 298 King’s Road, SW3 5UG
Book now: The Cadogan Arms

Acme Fire Cult, Dalston

What: To celebrate Burns Night this year, Acme Fire Cult is putting on a spread in collaboration with Ardbeg Whisky, where you can tuck into three courses from chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins, all carefully paired with a range of whiskies. The menu will consist of the likes of oak smoked salmon with a whisky-heather honey glaze, plus haggis, neeps and tatties cooked in the restaurant's signature style over fire. Included in the ticket price (£100) is dinner, two cocktails and a boilermaker (a beer from the 40FT brewery mixed with a shot of whisky), plus a soundtrack from DJ Pam Hogg.
Where: Abbot Street, E8 3DP
Book now: Acme Fire Cult

The Barley Mow, Mayfair

What: The Barley Mow and Nc’nean Whisky are joining forces on 25 January to bring you an occasion to remember. Executive chef Ben Tish has put together a three-course menu containing all Scottish classics like cured Scottish salmon, Arbroath haggis with whisky gravy and clootie dumpling with whisky custard. If you’re just looking to pop in for a light bite, Scottish inspired bar snacks will also be available to eat whilst you admire a rendition of ‘Ode to the Haggis’ and a bagpipe performance.
Where: 82 Duke Street, W1K 6JF
Book now: The Barley Mow

The Jugged Hare, Barbican

What: One of London’s leading gastropubs is offering up the ultimate Burns Night feast this year, with a menu designed to showcase the best of Scottish cuisine. This is a spot well known for its focus on game, and the interior is sure to make certain you don’t forget that; stuffed pheasants behind the bar and a stag’s head on the wall add to the charm of this place, with dark wooden tables and leather seats adding an air of sophistication. Last year saw the likes of rosemary bannock, Cullen skink soup with scallops, and a raspberry cranachan with shortbread, and we’re expecting something similar in 2024. To help further transport you to bonnie Alba, live fiddle music will accompany the meal and set the atmosphere for a night of true celebration.
Where: 49 Chiswell Street, EC1Y 4SA
Book now: The Jugged Hare

Bourne & Hollingsworth, Clerkenwell

What: The pretty, Instagrammable surrounds of Bourne & Hollingsworth in Clerkenwell will be playing host to an impressive party on the 25 and 26 January, offering guests indulgent Scottish fare and a whole lot of entertainment. In 2024, you can expect a banquet, whisky tasting, live entertainment and plenty of Ceilidh dancing. Ticket prices vary depending on what you're after, with whisky tastings and Ceilidh dancing starting at £45 per person, and the Burns Night banquet with a welcome cocktail reception and multicourse dinner coming in at £70. There's even a private dining option at an additional cost. The haggis will be addressed and toasted – of course – and there’ll be a recital of the Selkirk Grace. Following the feast, everyone will join in singing a rendition of Auld Lang Syne before finishing things off with a traditional jig or two during the evening's ceilidh celebrations.
Where: 42 Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU
Book now: Bourne & Hollingsworth

Ham Yard Hotel, Soho

What: Providing a taste of the Highlands every year, the Ham Yard Hotel in the heart of London’s west end is putting on a special Scottish menu come the 25 January. This year the evening will consist of a canapé and cocktail reception, followed by a five-course meal with whisky pairings from Bruichladdich Distillery. Expect Scottish classics with a Ham Yard Hotel twist; there’s haggis, neeps and tatties, venison Wellington and a burnt orange brûlée for pud. 
Where: 1 Ham Yard, W1D 7DT
Book now: Ham Yard Hotel

Rotunda, Kings Cross

What: Rotunda has you covered with its infamous Burns Night celebration that’s filled with whisky, Scottish fare, and plenty of live entertainment. Kick things off with a whisky cocktail, followed by a Glenfarclas whisky tasting and then dig into a traditional three-course menu of cullen skink, haggis, neeps and tatties and a cranachan trifle - it’s not one to miss.
Where: 90 York Way, N1 9AG
Book now: Rotunda

The Oyster Shed, London Bridge

What: If you’re after a riverside celebration this Burns Night, look no further than The Oyster Shed in London Bridge known for its panoramic views and lively atmosphere. Arrive at 7pm sharp for an evening of Scottish fare across four courses, immersive bagpipe performances, and even a complimentary glass of whisky on arrival. Offering both style and substance, The Oyster Shed is the best of both worlds.
Where: 1 Angel Lane, EC4R 3AB
Book now: The Oyster Shed

The White Horse, Parsons Green

What: The White Horse is a Fulham institution and known for being the busiest spot in Parsons Green - you’ll often find pub-goers spilling out onto the street in the height of summer - so it comes as no surprise that they hold a decent Burns Night celebration too. To celebrate Scotland's favourite poet Robert Burns, the team are offering an indulgent three course meal of all the classics, along with a whisky flight to enjoy alongside. The best part? If you’re not free on the 25th, the menu is also available on the 26th and 27th January too!
Where: 1-3 Parsons Green, SW6 4UL
Book now: The White Horse

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