Guide to Burns Night in London

One great way to celebrate Burns Night is to try out some tasty Scottish cuisine. Fortunately, there is no shortage of venues throughout London specialising in this hearty type of British cooking, often using premium ingredients sourced straight from Scotland. From down-to-earth local cafés to refined tasting menus, you can find great places for eating Scottish food in our guide.

St John is a culinary institution that celebrates all kinds of British food. The original Smithfield restaurant is based in a disused smokehouse, but other locations have popped up over time, too. Visit the restaurant on Burns Night for a Scottish feast with the likes of haggis, fresh langoustines, whisky, shortbread, and cranachan.

Named after the ship nearby, The Cutty Sark is a traditional pub in Greenwich. This riverside venue is charming and full of history. On 25th January, it's hosting a three-course dinner complete with a whisky cocktail upon arrival. Expect tempting dishes like Cullen skink and haggis, plus the option to add a whisky flight to the experience.

Unlike many barbecue restaurants, Acme Fire Cult focuses on veggies and uses by-products from beer production to make sauces and ferments. For Burns Night, this modern restaurant has teamed up with whisky brand Ardbeg for a special menu paired with drams and whisky cocktails. Added to the food, there will be poetry and a Scottish DJ on the decks.

The Little Blue Door and The Little Orange Door are both hosting lively parties in honour of Burns Night. These unique venues feel more like a house party than a bar. There are dinner parties taking place but you can also book tickets just for music, dancing, and on-theme entertainment until the early hours.

Boisdale has an unmistakably Scottish identity, so it's automatically an ideal place to celebrate Burns Night. Both venues are putting on two special parties with live swing music, indulgent four-course menus, traditional pipers, and cocktails. The smart dining space is decorated with tartan and Caledonian touches.

Celebrate next to the canal at the modern British restaurant Rotunda. This stylish spot prepares food with ingredients sourced from its own farm and offers scenic views and a relaxed ambience. For Burns Night, the venue is hosting a whisky tasting plus a classic Scottish meal. There will also be a live bagpiper and a traditional address to the haggis.

Innovative restaurant Carousel keeps things fresh by inviting chefs from around the world for short-term kitchen residencies. Of course, they've got some Scottish talent for January. Culinary star Tomás Gormley will be cooking seasonal dishes using the finest Scottish produce, served in the restaurant's contemporary and utilitarian dining space. This event takes place the day after Burns Night.

Barge East is a 120-year-old Dutch barge that offers casual dining in a stylish and scenic space. The menus focus on seasonal British dishes prepared with sustainable ingredients. The venue is marking Burns Night with three nights of celebrations – you can expect an indulgent menu including haggis and a deep-fried Mars bar, plus poetry and live music.

Big Penny Social is a lively and modern beer hall in East London with ample outside space. This welcoming warehouse space is contemporary and industrial, offering plenty of draft beers to try. The venue is putting on three traditional ceilidhs to mark Burns Night – expect drams, dancing, and music all night long.

Conveniently located next to King's Cross station, Rails serves an appropriate blend of British and French cuisine. Visit this homey and intimate restaurant for Burns Night, and you can savour a traditional three-course menu of classic Scottish dishes, including haggis. You can also sample a specially-mixed themed cocktail for the occasion.

Located in Chelsea, The Cadogan Arms is a picturesque gastropub that's a favourite in the local area. This stylish venue is decorated with polished wood and is reminiscent of a grand country house. Burns Night means a three-course whisky dinner celebrating quality Scottish produce, plus drams and cocktails. Bagpipes and poetry are there for entertainment.

The Covent Garden branch of The Ivy is the original restaurant that started an empire. This stylish spot serves British and international dishes in a striking Art Deco setting. On 26th January, the restaurant will celebrate with a private dining event featuring a special tasting menu of Scottish recipes paired with various whisky cocktails.

Enjoy Burns Night in West London at The White Horse in Parsons Green, also affectionately known as The Sloaney Pony. Visit this traditional and cosy pub on 25th January to indulge in a three-course meal of Scottish dishes like haggis and cranachan, as well as a flight of fine Scottish whisky.

Vibrant Ham Yard Restaurant is located in the heart of the capital and features eclectic and inspiring interiors by renowned designer Kit Kemp. The venue is celebrating Burns Night with a special three-course meal that includes a bramble martini on arrival. It's a traditional menu of haggis, neeps, and tatties paired with a warming dram of whisky.

The Sun Tavern might specialise in Irish spirits, but that doesn't mean they're not up for a Burns Night party. Visit this lively spot on 25th January, and you can try an exclusive one-off menu of whisky cocktails, as well as drams of several whiskies. Complimentary haggis bites, including a vegan version, will be served to line your stomach.

Celebrate traditionally with a ceilidh dance at Kings Place. There's also the option to combine the dance with a Burns Night supper at the nearby restaurant Rotunda. Live musicians, singers, and energetic and enthusiastic dance callers will be on hand to get the party going. Snacks and drams of whisky are available from the bar afterwards.

The Crown is a trendy and modern pub located next to Victoria Park. This unique setting combines traditional and contemporary pub decor, plus there's an outer terrace. The venue is celebrating on 25th January with a limited edition Scotland-inspired menu that you can pair with a Scottish whisky flight. Haggis Scotch eggs will also be available.

Multi-purpose clubhouse Bourne & Hollingsworth Buildings is a bustling venue in Clerkenwell, themed on the faded glamour of a stately home. There's a restaurant, cocktail bar, and underground drinking den here. The place is celebrating Burns Night with a traditional ceilidh, but you can also include a Scottish banquet and a whisky tasting if you like.

Trendy East London hotel Mama Shelter has a design-forward approach. This luxurious and modern accommodation has bars, eateries, and events facilities on-site in addition to guest rooms. The hotel is running a Burns Night supper club where guests will get a hearty Scottish meal, whisky flights and cocktails, bagpipe music, and poetry.

Intimate performing arts theatre OSO Arts Centre stages various productions and events and houses a café and bar with picturesque views. The venue is putting on a big Burns Night celebration with a traditional ceilidh as well as live music, poetry, and a four-course dinner. A vegan menu will also be available.

Modern events venue 26 Leake Street is set in three converted railway arches. This venue can accommodate over 1,000 people and is suited to a range of events. For Burns Night, it's hosting a ceilidh dance with a live band and poetry readings, plus a five-course meal. Attendees get entry into a raffle to win some exciting whisky prizes.

Beer is normally served up at Gipsy Hill Taproom, but on Burns Night, they're supplementing the usual brews with whisky. At this lively industrial-chic venue, there will be a riotous night of dancing with a traditional ceilidh. Whisky cocktails and beer are available at the bar, plus you can fuel up with slices from Yard Sale Pizza.

The Canonbury Tavern has been around since the 1700s and remains popular for its warm atmosphere and variety of fun events. For Burns Night the pub is laying on a special supper club with four courses of Scottish cuisine paired with fine wines. You can end the night with a classic Scottish whisky. Numbers are strictly limited.

Head to The Lion & Unicorn for Burns Night celebrations in Kentish Town. There's a big party going on for Burns Night featuring a traditional three-course dinner plus whisky and poetry readings. This friendly pub is spacious and contemporary, serving seasonal British cuisine made with local and ethical ingredients.

A contemporary pub decorated in rich colours, Heathcote & Star is a sought-after spot in Leytonstone. The usual food menu centres on Thai cuisine, but the pub is going Scottish for Burns Night. Guests get a three-course Scottish menu accompanied by poetry readings, music, and the address of the haggis. Wearing tartan is encouraged for this one.

Perched on the banks of the Thames, The Oyster Shed is an award-winning contemporary pub with gorgeous views and bold colours throughout. Seasonal British food is on the menu, and Burns Night is no exception. Guests get a four-course meal with whisky. There's entertainment in the form of bagpipe music and poetry readings whilst you eat.

Celebrate Burns Night with a traditional supper at The Fentiman Arms in South London. This popular local pub has a vibrant blue exterior and is serving the meal in its cosy private dining room. You'll get a whisky-based cocktail upon arrival before savouring a three-course meal. Dress in tartan, and you'll get an extra dram as a reward.

Nobu Bar is located at the group's upmarket hotel in Marylebone. It's a cosy yet sophisticated spot that's been carefully designed to create the right atmosphere. The Burns Night celebration here is ideal for whisky drinkers – you'll get a welcome whisky cocktail before joining a tasting of fine Scottish and Japanese whiskies. Fusion canapés are being served too.

Enjoy an alternative celebration at Phoenix Arts Club. Anything goes at this Art Deco cabaret venue, which is open late into the night. It's a members club, but non-members can book individual events. There's a special Burns Night cabaret show with a ceilidh, music and poetry, whisky aplenty, and a traditional meal hosted by drag diva Vanity von Glow.

Located in Richmond, close to the park, The Marlborough is a rustic pub that's home to one of the area's most popular beer gardens. The venue is celebrating Scottish culture on Burns Night with a three-course meal of classic dishes and a whisky-tasting experience. Expect a warm atmosphere and plenty of laughs throughout the evening.

You'll get fantastic river views when you have a meal at Sam's Riverside in West London. This tasteful venue serves contemporary British cooking in a style-conscious setting. Mark Burns Night here with a three-course meal of upscale Scottish dishes like Scotch eggs, haggis and traditional neeps and tatties. A bagpiper will be serenading you throughout the evening.

La Bibliothèque blends East London's trendy vibe with modern hospitality, offering a fine dining area, a cocktail bar boasting an extensive whisky library, and boutique accommodation. For Burns Night, they've put together a set menu including intensely Scottish dishes such as haggis or fried Mars bar with Buckfast ice cream, accompanied by whisky-based cocktails.

Celebrate in a cosy and elegant pub at The Spaniards Inn on the edge of Hampstead Heath. This traditional venue is marking Burns Night with a three course menu of Scottish favourites. The food is paired with a carefully-selected whisky flight. This special menu is available between 25th and 27th January.

Ben Mellor, the head chef at Langan's, a well-established brasserie in Mayfair, has curated a bespoke feast for Burns Night. Offering the perfect marriage of Scottish dishes with Langan's culinary expertise, the menu includes a complimentary glass of Johnnie Walker Blue Label on arrival, paired with starters such as Scottish whiskey-cured salmon. Classic Scottish mains such as haggis or neeps & tatties are up next, with desserts including a deep-fried Mars bar to round things off. The evening will be accompanied by poignant recitals and serenading music.