From a silent ceilidh to exclusive suppers, we round up London’s unmissable Burns Night gatherings to commemorate Scotland’s national poet.

Burns Night – the annual celebration of Robert Burns’ birthday – is recognised on 25 January

As we celebrate the birthday of legendary Scottish poet Robert Burns tomorrow (25 February), we thought it only fair to share some of London’s best Scottish-themed celebrations from the likes of Mac & Wild, Boisdale and Mr Fogg’s.

Celebrations featuring traditional food and music will break out across the capital to celebrate the life of the Scotland’s most celebrated poet.

From restaurants and supper clubs hosting special one-offs to Scottish-themed parties complete with haggis, whisky and tartan, there’s no shortage of whisky-fuelled events to toast the bard without venturing up to the Highlands.

Click through the following pages to discover our pick of London’s top Burns Night celebrations.

Glenfiddich at Skylight

Glenfiddich whisky will be taking over London’s rooftop venue Skylight at Tobacco Dock for Burns Night as the site closes for its winter season.

The venue, which features a rooftop ice rink, will also feature entertainment from traditional Scottish musicians.

Guests will be greeted with a Glenfiddich cocktail on arrival and will then be able to cosy up under the heated pergola or grab a table and settle in on the lower floor, equipped with a DJ to dance the night away. In addition, rooftop igloos are available to book and street food will also be on offer.

Aberlour at The Gallery – West Hampstead

From Thursday 24 to Sunday 27, The Gallery is celebrating the bard in style with a specialist menu made with Scottish ingredients.

The Gallery will be serving a dedicated drinks menu which showcases whiskies and Scottish beers expertly paired to create Boilermakers, such as 10-year-old Aberlour with Gipsy Hill Hepcat (£7.50).

The food offering will consist of a haggis tortellini with preserved tomato ragu and crisp sage, followed by a cranachan mille-feuille. 

Ardbeg at Swift – Soho

Soho bar Swift will be celebrating Scotland’s famed poet with a party as part of Drink Up London’s inaugural Scotch Whisky Weekend.

Hosted in collaboration with Ardbeg, the event on Sunday 27 January will feature exclusive tastings, Scottish nibbles including smoked salmon and haggis and live music from Alan Dunn and Gerry Bloom.

Four liquids from Ardbeg will be available to taste including An Oa, Uigeadail and Corryvreckan.

Burns Night at Mac & Wild

Where better to celebrate Burns Night than at Scottish restaurant Mac & Wild as it holds a number of celebrations for the famous poet.

On Burns Night, Mac & Wild Devonshire Square will hold the city’s “first” silent ceilidh. Guests can tuck into traditional haggis, neeps and tatties, and enjoy whisky Highballs throughout the night.

But the evening doesn’t have to end there as guests can then head downstairs to the venue’s whisky bar.

Mac & Wild will also be hosting dedicated Burns Night suppers at both Mac & Wild restaurants, serving up special tasting menus filled with Scottish fayre.

The Little Blue Door’s Bobby Burns Party – Fulham

The Little Blue Door in Fulham has joined forces with Mac & Wild and Islay-based Port Charlotte Whisky and The Botanish Gin to host a Bobby Burns party. Those attending should adorn themselves in Scottish outfits for a tart versus tartan theme. Scottish-themed films including Braveheart will be shown along with traditional singing and dancing classics.

Drinks on offer include a Tarte Tartan Old Fashioned and a Smokey Sage Martini. There’s even a poetry competition for guests to win a bottle of Port Charlotte 10 Year Old.

When Mr Fogg’s Met Robbie Burns

Mr Fogg’s in Mayfair is hosting a traditional Scottish soirée, complete with live bagpipers, poetry recitals and, of course, whisky. Throughout the night guests will enjoy poetry recitals showcasing Burns’ best works.

All staff will be getting out the kilts and sporrans, with guests encouraged to take part in traditional dress.

The Glenlivet Glade at The Rosewood

The Rosewood Hotel will be holding an exclusive supper on Friday as part of its Glenlivet Glade terrace.

Hosted by Holborn Dining Room’s executive chef, Calum Franklin and The Glenlivet ambassador Phil Huckle, the venue will serve a menu of typical Scottish dishes each paired with a selection of whiskies from The Glenlivet.

Burns Night at Boisdale

Whisky bar and restaurant Boisdale will be serving up the best in authentic dining from 24-26 January at its sites in Belgravia, Bishopsgate, Canary Wharf and Mayfair. Set menus, featuring Scottish ingredients including cullen skink fishcakes, game broth with root vegetables, roast Dumfriesshire blackface haggis and Buccleuch Estate dry aged beef. In keeping with tradition, a dram of Arran single malt whisky will be served with the haggis.

Expect entertainment from pipers and merry ‘address to a haggis’ recitations.