Burns night in London

This annual Scottish tradition celebrates poet and songwriter Robert Burns, who strongly endorsed food, fun and frivolity. Here are the five best ways to celebrate a virtual Burns Night at home in London…

We know it’s a bit different, but as long as you have access to the internet, a ceilidh is still ‘one of the best things to do in London’. Check out the Ceilidh Club for a virtual Burns Night in London to remember! 

Get into the Scottish spirit by going to a traditional ceilidh – in your living room. Burns himself would probably argue there’s no better fun. You’ll take part in dances such as Strip the Willow, Dashing White Sergeant and the Gay Gordons. It’s a great chance to try something a bit different and spice up your Monday night with more than just a haggis. Remember to don your best tartan and prepare to be amazed by the live music that makes these occasions so special.

Over Teams, Zoom, FaceTime, WhatsApp – or with your family and flatmates, no Burns Night is complete without a Burns Supper. Haggis, the national dish of Scotland, is a staple of any Burns Night. It even inspired a poem by Burns (Address to a Haggis) and should always be eaten with ‘neeps and tatties’ (mashed parsnips and potatoes). It’s a meal that divides opinion – probably because of the (often unusual) ingredients – but today it’s possible to get various types alongside the traditional, including vegetarian or hot and spicy. If you want to make your own, you can find a range of recipes here.

It is a solid tradition in Scotland for a dram (a wee drink) of whisky to accompany any special event, including birthdays, weddings, a particularly boring Wednesday… and, of course, Burns Night. It’s a drink for which Scotland is famed, and with more than 120 distilleries in the country, there’s plenty of brands to choose from. Do remember to drink responsibly – whisky is best enjoyed in moderation!

Burns captured the nuances and traditions of Scottish life in the 18th century in his poems and lyrics, and was regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement. You may have heard of Auld Lang Syne, the popular song sung at Hogmanay (New Year’s Eve), or the love poem A Red, Red Rose. This Burns Night, try writing your own poem to a loved one, or recite a favourite at your Burns Night supper.

As Scottish family names and ancestral heritage will often dictate which tartan you ought to wear; Burns probably wore one of black, white and brown check. Traditional Scottish clothing worn for a ceilidh, a wedding, or any formal event usually involves tartan, whether on a kilt, troos (trousers) or a scarf. So, why not wear your favourite piece of tartan to mark Burns Night?