Burns Night, held annually at the end of long, cold January, is a festive celebration of Scottish culture.
Rife with lively traditions, from the To a Haggis recitation to the Toast to the Lassies, the evening also offers indulgent feasting – particularly for lovers of haggis.
For those who are visiting Edinburgh and want to experience Burns Night for themselves, the following six venues offer authentic celebrations with fine cooking, plentiful whisky, and heaps of tradition.
Whiski Rooms
It’s right there in the name – Whiski Rooms is the place to head to if you like your Burns Night on the doused side of the spectrum.
Included in the offerings are a three-course meal (Cock-A-Leekie Soup, Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, and Cranachan), plus a nip of Talisker, traditional speeches, and bagpipes.
If you’re after extra whisky, rest assured that the 300-strong menu will keep you satisfied.
Wedgwood the Restaurant
One of Edinburgh’s most upscale restaurants, Wedgwood puts a fine dining spin on the classic Burns Night affair.
The traditional haggis is still present, but also served alongside roasted pigeon breast. Personally, we support the creative interpretation.
Edinburgh Larder
With a focus on locally sourced Scottish fare, the Edinburgh Larder has crafted a Burns Night menu that’s equal parts inventive and traditional.
The four courses begin with smoked venison bridie (winter squash and chestnut for veggies), with the traditional haggis, neeps and tatties for the main.
Dessert is an apple sorbet with lavender cream, while guests finish with a platter of Scottish cheeses and oatcakes (with a dram of whisky, naturally).
The Scottish Storytelling Centre’s Café
History buffs and lovers of tradition should head to the off-kilter Burns Night at the Scottish Storytelling Centre for a celebration that’s heavy on performance.
Storytellers Linda Bandelier and David Campbell will school visitors in Burns lore, accompanied by Celtic harp player Katie Harrigan. The hungry needn’t worry: the event also includes the traditional three-courser.
Ghillie Dhu
Seeking an appropriately spirited Burns Night ceilidh? Edinburgh’s Ghillie Dhu puts an emphasis on the festive during its celebrations.
Held in the venue’s sweeping auditorium, the evening kicks off with whisky on arrival, followed by dinner and performances by a traditional piper. DJs will take over in the wee hours.
Hadrian’s Brasserie
Edinburgh’s buzzy Hadrian’s Brasserie takes their Burns Night planning seriously. Head chef Brian Grigor has crafted a custom four-course menu (the haggis-phobic should note that the dish has been relegated to an ingredient in hash browns while Letham chicken with a single malt glaze is the starring dish).
The best part? Each course comes with its very own whisky pairing. Sláinte!
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to… whose guides cover all the best hotels, restaurants, bars, clubs, sights, shops and spas
(Feature © Elnur Amikishiyev/Hemera/Thinkstock)
