What is Burns Night
Burns Night, held on January 25th each year, commemorates the life and works of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. A traditional Burns Night celebration is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy Scottish culture, poetry, and food. Hosting Burns Night at home is a perfect way to enjoy this age-old tradition using Lakings’ quality ingredients. From the essential haggis to accompaniments like neeps and tatties, you’ll be able to curate a delicious and meaningful feast.
The centrepiece of a Burns Night feast is haggis – a savoury pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, and lungs), minced with chopped onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and cooked while traditionally encased in the animal’s stomach, though now an artificial casing is often used instead.
Lakings’ selection for Burns Night
If haggis isn’t your thing, we offer a range of premium products ideal for creating a Burns Night feast. Why not plump for prime cuts of Lincolnshire beef, perfect for creating a hearty Scotch broth or even a Beef Wellington (we sell them ready-made, too) if you’re looking to add a modern twist to the evening?
Several tasty alternatives evoke hearty Scottish flavours too. Consider making shepherd’s pie, using minced lamb or beef topped with mashed potatoes, or Scotch pies – double crust pastry filled with seasoned mutton or steak.
Our ambassador chef Rosie Dicker’s Lamb Osso Bucco dish, is another alternative to consider – this hearty dish is made by cooking bone-in lamb leg steaks, which draws all the rich flavour from the marrow.
These dishes keep the spirit of Burns Night alive while providing comforting, traditional flavours.
Burn’s Night Menu ideas using Lakings products
Haggis, Neeps, and Tatties
For the main event, prepare the quintessential haggis served with buttery mashed tatties and a creamy mash of neeps, flavoured with a pinch of nutmeg. For an added touch, create a whisky sauce to drizzle over the haggis – simply reduce whisky, cream, and beef stock for a rich, savoury addition.
Stovies
Stovies are a traditional Scottish potato-based dish, often made with leftover meat. Use Lakings’ slow-cooked beef or Lincolnshire pork sausage meat to create a flavoursome, hearty side dish. Slow-cook diced potatoes with onions and carrots for a warm and filling dish.
Braised beef
Try Rosie’s Braised Beef with Cheese and Horseradish Cobblers for a warming beast of a dish. Make the braised beef ahead of guests arriving, and then top with the cobblers at the end, so you can enjoy the ambience of the evening.
Dessert Cranachan
To finish off the night, prepare a traditional Scottish dessert – Cranachan. Made with whipped cream, honey, raspberries, oats, and a touch of whisky, it’s a sweet and light end to the evening. You can also layer it in individual glasses to add a touch of elegance.
Of course, Burns Night isn’t complete without a dram of whisky. Serve a range of single malts or blend a whisky cocktail to suit all palates. A whisky sour or a classic Old Fashioned pairs beautifully with the rich flavours of haggis and other courses. For those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, consider a Scottish-brewed ginger beer.
What is Burns Night?
Date: January 25th, Robert Burns’ birthday.
Who was Robert Burns? Robert Burns (1759–1796) was a Scottish poet and lyricist, famous for his works that celebrate Scottish life, language, and culture. His most famous poems include “Auld Lang Syne” and “Tam o’ Shanter.”
Why do we celebrate it? Burns Night has been celebrated since 1801 after Burns’ friends held the first Burns supper to honour his memory. The night involves a traditional meal, readings of his poetry, and toasts to his immortal works.
Key Traditions: The evening includes the ceremonial cutting of the haggis while reciting Burns’ famous “Address to a Haggis.”
