Och aye the noo! Burns Night, a celebration of Scotland’s great poet Robbie Burns, takes place on Wednesday 25 January. We may be a long way from the highlands, but if you want to enjoy the food and fun that this annual event brings, you’ve got some great options in Cambridge. Option one: the brilliant Pint Shop, which will be serving up Haggis Scotch Egg with Pickled Neeps & Tatties, plus (loosen your kilts), deep fried Mars Bar with Jack’s Gelato ice cream. The menu runs from Saturday 21st to Sunday 29th.
Perhaps you fancy going a little more traditional? Pop along to The Senate, where they’re hosting a three-course Scottish feast on 25 January. Priced at £28 per person, the menu features haggis (or vegetarian haggis), neeps and tatties, Cranachan for pud and, naturally, a wee dram of whisky or two.
Elsewhere in town, swanky members club 12a will be opening its doors for an evening of cheese and whiskies from 5.30pm on 26 January, while St John’s Chop House is laying on a special set menu on the 25th, priced at £25 for three courses. Possibly our favourite menu of the lot, it includes Cullen skink (Smoked Haddock & Potato Soup), Scotch egg and veggie ‘stovies’ to start, classic haggis, neeps and tatties for mains (or Smoked Haddock Kedgeree or venison haunch steak), and a clootie dumpling for pud. Cambridge Wine Merchants, meanwhile, are laying on a Whisky tasting at the University Centre Wine Bar. Priced at £17 per head, you’ll get to sample whiskies from each of Scotland’s whisky regions, plus Scottish themed nibbles. The event is hosted by whisky buff Will Parry.
Maybe you fancy really throwing the, err, Caber out? In which case we’ve got a brilliant idea for a Burn’s Night mini break. The gorgeous Grove in Cromer on the coast in Norfolk will be serving up an evening of poetry, piping and fine food. For £25 per head, you’ll be treated to scrumptious food including a haggis and whiskey tartlet, Scotch broth with sourdough, haggis and whiskey and marmalade bread and butter pudding. There’s also readings, a proper Address to a Haggis, bagpiping, hot toddies and more. It would be foolish not to make a night of it at this lovely hotel, which offers gorgeous double rooms from £85 – that way you can complete your trip with a hearty breakfast and a stroll along the beach.
