Here’s where to spend Burns Night 2018 in and around Cambridge

Och aye the noo! Burns Night, a celebration of Scotland’s great poet Robert Burns, takes place on Thursday 25 January. We may be a long way from the Highlands, but if you want to enjoy the food and fun that this annual knees-up brings, there are a few solid options nearby to check out.

The Senate, on St Mary’s Passage in the city centre, hosted a delightful Burns Night feast last year and they’re back for more this time around, serving up an elegant take on the traditional fare on the 25th. This cosy and sophisticated little bistro serves up truly splendid food, great cocktails and a fine dram of whisky, making it a wonderful spot for a Burns Night celebration.

Another great option is the ever-fantastic St John’s Chop House, which will be serving a hearty three-course Scottish dinner on 25 January at £30 per person. With dishes like cock-a-leekie soup, clootie dumpling with whisky custard, the obligatory haggis and a live piper – it’s promising to be a great night.

Offering a vegan-friendly Burns Night is Stem + Glory, who’ll be serving a plant-based extravaganza at their Chesterton Road branch on 25 January. Expect meat and dairy-free takes on Scot classics like cranachan, cullen skink and of course, a vegan haggis, at a very reasonable £15.95 for two courses or £19.95 for three.

The Mitre pub, too, is getting in the spirit, hosting a whisky showcase and special menu, whilst The Holiday Inn over in Impington is also having a Burns Night Supper, offering a themed menu plus promotions on Scottish drinks throughout the night on 25 January. Kicking off at 6.30pm, guests will be treated to a slap-up Highland feast which features Scotch broth, haggis and roast rib of Highland beef with root veg, stovies and blue cheese sauce. To book, call 01223 582 419.

Maybe you fancy really throwing the, err, caber out? In which case we’ve got a brilliant idea for a Burns Night minibreak. The Grove, a gorgeous hotel on the coast in Cromer, will be serving up a menu of fine food which includes highland rumbledethumps (that’s mashed potato, cabbage and onions to you and me), plus traditional haggis with clapshot, roast baby turnips and whiskey jus, as well as a steaming scotch beef stew with tattie scones, carrot and swede mash and ruby jus. Entertainment will be provided by traditional piping from Peter McFarlane, formally of the Royal Scots Guard, as well as readings of Burns poetry. Finish your meal with a hot toddie and a very traditional, very calorific deep-fried mars bar served with Drambuie ice cream and chocolate soil – best loosen your kilt! The meal is priced at £25 for three courses, but it would be a shame not to make a night of it at this lovely hotel, which you can do for £150 (dinner, bed and breakfast) – that way you can complete your trip with a hearty brunch and a stroll along the beach.

Back in Cambridge, and St Giles’ Church will be hosting a lively Ceilidh organised by the Whitworth Trust on the 26th. All proceeds will go towards helping the valuable work of the Trust, which is a charity for homeless and vulnerable women in Cambridge, with the impressive Gothic surrounds of St Giles’ promising to provide an atmospheric backdrop for the evening’s music and dancing. The Cambridge University Ceilidh Band will be leading the charge, accompanied by caller Bob Ridout, and all ages are welcome. Tickets are £10 for adults, £5 for concessions and under 12s go free.

THE SENATE

Burns Night fun and feasting

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