How to Throw a Burns Night Supper

Burns Night is a celebration of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. But it's also just a great excuse to gather friends and family for an evening of traditional Scottish food, drink, and verse. What's not to like? Whether you’re a seasoned host or exploring this tradition for the first time, we’ll guide you through everything you need to create a memorable Burns Night Supper.

The heart of any Burns Night Supper is the food – which is why we love it here at Mob. Classic Scottish dishes take centre stage, with haggis the star of the evening.

• Starter: Begin with something light, like a cock-a-leekie soup (a comforting chicken broth).

• Main Course: Haggis, neeps, and tatties (mashed turnips and potatoes) are a must. We think haggis gets an unfairly bad rep so please don’t knock it until you try it. Veggie versions are also widely available.

• Dessert: End the meal on a sweet note with cranachan – a delicious mix of raspberries, cream, whisky, and oats.

• Drinks: Whiskey is the obvious choice. Enjoy it neat, on the rocks, in cocktails such as an Old Fashioned or Whiskey Sour, or our favourite – this brown butter whiskey.
  

Burns Night isn’t complete without a recitation of Robert Burns’ works.

Once the haggis is brought to the table, it’s time for the iconic 'Address to a Haggis' poem. A designated speaker dramatically recites this ode (good luck if you're not Scottish) and the haggis is ceremonially cut open.

Fair fa’ your honest, sonsie face,
Great Chieftain o’ the Puddin-race!
Aboon them a’ ye tak your place,
Painch, tripe, or thairm:
Weel are ye wordy of a grace
As lang ‘s my arm.

The groaning trencher there ye fill,
Your hurdies like a distant hill,
Your pin wad help to mend a mill
In time o’ need,
While thro’ your pores the dews distil
Like amber bead.

His knife see Rustic-labour dight,
An’ cut ye up wi’ ready slight,
Trenching your gushing entrails bright,
Like onie ditch;
And then, O what a glorious sight,
Warm-reekin, rich!

Then, horn for horn, they stretch an’ strive:
Deil tak the hindmost, on they drive,
Till a’ their weel-swall’d kytes belyve
Are bent like drums;
Then auld Guidman, maist like to rive,
Bethankit hums.

Is there that owre his French ragout,
Or olio that wad staw a sow,
Or fricassee wad mak her spew
Wi’ perfect sconner,
Looks down wi’ sneering, scornfu’ view
On sic a dinner?

Poor devil! see him owre his trash,
As feckless as a wither’d rash,
His spindle shank a guid whip-lash,
His nieve a nit;
Thro’ bluidy flood or field to dash,
O how unfit!

But mark the Rustic, haggis-fed,
The trembling earth resounds his tread,
Clap in his walie nieve a blade,
He’ll make it whissle;
An’ legs, an’ arms, an’ heads will sned,
Like taps o’ thrissle.

Ye Pow’rs wha mak mankind your care,
And dish them out their bill o’ fare,
Auld Scotland wants nae skinking ware
That jaups in luggies;
But, if ye wish her gratefu’ prayer,
Gie her a Haggis!

Follow up with a speech celebrating Robert Burns’ life and works, known as the 'Immortal Memory'. Guests may then raise a glass for the 'Toast to the Lassies' and its witty response, the 'Reply to the Toast to the Lassies'.

January can be miserable but Burns Night makes it slightly less so. Use this opportunity to embrace the winter chill and create a cosy and festive ambiance by embracing Scottish decor and music.

For music, bagpipes are the traditional choice but a playlist of Scottish folk songs works just as well. A Man's A Man For A' That is often played to accompany the haggis procession and popular New Years song Auld Lang Syne also often appears on the lineup.

Incorporate tartan patterns for table settings or decorations. A few candles and a whisky station complete the vibe.

Okay we know this might be a bit OTT, but why not close the night with a ceilidh (if space allows). A few simple steps to traditional Scottish music will leave a lasting impression.

Hosting a Burns Night Supper is a delightful way to honour Scottish culture and create lasting memories. So grab your tartan, pick up a haggis, and prepare for an evening of poetry, laughter, and delicious food!