We might not be in Scotland but why not raise a wee dram in hour of the legendary poet Robert Burns? Whether you fancy a Burns Supper featuring the classic combination of haggis, neeps and tatties or want a spot of whisky, there are plenty of ways to commemorate the bard in the city on Burns Night (January 25). Check out our guide to some of the best Burns Night celebrations happening in Manchester.
1. The Black Friar
Award winning and independent pub, The Black Friar, are playing host to a true Scottish whisky experience with The Macallan Whisky, alongside a creative new five course tasting menu on January 25. The evening kicks off with canapés followed by a Scottish Cullen Skink with a glass of Organic Matetic Riesling.
Next is Haggis, Neeps and Tatties paired with The Macallan 15 Year Old Double Cask followed by a Champagne, Nettle, and Lemon Sorbet palate cleanse. Finally, finishing off with the traditional Scottish dessert – the Cranachan paired with The Macallan 18, aged in Sherry Oak for 18 years.
The Black Friar, 41-43 Blackfriars Road, Salford, M3 7DB.
Tickets cost £75 per person and are available here.
2. Linden Stores
In the Scottish tradition of celebrating the birth of poet, Robert Burn’s, Linden Stores will be hosting an exclusive evening event from 6pm on Thursday 25th January. Guests will be treated to a guided Whiskey tasting, alongside a selection of delectable Scottish-inspired canapés.
Savoury dishes will include rumpledethump croquettes, tattie scone & hogs pudding and beetroot cured smoked Scottish salmon. For the sweet tooth, the restaurant will also be serving their take on the modern Scottish classic, the deep-fried Mars bar.
Linden Store, 15 Minshull Street, Knutsford, WA16 6HG.
Tickets cost £60 per person and are available to book by calling 01565396227 or emailing info@lindenstores.co.uk.
3. Sam’s Chop House
Join Sam’s Chop House on Thursday 25th January for a seven course Scottish feast celebrating classic ingredients and dishes from Robbie Burns’ homeland, as well as a welcome drink and wee dram to wash it all doon.
Menu highlights include Smoked Steelhead Trout Pâté, Haggis & Sorrel Croquettes, the Chop House Cullen Skink, a rich and hearty Venison Stew, and either the Scotch Raspberry Cranachan with Shortbread or the irresistible Sticky Toffee Pudding with Whisky Toffee Sauce for dessert. Of course, no Burns Night would be complete without the iconic Haggis, Neeps n Tatties, too.
Sam’s Chop House, Back Pool Fold / Chapel Walks, M2 1HN.
Tickets cost £75 per person and are available to book here.
4. Grape To Grain
“Some hae meat and canna eat, and some wad eat that want it,” wrote the Bard himself. “But we hae meat, and we can eat, sae let the Lord be thankit.”
Celebrate Burns Night with Grape to Grain by tasting six different whiskies at the wine and beer bar in Prestwich on January 25. Sample a variety of whiskies ranging from the Lowlands to the Highlands of Scotland as well as in age and flavour.
Grape to Grain, 1 Church Lane, Prestwich, M25 1AN.
Tickets start from £30 and are available too book here.
5. The Edinburgh Castle
Off the back of being named one of the best gastropubs in the UK, the Manchester spot will be hosting one of their favourite celebrations of the year: Burns Night. The Edinburgh Castle will be serving up an eight-course supper, accompanying whisky flight and poetry recital on January 25.
The Scottish-inspired menus features the likes of Mangalitza black pudding with savoury porridge followed by smoked haddock, leeks and potatoes then Swaledale lamb Haggis, Royal Oak neeps and tatties. The dinner finishes with a clootie dumpling with clotted cream ice cream.
The Edinburgh Castle, 17 Blossom St, Ancoats, M4 5EP.
Available to book by emailing bookings@ec-ancoats.com
6. The Whiskey Jar
Enjoy a Burns supper, Glenlivet cocktail specials and live music at Manchester bar, The Whiskey Jar, across an entire week of Burns Night celebrations. From Tuesday to Thursday between 5pm and 6pm, they will be giving away free haggis on a first come, first served basis.
An open mic night will take place on Tuesday and Wednesday, with even more live music from Thursday 25th to Saturday 27th January. Scottish attire and kilts are most welcome.
The Whiskey Jar, 14 Tariff St, M1 2FF.
Free to visit.