The tradition of Burns Night
Burns Night is celebrated annually on January 25th, marking the birth of Robert Burns in 1759. However, the event can be observed on other dates in January, and this year, our Burns Night event takes place on Friday January 26th, to kick off the last weekend of the month. The occasion pays homage to the life and literary contributions of the national poet of Scotland.
The celebration is often accompanied by traditional Scottish music, including bagpipes and ceilidh dancing. Attendees traditionally don tartan attire, embracing the cultural richness and heritage associated with Scotland. However, if you don’t have any tartan to hand, don’t worry, as our Burns Night celebration is a simple, black tie affair in the absence of a kilt!
Food that sets poetry in motion
Guests attending West Lodge Park on the 26th can expect an absolute feast, a four-course dinner served in our Mary Beale restaurant.
You’ll be piped through to the restaurant after canapés and drinks on arrival in one of our event rooms.
The Burns night menu will be served with artisan bread rolls and unsalted butter. The starter will be smoked haddock, leek and potato soup, with rosemary sippets. The main course will be a true celebration of Scottish heritage, with a dish of haggis, neeps and tatties, followed by fillet of beef, corned beef hash, black cabbage, and crushed carrot. For pudding, enjoy a Scottish tradition, cranachan, which is a dessert of cream and fresh seasonal raspberries, bolstered by Scottish oats and whisky.
The highlight of the evening is the “Address to a Haggis,” a recitation of Burns’ poem paying tribute to this iconic dish, as we serve guests their second course.
Why celebrate Burns Night?
Robert Burns, also known as the Bard of Ayrshire, is celebrated for his poetic brilliance and contribution to Scottish literature. His works, including “Auld Lang Syne” and “To a Mouse,” continue to resonate across generations. Burns Night is a celebration of togetherness, bringing together family and friends to share a hearty meal, and revel in the warmth of each other’s company. It’s a wonderful opportunity to reignite the festivities in an otherwise quiet month, celebrating history, heritage, and community.
Booking Information
To secure your spot at our Burns Night event, book directly with us. The price is £82 per person and includes a full four course meal, welcome drink, canapés and full entertainment from our resident Bagpiper.
If you’re travelling from further afield, why not make a night of it, and stay in one of our luxurious rooms, avoiding the need to book a taxi home and enjoying a delicious breakfast the next morning. Take a stroll around our stunning arboretum and reflect on what promises to be an exceptional occasion.
