Burns Night 2026
I honestly didn’t think we could top our experience from last year, but Burns Night 2026 well and truly hit it out of the park.
Hosting our fifth Burns Night and our second in collaboration with The Tartan Fox Pub was a real privilege, and once again it was made possible by the wonderful front of house team Nick, Toby, Steph and Jack. Thank you for welcoming us back and for letting us bring this night to life with you. From start to finish, everything flowed seamlessly.
The attentiveness of the staff, the military precision of the kitchen team led by Chef Director Jamie Park, and the overall slickness of the operation were a true testament to exceptional training. In today’s hospitality scene, that level of professionalism genuinely stands out, and it’s refreshing and reassuring to see passion and care delivered so consistently.
And then there was the food. Chef Jamie Park delivered a Burns Night menu that was bold, thoughtful and deeply rooted in tradition, while still feeling exciting and contemporary.
The evening began with haggis bon bons, served alongside bread and indulgent chicken skin butter, chicken liver pate and chicken sauce. Non-fish eaters were treated to "The Mother" an Ugly Butterfly signature dish of celeriac, dates and apple that proved just how comforting and refined plant-led cooking can be.
The courses that followed were outstanding: ember-smoked Orkney scallops with garlic butter, paired with haggis, neeps and tatties and a rich whisky sauce. This was followed by beautifully executed smoked chicken, finished with a peat whisky sauce, cabbage and perfectly roasted potatoes — warming, generous and exactly what Burns Night calls for.
Dessert was equally memorable, with a nostalgic clootie pudding and custard, followed by a vibrant cranachan layered with oats, raspberries and, naturally, more whisky. A fitting end to a feast that celebrated Scottish heritage at its best.
I’d also like to give heartfelt thanks to everyone who helped shape the spirit of the evening. Brandon Tuffery - Bagpipe player who has now performed at four out of five Burns Nights, your piping never fails to set the tone.
Alex Pettigrew for a fine delivery of Address to a Haggis and To a Mouse.
Barry and Ellen for playing their parts perfectly in the toasts — or should I say the roasts — to the Lassies and Laddies and Valerie, whose reading of My Heart’s in the Highlands was truly moving.
From piping in the guests to the iconic readings, heartfelt toasts, poetry and song, everyone’s contributions made the evening all the more special. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who took part, to all who joined us, and to The Tartan Fox Pub team for hosting us so brilliantly.
I’m already looking forward to doing it all again next year.
I think Robbie Burns himself would have been proud
