Juliet’s Burns Night Food Diary

I’ve got a soft spot for Burns night shenanigans. Haggis, whisky and a celebration of the poetry of a man who, in his day, must have been quite the hottie. Whether your own celebrations are muckle or modest, here’s some inspiration for the 25th.

I featured Bross Bagels in our last print issue and they continue to astound me with their delicious creations. For one day only on the 25th they’ll be giving a nod to Burns with The Bobby Burns, complete with haggis, cheddar cheese, a neep and tatty latke, caramelised onions and a whisky and maple syrup mayo. Greet not vegetarians, there’s a version for you too. At £5.75 you’re guaranteed bang for your buck with this bagel.

I was treated to a pretty awesome showcase dinner courtesy of Asda, featuring a plethora of their great quality Scottish produce. In particularly enjoyed meeting many of the Asda staff who sweetly wore name badges for the event. Apparently this is de rigeur in Asda HQ and even the CEO wears a name badge to work.

I sense a job opportunity for someone with early onset senility like me. I was gifted some of Simon Howie’s spectacular haggis along with pre-cooked and packed mash potatoes and turnip. Now I’m often a purist when it comes to fresh vegetables but there’s nothing I detest more than mashing neeps!

The Asda Extra Special Maris Piper Creamy Mash is something of a game changer for me. At only £1 for 400g I can see myself using this in croquettes and fish cakes. Home cooking without so much of the fuss. My mother, a Haggis neeps and tatties expert deemed the meal to be ‘fabulous’. It’s a 10 from her in the strictly come haggis stakes.

Johnnie Walker continue to up their game by partnering with the Burns&Beyond festival. As part of the celebrations running to the 27th a Whisky tasting with Johnnie Walker Culture Trail event on Saturday 26th will provide guests with a free dram and crash course in Scotland’s national drink. Tickets also include a cultural feast of live poetry, music comedy and performance in eight hidden venues. Intriguing! Tickets at £25.

For those who find a small taste of haggis and whisky is enough my favourite place to go for bar snacks is The Shore Bar and Restaurant. They do the best haggis balls with whisky sauce in town and the service and friendly atmosphere is also second to none.