Burns Night at Wetherspoon: FAQ

What is Burns Night and why is it celebrated?

Burns Night is celebrated every year on 25th January to honour Robert Burns, Scotland’s national poet. It’s traditionally marked with a Burns Supper featuring haggis, poetry readings, and a toast to Burns (often with whisky).

Does Wetherspoon do anything special for Burns Night?

Many Wetherspoon pubs mark Burns Night by offering seasonal Scottish-inspired menu items around late January. Availability can vary by location, so it’s worth checking your local pub’s menu nearer the time.

What food is traditionally eaten on Burns Night?

The most traditional Burns Night meal is haggis, neeps and tatties. Neeps are usually swede or turnip, and tatties are mashed potatoes. It’s often served with a rich gravy or whisky sauce.

Can you get haggis at Wetherspoon during Burns Night?

Most Wetherspoon pubs include haggis-based dishes during Burns Night celebrations, but it can vary depending on the pub. Checking the menu in advance is the best way to confirm.

What does haggis taste like?

Haggis is generally rich, savoury, peppery, and well-seasoned. Many people compare it to a spiced stuffing or a strongly flavoured sausage filling, especially when served with mash and gravy.

Is haggis spicy?

Haggis isn’t usually hot-spicy, but it can be peppery and warming. The flavour is bold rather than fiery.

Do you have to drink whisky on Burns Night?

No. Whisky is traditional, but Burns Night is about celebrating Scottish culture and enjoying a meal. You can raise a toast with any drink, including beer, cider, or a soft drink. Some Wetherspoon pubs have a special Scottish ale for Burns Night.

Is Burns Night only for Scottish people?

Not at all. Burns Night is celebrated across the UK and beyond. Plenty of people who aren’t Scottish enjoy the tradition, the food, and the fun of it.

Do you need to book Wetherspoon for Burns Night?

You don’t need to book for Wetherspoon, but Burns Night can be busier in the evening, especially in popular town-centre pubs. If you want a specific table or time, going a little earlier can help.

Is Burns Night food suitable for picky eaters?

It can be. If you’re unsure about haggis, you could share a dish with someone, or pick a more familiar pub option and still enjoy the Burns Night atmosphere.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options for Burns Night?

Some venues offer vegetarian or vegan haggis alternatives, but availability varies by pub and menu. It’s best to check the menu locally if you’re looking for plant-based Burns Night food.

Why is Burns Night popular in January?

Burns Night is popular because it brings a bit of warmth and tradition into a cold month. It’s a great excuse for a comforting meal, a cosy pub visit, and something to look forward to after Christmas.

How can I celebrate Burns Night without doing a full Burns Supper?

You can keep it simple: order a Scottish-inspired meal, read a short Robert Burns poem, and do a quick toast. Even a relaxed pub meal can still feel like a proper celebration.

Is Burns Night good for a cosy date night?

Yes — Burns Night is ideal for a cosy date night. It’s seasonal, a little bit special, and it naturally suits a relaxed meal out with hearty food and a winter drink.

What time should you celebrate Burns Night?

Most people celebrate Burns Night in the evening, but there’s no strict rule. A lunchtime meal, early dinner, or a casual evening pint can all count.

Burns Night at Wetherspoon: Quick Summary

Burns Night is celebrated on 25th January in honour of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. Many people mark the occasion with a hearty meal like haggis, neeps and tatties, often paired with a toast (whisky optional!). 

Wetherspoon is a popular choice for Burns Night celebrations thanks to its affordable prices, relaxed atmosphere, and convenient locations across the UK. Menu options can vary by pub, so it’s worth checking your local Wetherspoon nearer the date. Whether you go all-in on tradition or keep it casual, Burns Night is a cosy way to brighten up January.

In fact you can book a room at one of the Wetherlodge hotels attached to some of the pubs in the chain. But in order to keep room rates low you should book them via Wetherspoon.

https://hotels.jdwetherspoon.com

Celebrating Burns Night with Food and Drink

Burns Night, celebrated on 25 January, is a wonderful excuse to gather friends and family around the table and enjoy some of Scotland’s most comforting food and drink. 

Whether you go all-out traditional or put a modern twist on the menu, the heart of the evening is about warmth, hospitality, and raising a glass in good company.

Named in honour of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, Burns Night is as much about storytelling and shared ritual as it is about what’s on the plate.

The Traditional Burns Night Supper

At the centre of any Burns Night celebration is the classic trio:

Haggis – rich, savoury, and deeply traditional

Neeps (mashed swede) – slightly sweet and earthy

Tatties (mashed potatoes) – buttery and comforting

Traditionally, the haggis is brought to the table with a sense of ceremony, often accompanied by the Address to a Haggis. 

Even in a relaxed home setting, taking a moment to acknowledge the tradition adds to the occasion.

Gravy or a light whisky sauce is often served alongside, adding extra richness without overpowering the dish.

Modern Twists and Inclusive Options

While purists may insist on tradition, Burns Night is increasingly celebrated in flexible, inclusive ways. Popular alternatives include:

Vegetarian or vegan haggis, now widely available and surprisingly authentic

Haggis bonbons with a whisky cream dip

Haggis-stuffed chicken or mushrooms for a contemporary main

Mini haggis, neeps and tatties bites as canapés for informal gatherings

These options make it easy to include everyone while still honouring the spirit of the evening.

The Role of Whisky on Burns Night

No Burns Night is complete without Scotch whisky. It’s traditionally used for:

The Selkirk Grace toast

Accompanying the Address to a Haggis

A relaxed post-dinner dram

You don’t need to be a whisky expert. A smooth Speyside whisky works well for newcomers, while peat lovers may prefer something smokier from Islay. Offering a small tasting selection can be a lovely way to encourage conversation and exploration.

For those who don’t drink alcohol, a good alcohol-free malt alternative or spiced apple juice still allows everyone to take part in the toasts.

Desserts with a Scottish Accent

To finish the meal, traditional and modern desserts both shine:

Cranachan with oats, cream, raspberries, and honey

Tipsy laird, a Scottish trifle variation

Shortbread served with cheese or fresh berries

Chocolate whisky cake for something indulgent

These lighter finishes balance the richness of the main course beautifully.

Setting the Scene

A few simple touches can transform the evening:

Tartan table runners or napkins

Candles for a cosy winter atmosphere

A short reading of Burns’ poetry, even just a verse or two

Background Scottish folk music

Burns Night doesn’t need to be formal to be meaningful — warmth and sincerity matter far more than strict etiquette.

A Celebration of Food, Culture, and Togetherness

At its core, Burns Night is about shared experience. Good food, a decent drink, a bit of poetry, and people around the table — it’s a reminder that the best celebrations are often the simplest ones.

Whether you’re hosting a full Burns Supper or just enjoying haggis and a dram at home, celebrating Burns Night through food and drink is a delicious way to keep a treasured tradition alive.

Burn's Night Smash Haggis Burger Recipe

Photograph by Nick Hook

Kamado Joe have asked us to share this special recipe for a Burn's Night smash haggis burger.

Celebrate Burns Night with a burger that's as bold as the Bard himself! 

Haggis-spiked beef patties are steamed with a dram of whisky for the ideal tribute for Burns night.

Recipe commissioned by Kamado Joe, shot by Nick Hook

Serves 4

Ingredients

500g beef mince (125g per burger)

100g haggis

2 rashers of smoked streaky bacon per patty

Emmental Cheese

Splash of whisky

Brown Sauce

Watercress

Brioche Burger Buns

Method

Combine the beef mince and haggis in a bowl.

Shape the mince into meat balls. 

Fire up your BBQ (or use a hot frying pan) to around 200C. Use a flat surface or heat up a cast iron frying pan.

Place the meat balls on the griddle and then smash them into a burger shape. You can do this with your hand, using a steak press or a spatula.

At the same time, grill the bacon rashers until crispy.

After the patty has cooked around 3 minutes, flip them over.

After 2 minutes, place a slice of cheese onto each patty then pour a splash of whisky next to it, before covering with a burger dome. This will accelerate the melted cheese and infuse the patty with a whisky steamed flavour.

To build the burgers, lightly grill each side of the brioche buns, before adding brown sauce and a handful of watercress. Place a patty on top, followed by the crispy bacon. Finally, place the remaining bun on top of the burger and enjoy.

Venison and Haggis Smash Burger in a Whisky Butter, Stout Steamed Brioche

Kamado Joe and BBQ expert Ben Forte reveals the Burns Night special:

Venison and haggis smash burger in a whisky butter, stout steamed brioche

Makes 1 burger

115g venison mince

70g haggis

40g minced pork fat

2 rashers smoked streaky bacon

One or two slices of Emmental

Softened 75g of butter

1 tbsp whisky

Brioche burger buns

Brown sauce

Splash of stout

Steele cloche (a metal saucepan will do)

Best cooked on a scorching hot flat griddle surface.

Mix all the meat together in a bowl, before loosely forming into two 4oz balls and set aside. Mix whisky and butter together. Add more to taste if you love a wee dram!

Butter your brioche generously and griddle for 10/15 seconds, being careful not to burn. Remove and set aside. Dollop brown sauce on the top half of the bun.

Griddle your bacon until crispy but not brittle. Set aside.

Now, it's time to smash those burgers - a broad, flat spatula is best. Place your haggis balls on the cooking surface, leaving ample space between the two. Then press down on each, flattening out. Make sure you oil your implement of choice so it doesn't stick. A good tip is to cut two, 10cm square pieces of greaseproof paper, placing them on top of the meat balls before smashing. Now don't touch them, you want a lovely crust to form. These won't take long to cook - maybe a minute. 

If you see pools of moisture forming on top of each patty, it's time to flip. Once flipped, place your bacon on each, top with Emmental cheese and give it a moment to melt together. Still on the griddle, pop one of the patties on top of the other. Grab the stout and cloche or pan, splash a good glug at the base of the burger, cover with cloche and steam your burger for 20 seconds.

Remove smash burger tower and place on bottom half of brioche.

Eat immediately, knocking back a dram of your favourite scotch whisky during the eating.

https://www.kamadojoe.com

Statistics Show Scots Are A Nation Of Domino’s Pizza Lovers – Average Of One Domino’s Pizza Per Head Of Population Sold in 2010

As Domino's Pizza celebrates 15 years in Scotland this month, new statistics prove we are indeed a nation of pizza lovers; with Domino’s Pizza selling one pizza per head of population in 2010.

With 47 stores across the country and over 1,100 staff, Domino’s Pizza has made great strides in Scotland as the population has munched its way through new pizzas such as the Domino’s Gourmet range and recently introduced Stuffed Crust, limited edition favourites including the Reggae Reggae made with Levi Roots’ famous sauce and the Haggis pizza (specially introduced for Burns Night), as well as firm favourites including Pepperoni Passion and Texas BBQ.

Pizzas from Domino’s stores across the country have been delivered to golf courses, gyms, patients in hospitals and paramedics and firefighters…even on stage to Strictly Come Dancing winner Harry Judd and fellow bandmates during a McFly concert in Edinburgh.

Chris Forrester, Domino’s franchisee who opened the first store in Great Western Road in December 1996, explains the success of the UK’s number one pizza delivery service in Scotland: “Since we launched to our customers in the West End of Glasgow late December 1996, Domino’s Pizza has become a firm favourite for students, couples, groups of friends and families. We’ve seen a massive increase in the home delivery market in 15 years, and as customers become more discerning, they’ve increasingly come to Domino’s Pizza to deliver a piping hot, freshly made treat.”

Join a nation of pizza lovers by ordering online at www.dominos.co.uk or using Domino’s iPad, iPhone and Android ordering apps.