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

Sweetheart Jars of Bonne Maman

Add a little extra romance to your Spring time table with one or two delightful jars of love from Bonne Maman.

Choose from six gorgeous flavours of Sweetheart Jars for special little gifts or to create delicious breakfasts, tea times and desserts that show you care on Valentine's, Pancake and Mother's Days.  

The special Sweetheart Jars of Bonne Maman Strawberry, Apricot and Raspberry Conserve, Bitter Orange Marmalade (370gm jars, rrp £3.30) plus Award-winning Hazelnut Chocolate Spread (360gm jar, rrp £4.10) and Sweet & Crunchy Peanut Spread (230g jar, rrp £2.90) are available nationally while stocks last.

Cauldron Foods Makes Good Start to Year

Cauldron Foods is kicking off the year with the launch of Cauldron Express – a four-strong tofu range delivering big flavour with zero fuss.

Available now in Tesco, the high-protein, plant-powered Cauldron Express range claims the title as the fastest tofu on the market. 

Cooking in just five minutes, the range has been created to get more shoppers diving into the delicious world of tofu by tackling two of the biggest drivers for trial - taste and speed.

Lucy Grogut, Marketing Director at Cauldron Foods, told That's Food and Drink: “Despite being the fastest growing sector, worth £57.5m, our consumer research identified that tofu is still commonly seen to be tricky to cook and prepare, often resulting in a bland flavourless finish and kitchen frustrations. 

The new Cauldron Express range brings delicious punchy flavours, with a 5-minute cook time and convenient pressed and dressed formats that address these barriers, giving consumers the tofu ‘’ta-da’’ moment they need.

“We know we will stand out with this range, as it brings something truly unique to the market, that can’t be found anywhere else in the tofu fixture. We’ve used our signature plant alchemy to create bold, delicious products that remove the perceived ‘faff’ of tofu prep. Giving consumers, and retailers, something genuinely new, exciting and distinctive in a competitive category.”

The Range:-

Cauldron Express Marinated Tofu pieces

Punchy, aromatic, five-minute masterpieces. Dialling up Cauldron’s unique blend of herbs and spices, these super convenient marinated pieces pack bold, Asian-inspired flavour and deliver a delicious dinnertime win in minutes. Perfect tossed through a stir fry, tucked into a wrap or sprinkled over salad.  

Cauldron Express Teriyaki Marinated Tofu (RRP £2.75, 160g) - also available in Waitrose this month.

Cauldron Express Ginger & Garlic Marinated Tofu (RRP £2.75, 160g) – a fresh new look for Cauldron’s existing Marinated Tofu Pieces, now renamed to spotlight the flavour.

Cauldron Express Grillable Tofu

Tofu built for the heat. Super-firm, pre-marinated and ready to grill, griddle or BBQ. These high-protein blocks don’t crumble under pressure, they rise to the occasion, bringing flavour-packed, plant powered oomph to any plate.

Cauldron Express Oregano & Thyme Grillable Tofu (RRP £2.30, 180g, Serves 2)

Cauldron Express Smoky BBQ Grillable Tofu (RRP £2.30, 180g, Serves 2)

The Cauldron Express range will roll out further from May 2026.

Lucy concludes: “We’ve seen positive movement across all key brand equity measures recently, with Cauldron growing in brand awareness and recommendation in Q3 2025, and improvements in brand perceptions of taste, value, quality and health over the past year. Innovation is central to Cauldron’s DNA and placing ourselves in even more kitchen occasions by focusing on distinct and delicious flavour profiles alongside versatility and ease is key to sustaining that momentum.

“Our range is packed with tasty plant possibilities. This latest launch continues our mission to deliver unique and perfectly balanced flavours with real nutritional benefits, wrapped up in convenient products that fit perfectly into busy, modern lifestyles. 

But convenience does not come at the expense of flavour. Every single one is packed with the perfect combination of plants, flavours, herbs and spices that we know consumers love. They’re full of moreish mouthwatering flavour, not a bland bite in sight.”

Quorn Back on TV as It Expands Its 'No Artificial Ingredients and High in Protein' Frozen Range

Quorn is strengthening its 'No Artificial Ingredients and High in Protein' range with the removal of all artificial ingredients from its Quorn Fillets.

Now available in all major retailers, the Quorn Fillets (RRP £2.65, 312g) are now made with just three ingredients. 

They join Quorn Mince, Quorn Pieces, Quorn Swedish Style Balls and Quorn Strips to make up a five-strong range of planet-friendly, simple ingredient products that deliver easy, tasty and nutritious swaps for the meals consumers love.

Lucy Grogut, Marketing Director at Quorn Foods UK, told That's Food and Drink: “53% of UK consumers say that healthy nutrition has become more important to them in the last five years, and our range makes it easier than ever for shoppers to make better choices without losing out on taste or convenience.

“We've had an incredible response to the range since we launched our No Artificial Ingredients and High in Protein range in August. Quorn's brand recommendation jumped 3 points, a major win in just one quarter and brand perceptions have improved across the board, with shoppers now rating Quorn higher on taste, health, quality, and value.

“We're also outperforming competitors in frozen with the range helping to drive consistent month-on-month share growth.”

The 'No Artificial Ingredients and High in Protein' range benefits from bold new packaging, designed to maximise freezer standout and appeal to ingredient-savvy shoppers. The new look, with clearer nutritional call outs on the front and back, has been very well received, driving purchase intent by +17% in System1 testing.

Quorn's much-loved puppets are also back on TV screens in the brand's 'Nothing to Hide' advert, which received an 'Exceptional' star rating from System1. With January being a key month for driving penetration into the meat-free category this return to TV gives Quorn a strong start to the year, building on the successes of 2025.

Perry Pig, Clarence Cow and Chickson Chicken are the stars of the playful ad that highlights Quorn's 'No Artificial Ingredients and High In Protein' frozen range. The ad opens with Perry's smooth narration over a delicious Massaman curry made with Quorn Pieces before the puppets realise their lower halves are pixelated. Clarence's panicked “Wait! No artificial ingredients, is that why we're naked!?” then sets up a cut to a smoky Quorn Mince BBQ burrito.

Finishing with a showcase of Quorn's hero dishes, the ad ends on a humorous behind-the-scenes shot where Clarence asks: “Have we always been naked?” to which Chickson replies, deadpan: “I don't know.”

The 10-week campaign follows on from the success of October and November's campaign, going back on TV, VOD, and supported by social influencers, and PR reaching millions of consumers across the UK. The activity also includes a strong shopper marketing campaign across the UK.

Bristol Blends: Valentine's for the Coffee Lovers

Valentine's dinners are rarely about the food alone - they're about what happens after. When the plates are cleared away and the conversation slows, Psychopomp Single Origin Coffee Digestif offers a quietly indulgent way to linger a little longer.  

Blended in Bristol using unsweetened, single origin speciality coffee and English wheat spirit, this vegan treat is a far cry from the sugary coffee liqueurs many people have come to expect. 

Instead, it delivers deep espresso and dark chocolate notes with a clean, dry finish that feels perfectly at home after a rich meal.

Unlike traditional coffee liqueurs, which rely on sweetness to carry flavour, Psychopomp's Coffee Digestif focuses on clarity and character.

Each batch is made using seasonal beans chosen for their distinct profile, meaning no two releases are ever quite the same - local roasters such as Triple Roast, Clifton Coffee and next up Oddkins - work collaboratively with Psychopomp to create unique blends for each batch. 

The result is a spirit that reflects its origin, much like a thoughtful wine pairing, and offers something genuinely different for coffee lovers.

Best served over ice after dinner, the Digestif also works beautifully poured over ice cream for a simple affogato, or used to sharpen classic cocktails like an Espresso Martini. 

Its versatility has made it a favourite with bars and restaurants including The Pig near Bath, The Pig in the Cotswolds, and Bravas in Bristol.

B Corp certified, carbon-neutral Psychopomp Microdistillery was founded in Bristol by former cardiologist Liam Hirt and is a carbon-neutral producer focused on flavour-first spirits. 

Alongside the Single Origin Coffee Digestif, the distillery produces small-batch gin, aquavit and absinthe, with the same commitment to experimentation and provenance.

Its sister site, Circumstance Distillery, is one of Britain's first new urban whisky distilleries in decades.

Whether opened at the end of a Valentine's meal or given as a gift to someone who cares about coffee, Psychopomp Single Origin Coffee Digestif is about slowing down and enjoying what comes after.

Recently, Psychopomp reopened its bar on beautiful St. Michael's Hill in Bristol, after a six year lockdown related hiatus, and the intimate space is the perfect space to pick up a bottle on the way home if you happen to be local.

Whether brought to the table as the final course or wrapped as a Valentine's gift for a coffee lover, Psychopomp Single Origin Coffee Digestif has been created to be the kind of drink that turns the end of dinner into the best part of the evening.

Psychopomp Single Origin Coffee Digestif | 70cl | 20% ABV | Suitable for Vegans

Links to buy

Master of Malt RRP £20.97 https://tinyurl.com/4dx7fcuf

Available from Microdistillery.co.uk RRP £22

Psychopomp Bar, Bristol RRP £22

Also available at the following restaurants:

The Pig In The Cotswolds

The Pig near Bath 

Bravas, Bristol

YOGOODY Makes UK Debut in Holland & Barrett Stores

YOGOODY, a European food brand producing stable fermented yoghurt-style drinks, has entered the UK market with a nationwide listing in more than 450 Holland & Barrett stores across the UK and Ireland, marking a major step in the brand’s international expansion.

The range introduces a yoghurt-style drink designed to deliver the benefits of fermented dairy in a more flexible, convenient format. 

Supplied as a powder format to be mixed with water, the product does not require refrigeration and offers a shelf life of up to one year, providing operational advantages for retailers alongside everyday convenience for consumers.

The launch comes as gut health continues to move into mainstream, reflecting broader consumer interest in digestive health, functional nutrition and on-the-go formats, as well as increasing interest from retailers in products that are easier to store and distribute. YOGOODY’s format is designed to respond to these trends both on - and off-trade.

“At Holland & Barrett, we are constantly looking for brands and innovations that deliver added value and relevant innovation, offering solutions aligned with consumer expectations. YOGOODY presents a distinctive concept that combines convenience, taste and nutritional quality, and fits well with our mission to provide practical and healthy alternatives," said Leila Whitman, Category Manager - Superfoods

For retailers and distributors, the format offers practical benefits, including lower transportation and energy requirements, reduced reliance on chilled storage, and less product waste, which supports both sustainability goals and operational efficiency.

YOGOODY products are produced using an advanced freeze-drying process and made with real fruit, containing seven types of probiotics alongside prebiotic fibre. The range is also rich in protein, high in fibre and low in fat. 

Nuno Abreu, Managing Director from YOGOODY told That's Food and Drink: “Our partnership with Holland & Barrett is an important milestone for the business. It brings our shelf-stable yoghurt-style format into one of Europe’s most established health and wellness retail environments and reflects the growing focus on gut health and functional nutrition. 

In the UK, YOGOODY will be available both in-store and online through Holland & Barrett in the following formats:

Multi-serve packs

7-pack format in strawberry, vanilla, mango and wild berries

Larger format

450g pack featuring all four flavours

Accessories

Branded shaker with an introductory strawberry portion

The product is now available in-store and online at Holland & Barrett.

YOGOODY is a food brand focused on reimagining yoghurt through innovation, sustainability and consumer-centric design. Using a freeze - drying process to create shelf-stable fermented products, the brand delivers convenient nutrition while reducing waste and simplifying distribution for retailers.

https://yogoody.com/en-gb

BRULO raises over £1m as Zoopla, Beavertown and Funkin founders back premium alcohol free beer challenger

BRULO, the premium alcohol free beer brand which is redefining modern drinking culture, has raised over £1 million in its first funding round, as the alcohol free beer category accelerates across both on-trade and grocery.

It's been attracting backing from some of the UK's most successful consumer and drinks entrepreneurs.

Investors joining the round include Alex Chesterman, founder of Zoopla, Cazoo and LoveFilm; Logan Plant, founder of Beavertown; Alex Carlton, founder of Funkin Cocktails; Richard Kaffel, founder of Red Letter Days; Andrew King, former Funkin and AG Barr executive; Freddy Ward, founder of WILD; and Max Lousada, former CEO of Warner Music UK.

Founded by James Brown, previously the founder of Beer52, BRULO has emerged as one of the UK's fastest-growing alcohol free beer businesses, combining premium branding, data-led product development, and a profitable, asset-light operating model. The Guardian has described BRULO as “The Rolls-Royce of Alcohol Free Beers”.

The company reported £3.6m in net sales with 21% EBITDA in its most recent financial year and has grown revenues at a 70% compound annual growth rate over the past three years. BRULO has been profitable since launch and continues to outperform category benchmarks, with a Net Promoter Score of 79 and a repeat purchase rate of 73% across its direct-to-consumer channel.

As part of the round, BRULO has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Alex Carlton, founder of Funkin Cocktails, and drinks industry veteran Andrew King as co-chairs and non-executive directors. Together, they bring deep brand building and commercial experience across premium beverages and will support strategy, distribution, and commercial partnerships across UK on-trade, off-trade channels and international territories. 

Product innovation remains central to BRULO's growth strategy. Following the successful sell out launch of its CBD IPA, the company is building a world first alcohol free innovation pipeline for 2026 focused on the “Blurred Lines” opportunity, serving the growing majority who flex between drinking and not drinking and are making alcohol free beer an everyday choice in a £15bn+ global category.

International momentum is accelerating and now accounts for around half of sales. BRULO is listed in Dean & DeLuca stores across Japan and is the number one alcohol free beer on Amazon Japan. The company has also established a new fulfilment hub in the Netherlands to support EU direct-to-consumer expansion, with European shipping set to launch in the coming weeks. BRULO's next phase of growth will also focus on unlocking on-trade and grocery listings in key markets where the brand already has strong traction.

James Brown, Founder of BRULO, told That's Food and Drink: “This round brings together founders and operators who have built some of the most recognisable consumer brands in the UK. Their support is a huge vote of confidence in what we're building. Alcohol free beer is entering a defining phase ,and we believe BRULO is uniquely positioned to build a standout global brand in the category.”

Alex Carlton, Co-Chair of BRULO, added: "In this industry, you rarely see a founder nail the 'holy trinity' right out of the gate, but James has done exactly that with BRULO: an exceptional liquid that genuinely over-delivers on taste, a beautiful, modern brand, and a highly efficient business model. Having spent my career building Funkin and STRYKK, I knew immediately that I had to be part of this journey.

The category opportunity is enormous as we move toward a 'blurred lines' drinking culture, and I'm incredibly proud to have brought together such a world-class group of investors to back this vision. I'm grateful to every one of them for joining us, we've assembled a truly all-star cap table. Now it's all about execution, and I couldn't be more excited to work with James, to scale BRULO into a global leader.”

To allow additional investors to participate alongside these backers, BRULO has reopened its Crowdcube round from 9:00am on 19th January 2026 for a strictly limited one-week period, giving the wider community the opportunity to join before it closes.

https://www.crowdcube.com/companies/brulo/pitches/bV6pVb

BRULO is a UK based alcohol free beer brand brewing bold, modern beers designed to stand shoulder to shoulder with full strength classics. Its flagship beer and best selling beer is Lust For Life IPA. The company sells through direct-to-consumer, hospitality, retail, and international export channels.

For more information, visit www.brulobeer.com

Swizzels ramps up production as demand for vegan sweets soars for Veganuary

Love Hearts, Drumstick, Parma Violets, and Refreshers are among the vegan sweets rolling off the production line at Swizzels as the UK’s largest family-owned sweet manufacturer gears up for rising vegan demand in the confectionery aisle.

With its extensive range of vegan favourites, Swizzels is answering the growing call for plant-based sweets – a trend that has seen a significant rise, with vegan claims in the sugar confectionery category up 33% in 2024, compared to 17% in 2019.

Vegan treats, once seen as a niche trend, are now a fixture in the confectionery aisle. Veganuary’s popularity has surged each year, with over 25 million participants worldwide in January 2024 alone.

Swizzels has been leading the way with its vegan-friendly range that paved the path long before the current surge in demand. Today, nearly all of its popular products are entirely vegan, appealing to plant-based and traditional sweet lovers alike.

Swizzels’ Variety Bags are a vegan favourite, especially during January, with packs like Scrumptious Sweets, Curious Chews, and Luscious Lollies. With a RRP of £1.25, these individually wrapped sweets make vegan snacking easy and accessible for friends and family alike, available nationwide in supermarkets and convenience stores.

Ailish Pope, Brand Manager at Swizzels, told That's Food and Drink: “For many, Veganuary is a fun opportunity to explore plant-based options they might not otherwise try, and we’re proud to offer a wide range of vegan sweets for everyone, whatever their flavour preferences or budget.

“Our sixth annual ‘All These, All Vegan, All Year’ campaign celebrates delicious vegan treats that people can enjoy any time, not just during Veganuary.

“For those curious about going vegan, our range offers an easy, tasty introduction without sacrificing the flavours they love. And should anyone choose to continue, our vegan sweets are available all year round at affordable prices.”

For those looking to get a head start on Veganuary 2025, Swizzels’ vegan range – starting at just 20p – is already available in major retailers and convenience stores across the UK.

Swizzels is the UK’s largest family-owned independent sugar confectionery business and one of the few confectionery companies to still manufacture sweets in the UK.

The company makes a range of well-known products including Love Hearts, Refreshers, Drumstick Lollies, Rainbow Drops, Double Lollies, Squashies, and Fruity Pops.

https://swizzels.com

Celebrate Veganuary with Lola's Cupcakes

Whatever your reason for opting for plant-based products this Veganuary, Lola’s vegan range makes the choice a whole lot easier, ensuring you can continue to enjoy all your favourite cakes and cupcakes without having to compromise on flavour. 

Don’t believe us? Read on to discover Lola’s simply irresistible selection of Veganuary treats!

Mouthwateringly Moreish: Vegan Caramel Biscuit Cake 

Small (8): £27.50, Medium (14): £45, Large (24): £75, Extra Large (40): £100

We meant it when we said you don’t have to compromise on flavour. 

This deliciously moist vegan caramel sponge is filled with Biscoff biscuit spread, iced with a caramelised Biscoff buttercream and topped off with Biscoff biscuit crumbs and a caramel drizzle and is the indulgent treat that everyone deserves this January. 

Fruity and Fresh: Raspberry and Passionfruit

Small (8): £27.50, Medium (14): £45, Large (24): £75, Extra Large (40): £100

Fancy a fresh twist on Lola’s fan favourite? The Vegan Raspberry and Passionfruit cake is perfect for those who prefer something more fruity. Featuring light vegan lemon and raspberry sponges, the cake is filled with raspberry and passionfruit compote and decorated with vegan passionfruit cream cheese icing fresh and freeze-dried raspberries.

Vegan Classics: Red Velvet 

Small (8): £27.50, Medium (14): £45, Large (24): £75, Extra Large (40): £100

Lola’s dreamy Red Velvet cake is so iconic that it’s only fair that those following a vegan and egg free diet can enjoy it too! Finished with delicious vegan cream cheese and red velvet crumbs, this is the crowd pleaser for any occasion in the diary this Veganuary. 

Chocolate Heaven: Vegan Brownie Cake

Small (8): £27.50, Medium (14): £45, Large (24): £75, Extra Large (40): £100

The Vegan Brownie Cake brings the best of chocolate brownies and rich chocolatey cakes together and will satisfy your vegan chocolate craving. Rich vegan chocolate sponges are iced with luscious chocolate buttercream and topped off with vegan chocolate brownie chunks, chocolate ganache and a sprinkling of gold dust.

Vegan Cupcakes

Box of 6: £22.50, Box of 12 minis: £25.80

Fancy having a taste of all of the above flavours? Lola’s delicious range of vegan cupcakes in boxes of 6 or 12 minis features four indulgent flavours: vegan red velvet, vegan caramel biscuit, vegan brownie and vegan raspberry and passionfruit, which are also available for nationwide delivery. 

While Veganuary might be only for one month of the year, Lola’s vegan range is available for nationwide delivery all year round. It can be personalised with any message you choose, making them perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and every occasion.

https://www.lolas.co.uk

January, the Mexican Way at Wahaca

From plant-based tacos and nourishing bone broth to no and low-alcohol cocktails - plus a seasonal margarita for those of us are body swerving Dry January, Mexican-inspired restaurant Wahaca is welcoming 2026 with some suitably delicious new specials.

For anyone embarking on a plant-based start to the year, the Caramelised Veg & Macadamia Tacos (£7.50), are a vibrant new vegan option packed with flavour and goodness. 

Soft corn tortillas are filled with organic Riverford roasted carrots, leeks and cherry tomatoes, then finished with a rich macadamia nut mole - made to a recipe from co-founder Thomasina Miers’ new book Mexican Table.

The veg-packed filling is naturally rich in prebiotics and pairs perfectly with the deeply satisfying mole that’s full-bodied yet balanced. Comforting, wholesome and great for keeping the winter chill at bay.

For those not going meat-free but who are still craving something nutritious and restorative, the Slow-Cooked Pork Pozole (£8.95) offers an ideal alternative. Inspired by the fare served up by the pozole stalls on the streets of Oaxaca, this take on a traditional Mexican soup sees a clear, slow-simmered bone broth studded with white corn kernels, tender shredded pork, lime-marinated cabbage, avocado and crisp radish. 

Light, citrusy and gently spiced with hints of chilli and garlic, it’s deeply warming without feeling heavy - and full of nutritious goodness. Add an optional Three Cheese Quesadilla (+£4.00) on the side to mop up every mouthful of this marvellous new special.

Wahaca’s New Year specials don’t stop with just the food. The Mini Non-Alc Trio (£7.50) provides a playful way to sample three alcohol-free cocktails in mini taster serves: a refreshing Cucumber, Jalapeño & Basil Smash, a tropical Pineapple & Passion Fruit Picante, and a Blackberry Sour that brings a sumptuous sharpness to the table. Beer lovers who are cutting out the booze can opt for the Lucky Saint Michelada (£7.70), a bold, smoky, Mexican-style Bloody Mary topped with a 0.5% lager, served up with lime, a stick of celery and a lip-smacking Tajin rim.

And there’s a high-spirited new cocktail special that’s just the ticket for those skipping Dry January altogether. Raise a glass to the year ahead with the limited-edition Rhubarbarita (£9.95) which puts a superbly seasonal twist on the classic margarita, blending freshly juiced rhubarb with tequila, and  finished with a playful rim of crushed rhubarb-and-custard sweets.

“Our new pozole is inspired by the one we fell in love with outside the 20 de Noviembre market in Oaxaca City”Wahaca co-founder Thomasina Miers told That's Food and and Dribk.

“Comforting, restorative and brimming with flavour, it feels like the natural recipe for our chefs to be cooking in the New Year when the weather is dark and inhospitable - the perfect dish to devour when coming in from the cold.  For those avoiding meat they have their vegetable taco with its rich, brick-red macadamia nut mole, seasoned with mild guajillo chillies and warming spices for a plate that is deeply savoury yet completely plant-based. And to drink, a perfectly pink rhubarb margarita – full of sherbet fizz and rhubarb tang. Yes please!”

Find your nearest branch here https://www.wahaca.co.uk