Boisdale of Bishopsgate and Arran Whisky: Burns Supper in London

yemiking
Jan 24, 2019
3 min read

Boisdale of Bishopsgate is a little hidden beautiful gem situated down a little alley across from Liverpool Street Station in London. My walk to this venue felt like I was catapulted back in time walking past the police station, a dark lit pub and then the little opening with a throughway to the doors of Boisdale, a modern British Restarant and Piano Bar.

I entered and was greeted by the sounds of Jazz and a man with a Bagpipe?

Lol, yes. Tonight was the Burns Night Supper event at the Boisdale. The restaurant does feature a lot of Scottish influenced ingredients. Tonight was especially special as it was a lovely trip down memory lane for me, as it's been a short while since I left Scotland for good.

For those who are not from Scotland and have no idea what I am piping on about ( haha, get it ;) ) Burns Supper is a meal enjoyed on Burn's night which is the celebration of the birth of Robert Burns. Born on January 25th he is regarded as "THE OG" national poet of Scotland. Traditionally haggis is served along with neeps and tatties for the supper. Haggis is traditionally made from the heart, stomach or liver of a sheep or calf, beef fat, oats and spice. Stop don't run! It tastes delicious, like really really good. Even my kids (non-Scottish) enjoy it, knowing what it is.

What's on the menu?

"Set menus, featuring the finest Scottish ingredients including, amongst others, Cullen skink fishcakes, game broth with root vegetables, roast Dumfriesshire Blackface haggis and the very best Buccleuch Estate dry aged beef will be available. In keeping with tradition, a small noggin of Arran single malt whisky will be served with the haggis. The menu options for parties include an a la carte selection or special Burns Gourmet menus." - Boisdale Restaurant Website

We had the Cullen Skink Fishcake with roast garlic aioli and winter leaves. A gorgeous plate with succulent pieces of haddock and super light airy texture of potato and a wonderful crunch coating.

It was an extremely flavourful joy at the very first mouthful. This was accompanied with Château Guiraud Le G de Guiraud Bordeaux Blanc Sec 2015

In the background we had the musical tunes of jazz playing and the guests seemed to be enjoying the ambiance. Lot's of mmmm's, ahhhh's and laughters.

THEN...

In he walks...

"The Address to the Haggis"

The poem written by Burns to celebrate his appreciation of the Haggis.

The Haggis?

Mini Roast Dumfriesshire Blackface Haggis, served with mashed potato and neeps. (Turnips)

It was a pretty damn good haggis. I am normally not one to finish what's on my plate but if my other half was there he would have been shocked as I was wanting seconds. I just love it! #wantingmoreasitype

The night also featured Arran Whisky. Lot's of it. I was driving so I could only just take sniffs and inhale the wonderful aromas from each dram that was being passed amongst the table. Plenty of them I may add, true to the Scottish style.

The haggis was accompanied by Arran The Robert Burns Single Malt Whisky

Plus Château Antonins Bordeaux Superieur 2015

Pudding

Scottish Tart

With Arran Amarone Cask Finish And Arran 10yr Single Malt Whisky.

The atmosphere was truly amazing. The buzz within the restaurant felt rich and warming within the red stone and leather clad interior. I forgot I was in London for a while until I remembered cinderella had to catch her train back home to Surrey. #sadface

The Burns Supper set menu is available until Saturday 26th (25th for Bishopsgate) at Biosdale restaurants around London. See List below.

Most definitely a must-do for those who have not experienced haggis and the traditional Burn's Evening.