It's time tuck into some haggis and knock back a few drams of whisky in Leeds for Burns Night.
Come on then, let's party like the Scottish do for Burn's Night because what's not to love when it comes to hearty suppers, haggis, whiskey and poetry?
Held on 25 January every year, Burns Night celebrates the life and works of the Scottish national poet and writer of Auld Lang Syne who was born on this date back in 1759.
The tradition sees many Scots raise a glass to the late poet, whilst tucking into some traditional neeps and tatties and other really Scottish stuff.
So here's a roundup of some five fantastic Burns Night celebrations taking place in Leeds this year for all you foodies out there to get involved.
Whitelock's Ale House
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Turks Head Yard
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Where better to celebrate a historical event than the oldest pub in Leeds? They'll be hosting a Burns Night themed supper club which combines Scottish seafood, innovative takes on Scottish classics and of course, the mighty haggis.
Five courses of fantastic food in a lovely setting, you can't go wrong. Book here.
Empire Cafe Leeds
Thursday 25 January 2024 | Fish Street
Image: The Hoot Leeds
If you're a fan of whiskey then you definitely don't want to miss out on this one. A beautiful 3 course menu paired with 3 cocktails showcasing whiskeys from the Ardbeg Distillery, you'll be transported to whiskey paradise in no time.
Friday 26 and Saturday 27 January 2024 | Harewood Yard, Harewood
Image: Harewood Food and Drink Project
Venture out of the city centre to Harewood and prepare to embark on a journey through a tasting menu exploring the flavours that Scotland has become famous for.
Expect incredible produce, poetry, haggis, a wee dram and bucket loads of tradition. Find out more here.
The Cheesy Living Co.
Thursday 25 January 2024 | 478 Roundhay Rd, Oakwood
If you haven't visited The Cheesy Living Co.'s new site in Oakwood then first of all, why not? And second of all, this is your perfect opportunity.
Get ready for sharing boards, whiskey flights and so much more to get you in the spirit. For just £35 per person, you certainly can't go wrong. Book your table here.
The Ox Club's annual Burn's Night celebrations return and it's set to be one of the best in the city. Four courses featuring some of Scotland's finest flavours, all for just £50 per person? Count us in. Book your table here.
Featured image - Unsplash
News
Cult burger brand Burgerism opens takeaway outside of Manchester in a Leeds suburb
The North West’s most ordered burger has landed in Leeds, and it’s easy to see why it’s loved by so many.
If you don't know about Burgerism, then get to know.
The iconic burger brand, which started life as a dark kitchen off an industrial estate in Salford, is now almost ready to welcome fans into its first Leeds location.
Set to open tomorrow – Wednesday 23 September – Burgerism will be serving up their signature smash burgers from a new site over in Meanwood.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
The site sits right next to The Meadwood Tavern on Meanwood Road, the perfect location for if you're out and about and looking for a bit of grub after a few pints.
The interior is sporting the bright Burgerism orange, and although it is mainly a takeaway restaurant there are a few seats for sit-in.
You’ll be able to order your food at the counter, via self-service kiosks, or through click-and-collect on the Burgerism website.
Images: The Hoot leeds
Highlights on the menu will, as always, include the fan-favourite Cheesed (two smashed patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, pickle, onion and the brand’s signature sauce, served in a seeded brioche bun), as well as a range of chicken burgers, fries, and wings.
Everything is made fresh to order, and even their sauces and dips are made entirely in-house.
Images: The Hoot Leeds
And the good stuff doesn't stop there, as to celebrate the grand opening they'll be giving away the first 100 customers from 5pm a 'Comeback Card' where you'll eat on them during your next visit. So get there early if you don't want to miss out
The Meanwood site will be the sixth Burgerism site following its five openings elsewhere in Greater Manchester.
Everything you need to know about the Government’s new digital ID alternative for alcohol sales
Emily Sergeant
Licensed venues across England and Wales now have the choice to be able introduce digital proof of age for alcohol sales alongside physical.
Instead of having to hand over physical ID that contains personal information, such as names and home addresses, customers now have the choice to simply provide confirmation that they are 18 or over on their phone - helping to better protect privacy and personal safety in the process.
This means that, no matter whether you're buying a drink at your favourite pub, heading to a festival, or enjoying a night out at a concert, you won’t need to worry if you've left your ID at home.
According to the Government, this new change will benefit businesses greatly too, as certified digital services are able to check that an ID is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it much easier than the alternative can, which therefore helps to reduce the risk of any fake or borrowed IDs going undetected.
Well, according to the Government, it could be as simple as a customer showing a QR code for staff to scan, or tapping their phone against a compatible reader, where staff will then receive a clear confirmation on their device that the customer has passed the age check.
This change follows a 2024 Government consultation where it was reported that 72% of respondents supported the use of digital identities for age verification when buying alcohol.
Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock reiterated that 'it will remain an individual or business’ choice whether to use or adopt [digital ID]' and that physical ID will 'still remain a valid way' for customers to prove their age.
"This groundbreaking change in the law will mean you do not need to carry a physical ID, nor hand over sensitive personal information such as your name or address just to prove your age, allowing everyone to feel safer on a night out," she concluded.
Clementine Hall -
24th January 2024 
