Join us at the Post Office Bar for Burns Night 2026
January the 25th marks Burns Night, an annual celebration of Scottish tradition honouring the legendary Robert Burns. Here at the Post Office Bar, we never say no to a wee dram, so we'll be raising our glasses high this year in remembrance of Scotland's national poet. Sure, we might not be able to recite all eight verses of Address to a Haggis from memory, but we'll take neeps and tatties any day. Here's how we're planning on celebrating it this year.
Why we celebrate Burns Night
Let's go right back to the basics – what is Burns Night and why do so many people celebrate it?
Robert Burns, born in 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, is commonly renowned as the national poet of Scotland. You might also know him as Robbie or Rabbie Burns. Born to a poor tenant farming family, young Robbie worked as a labourer on his family's farm from an early age – something that profoundly influenced his writing later in life. Despite their limited means, Robbie's father encouraged reading, literacy and a general love for learning.
In his early twenties, Robbie began to write poetry, exploring themes of love, nature, politics, religion and more. Although the family was still struggling financially, Robbie finally got his big break in 1789, when he self-published "Poems, Chiefly in the Scottish Dialect", which was a roaring success, earning him national attention and celebrity status.
A lasting legacy
Quite the satisfying success story! That said, Robbie Burns never considered himself part of elite society, preferring to stay connected to his roots as a working-class "heaven-taught ploughman". Although he only lived to the age of 37, his reputation grew exponentially after his death.
Regarded as a pioneer of the Romantic movement, Robbie stands today as a symbol of Scottish identity. While you might not be overly familiar with many of his poems (unless you have a degree in Scottish literature, in which case, our apologies), you'll definitely know the tune and at least a few of the words to "Auld Lang Syne", which is often sung at Hogmanay.
But why Burns Night?
The first Burns Supper was held on July 21, 1801, at Burns Cottage in Alloway, Scotland, by nine of his friends to commemorate the fifth anniversary of his death. However, the date was later moved to his birthday, the 25th of January. A January celebration proved ideal, focusing on warmth, hearty food and togetherness. And of course, traditional humble Scottish fare was always served, while guests recited Burns's poetry and toasted to his memory.
By the mid-19th century, Burns Night celebrations had become common throughout Scotland and the tradition had spread to the rest of the UK as well as overseas.
Celebrate Burns Night the Belhaven way
This Burns Night, we invite you to enjoy Scotland on a plate and in a glass. For £10, tuck into a Balmoral Burger or the traditional Haggis, Neeps & Tatties, perfectly paired with your choice of a pint of Belhaven Best, Black, or Belter, a nip of our Malt of the Month, or even an Irn Bru.
Whether you’re a haggis devotee, a malt enthusiast, or fancy giving a nod to Rabbie Burns, this offer brings the warmth and charm of Scotland straight to your table. Available 19th–25th January, it’s the perfect way to mark the occasion with friends, family, or anyone who loves a hearty Scottish feast. Slàinte Mhath!
A Timeless Tradition
Burns celebrated life's simple pleasures – food, drink, social gatherings and good cheer. So naturally, Burns Night became a way to celebrate finding the joy in ordinary things. For decades, people have come together every January the 25th and enjoyed a traditional Burns Night Supper, which typically involves haggis, neeps and tatties. All washed down with a nice glass of Scotch Whisky, and you'll find plenty of that behind the bar at your local Greene King pub, that's for sure!
Burns Night is also an excellent opportunity to celebrate all things Scottish. Don't worry, you don't need to be a professional bagpiper, but why not take a moment to appreciate Scottish history and culture while you eat, drink and make merry?
Enjoy a traditional Burns Night with Greene King
Whether you're hungry for haggis, eager for a wee dram or aching for a good blether with your nearest and dearest, Burns Night is the perfect excuse for a January get-together. And where better for one of those than your local Greene King pub? With a menu of delicious winter warmers to chase away those chills, a bar full of tasty celebratory tipples and always an excellent atmosphere, you can spend the evening remembering auld Rabbie Burns the way he would've wanted! And if the moment takes you, why not have a crack at reciting one of his Scots dialect poems in front of your pals? No pressure!
Why book with us?
Why not spoil the ones you love with a Belhaven Gift Card?
Looking for a thoughtful gift? Give the gift of a cold pint on a hot day, a family catch up, the perfect place to watch the winning goal, and even more, with the Belhaven gift card.