One of the most important dates on the Scottish calendar is to be celebrated in style in the heart of Northumberland.
Burns Night is held on 25 January, to mark the life and times of poet Robbie Burns.
And the spirit of the event is alive and well in the North East, with two sister venues both paying their own tribute to the man known as the Scottish Bard.
The award-winning Blackbird at Ponteland is hosting its Burns Night celebration on Thursday 25 January, with some unique twists on the traditional favourites.
Diners will start off with Cock-a-Leekie Soup – a mix of leeks, chicken stock and barley – followed by slow cooked confit brisket, roast carrot with bacon crumb, clapshot – turnip and potatoes – skirlie, a traditional stuffing – and crispy shallots.
The all-important haggis, neeps and tatties will also be served, followed by a new take on Cranachan featuring iced honey parfait, white chocolate, toasted oat tuille, raspberries and whisky gel.
The dinner costs £40 per person and vegetarian options are also available. Bookings can be made by calling the restaurant on 01661 822684 or visiting the website at www.theblackbirdponteland.co.uk
Burns Night is also being celebrated at The Northumberland Arms, Felton – the sister site to The Blackbird.
The three course menu will also feature Cock-a-Leekie Soup, followed by Haggis Wellington served with neeps and tatties and whisky and peppercorn sauce, with traditional Cranachan – a mix of raspberries, whisky cream and toasted oats – for dessert.
The event costs £35 per head and, again, vegetarian options can be ordered in advance.
