Celebrate Burns Night 2025 with the best haggis spots in the North East
Burns Night marks it's 165th year on Saturday January 25, with many celebrations being held across the North East. But if you couldn't get a ticket in time, or would rather address the haggis on your own terms, there are plenty of good places to find the traditional Scottish dish in the north of England.
Haggis, though less abundant than above the border, can still be found in the North East to cook at home. But which ones in particular?
Block & Bottle - Heaton Road
This multi-award winning free-range butcher offers the full traditional experience, sheep stomach included. Each haggis is made in house with a special blend of spices, guaranteeing the authentic address to a haggis you've been looking for.
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Able to buy in store, or you can call ahead to ask for one to be kept aside for you to pick up later.
Oliver & Eden Butchers - Grainger Market
This family butchers has been a mainstay of the famous Grainger Market for over 75 years, so it's no wonder these guys know and respect tradition. Located right in the centre of town, they have the delicacy on offer for just £1.99 each!
With other lesser-known offerings available on their slab, they are well worth a look outside of Burns night.
Charlotte's Butchery
This woman-owned butcher has it's home in Gosforth, is proudly local and can help you with your haggis any day of the week. Very accessible for locals, but worth the journey for those further afield.
Offering free home delivery, if you're short on time, then these are a good call.
The Broad Chare - Quayside
While this isn't a butchers, they do offer haggis, toast and duck egg all year 'round. A charming gastropub just off the quayside, the Broad Chare is a great food option in the heart of Newcastle.
You can book a reservation or simply walk in.
Weatherspoon's
Who knew you could celebrate the Scottish bard from your local Weatherspoons? With haggis, neeps and tatties on offer, as well as a Caledonian burger (consisting of two 3oz beef patties, with haggis and whisky sauce), you do quite well for a chain as big as this one.
Available at your local pub between the 22nd and 28th of January.
Your local supermarket
If you're nipping to the shops on the way home, you can still pick up a piece of Scottish tradition. Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury's and M&S all stock haggis (and the neeps and tatties too of course).
If you're a vegetarian and still want to give your best for Burns night, supermarkets also commonly stock vegetarian haggis from Simon Howie, normally priced just under £3.
How do you address a haggis?
According to the National Trust for Scotland, the poem was written in December 1786, and would be the first of Burns’s poems to be published in a newspaper (The Caledonian Mercury). On Burns Night this poem is recited (usually by the host) as the haggis is carved open and served. Written in Scots dialect, it is one of the most notable (and patriotic) pieces of Scottish Literature.
The Scottish Poetry Library have a version online for you to recite come Burns night.