5 places to celebrate Burns Night in Exeter

From haggis and whisky to bagpipes and tartan, Burns Night is the perfect excuse to embrace all things Scottish. Whether you’re after a cosy pub supper or a refined four-course feast, here’s where to celebrate in style across Exeter this January. 

1. City Gate

City Gate will be setting the scene for a true Scottish celebration this Sunday. The pub by Exeter’s Iron Bridge will exude cosiness with a roaring log fire, dimmed lights, and candlelit tables. The team will be serving a Sunday roast with a Scottish twist - think haggis roast with all the trimmings (£19.50, or available as a side if you’d like to try it first), alongside a range of Scotland’s finest whiskies. You may even spot the GM in his kilt! Oidhche Bhlas Burns!

2. The Hour Glass Inn

This popular pub on Melbourne Street is hosting a full Celtic experience, featuring a communal dinner, a traditional reading, and a bagpiper to entertain guests. Expect a three-course traditional meal featuring cullen skink, haggis, neeps, tatties, and cranachan. Tickets cost £45 and include a welcome drink. 7pm on Sunday 25 January. Pre-booking essential.

3. Old Firehouse

Expect a lively evening at the Old Firehouse on New North Road. From 9pm, Exeter’s gig collective will showcase up-and-coming local bands, highlighting the city’s musical talent. There’ll be a Scottish pizza special topped with potatoes, haggis, and a creamy whisky sauce - plus plenty of whisky behind the bar. No tickets required - just turn up and enjoy.

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4. Lympstone Manor Pool House Restaurant

For something a little more refined, head to the Pool House Restaurant at Michael Caines’ luxury five-star Lympstone Manor. Enjoy a four-course Scottish dinner with accompanying wines, drinks on arrival, canapés, coffee, and petit fours. The evening also features live bagpipe music and the traditional “Address to a Haggis,” plus a toast or two to Scotland’s national bard. Canapés and fizz from 7pm, seated at 7.30pm. £130 per person.

5. Browns

Celebrate Burns Night at Browns on Haven Road, near Exeter Quayside, with a specially curated Scottish-inspired menu. Dishes include smoked salmon with capers and rye bread, classic haggis, neeps and tatties, and a beautiful cranachan to finish. Enjoy the dishes individually or as a set menu: two courses for £26 or three courses for £32, with optional whisky pairings available to complement each course. Available Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 January.