The last year has seen us all adapt to the many ways in which COVID has affected our daily lives, with perhaps one of the most sorely missed aspects being the ability to celebrate occasions with one another.
With restrictions still in place for Scotland and the rest of the British Isles, 2021 will see Burns Night take on a slightly different appearance this January, though the party will certainly carry on; even if that happens via Zoom.
Meal Kits
As many businesses were forced to adapt in order to ensure their survival, the likes of meal kits and 'dine at home' experiences from major names have rapidly become the norm. This is also the case for Burns Night, with an array of familiar restaurants queuing up to provide their spin on the evening; Yard Sale have their haggis pizza back on the menu, Mac & Wild are offering meal boxes featuring deep fried haggis, and Townsend offered a nationwide delivery box which features Cullen Skink, Haggis Neeps & Tatties, and a rhubarb and ginger Cranachan.
#VirtualBurnsNight
The University of Glasgow is seeking to unite the revellers from across the globe using the official hashtag #VirtualBurnsNight, encouraging people to share their poetry, haggis and drinks with the rest of the world during our current restrictions. The ambition is to then generate a map, charting all of the Burns Night Suppers occurring, to truly understand how the event has become an international affair.
Aldi
Even the supermarket chain Aldi have decided to push the boat out this year and help customers celebrate Burns Night in style from the comfort of their own homes. Given the array of choice, there shall be no excuse for anyone to turn their nose up at haggis in 2021, with Aldi offering; haggis pigs in blankets, haggis pakora, haggis olives, haggis bon bons and even the spectacular haggis en croute.
To find out about 'shifting the future of food & drink' and to join the TFP community visit www.thefoodpeople.co.uk.