What a Burns Night!

Our first ever Burns Night at the Tap will certainly be one to remember.  The celebration may be in honour of Scottish poet, Robert Burns, but Tongham did us proud! 

Our guests dressed the part, with plenty of tartan on show, and even a few kilts to be seen. 

An evening of fine dining, great company, music and dance was enjoyed by all, not least by our VIP competition winners.

Our guests mingled comfortably in a friendly and informal atmosphere.

Mark, paraded the haggis in fine style around the table, to the accompaniment of a single piper.  In the expert hands of Kevin, from Stockbrokers Belt, the bagpipes resonated in the high-ceilinged Hangar.

Sartorially elegant Mel, who you may recognise as one of our tour guides, was Master of Ceremonies and intoned the Address to the Haggis.  Luckily, he refrained from a Scottish accent!

Rupert, looking dapper in trews, performed the ceremonial cutting of the haggis.  Sadly, no silver dagger was to hand, but he managed admirably with our sharpest kitchen knife.

Everyone raised a glass in the traditional toast of whisky.

 Formalities over, plates of steaming haggis, neeps and tatties with a rich whisky cream sauce soon emerged from the kitchen to the delight of the hungry guests.

A classic Chicken Chasseur with fresh seasonal vegetables followed and the meal was rounded off with boozy raspberry cranachan.  Not an inconsiderable amount of beer and whisky was imbibed too!

Mark was a little nervous, as this was the first three-course, sit-down meal in the Hangar, but he needn’t have worried.  Compliments to our chef, Ben, and to Callum and his team!

There was hardly time for coffee, before the much-anticipated ceilidh began. 

The Caller, Jon, soon had everyone on their feet as the appropriately named Stockbrokers Belt began their traditional dancing set, with Dave on mandolin, Keith on guitar and drums, and Keith on fiddle and melodeon.

 With favourites such as Harper’s Frolic and Bonny Kate, a lively evening of music and dance ensued.

The band may have played many a barn dance in the local area, but this was their first Burns Night in a brewery.  Although their most unusual gig was entertaining Harry Potter competition winners in Sussex, dressed in robes from the film!

 All in all, a grand night was had by all!

To find out more about our forthcoming events in the Hangar, check out Club, Tours, Bar Booking & Events, or sign up to the newsletter or follow us @hogsbackbrewery.