A Burns Night feast in London

Condé Nast Traveller’s inaugural foodie event of 2020 invited readers to bid an enthusiastic farewell to dry January at theatreland stalwart J Sheekey during a Burns Night supper in partnership with The Glenlivet Whisky.

The Glenlivet is one of the original whiskies from the Scottish Highlands, with an international history. From its humble beginnings in the wild, remote Livet valley, the whisky crossed the Atlantic to the USA, where it became the only Scotch served on luxury Pullman trains after Prohibition ended in the 1930s. The evening’s whisky education began with a cockle-warming Hot Toddy: a cocktail that originated in colonial India, made with the fermented sap of the toddy palm tree. The concoction made its way to Scotland, where it was served hot, and using whisky instead became known as a remedy for the common cold.

J Sheekey has a reputation as one of London’s truly classic restaurants, having held court in London’s West End since the 1890s. It’s a favourite with theatregoers and theatre stars alike, who graze on its curtains-down menus under the eyes of the assembled black-and-white portraits of famous actors on the wood-panelled walls. Our event took place in the J Sheekey Atlantic Bar, which is decorated with illustrations by Roald Dahl’s favourite artist, Quentin Blake.

Wee drams of Glenlivet’s 18-year-old single malt were sipped alongside the main course of impeccably cooked seafood sourced from the Scottish coast. Whisky notes of summer fruits, florals and pear drops were a delicious pairing for delicate Peterhead cod and Isle of Barra razor clams. And whisky-spiked millionaire’s shortbread washed down with a hot-buttered single-malt cocktail was an indulgent end to a wonderful meal. With guests wrapped up next to an open fire, the glorious food, great company and constant flow of The Glenlivet whisky made this a Burns Night to remember.

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