Your Local Guide to Food and Drink on the Isle of Wight
Last Modified: 19 January 2026 2:53 pm
Burns Night 2026 is the perfect excuse to don your tartan, enjoy a warming dram of whisky, and celebrate one of Scotland’s greatest cultural icons – Robert Burns.
Whether you’re heading out for a lively Burns Supper on the Isle of Wight or planning a cosy celebration at home, the Island has plenty of ways to mark the occasion in style.
Held annually on 25th January, Burns Night commemorates the life and works of Scotland’s national poet, best known for Auld Lang Syne. Burns’ influence on poetry, music and Scottish identity remains as strong today as it was over 200 years ago.
Below is our complete guide to Burns Night 2026 on the Isle of Wight, including pub events, special dinners and tips for hosting your own Burns Supper at home.
The first Burns Supper took place in 1801, when close friends of Robert Burns gathered to honour his life with whisky, poetry and traditional Scottish food. What began as a small memorial has since grown into a global celebration.
Today, Burns Night is marked by readings of Burns’ poetry, the ceremonial Piping in the Haggis, the Address to a Haggis and a hearty feast of haggis, neeps and tatties.
In 2026, Burns Night falls on Sunday, 25th January, making it an ideal weekend for celebrations across the Isle of Wight.
23rd January 2026
A popular Island favourite, The Dairyman’s Daughter at Arreton Barns is known for its Alternative Burns Night celebrations. Expect traditional Scottish flavours, plenty of whisky and a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Scottish-themed dress is encouraged, and booking is essential.
Check their Facebook Page for full event details.
23rd January 2026 (18:30 – 23:00)
With a proud Scottish owner and family at the helm, Burns Night at The Wellington Hotel is a heartfelt and authentic celebration of Robert Burns. Enjoy traditional bagpiping, lively Scottish dancing, fine Scotch whisky and a warm Highland welcome in the heart of Ventnor.
23rd January 2026 (19:15)
Experience the fun and frivolity of a proper Burns Night celebration at Northwood House’s Third Grand Highland Fling-a-ling. After selling out in record time for the last two events, this is one Burns Night on the Isle of Wight not to miss.
23rd January 2026
The Old Village Inn in Bembridge is celebrating Burns Night on Friday, 23rd January 2026! They’ll have a full 3-course dinner and entertainment lined up. If you’re in the mood for something less formal, head to the bar for a drink and try out a beef and haggis burger.
Booking is advised, so call 01983 872616 or visit their Facebook page.
23rd January 2026 (18:00)
Head to The Waterfront in Totland, where a piper will greet you before you dive into a traditional 4-course dinner. You’ll also get to enjoy performances of ‘Piping in the Haggis’ and ‘Ode to the Haggis’. The evening starts at 18:00, and there will be live music from 20:30.
Make sure to reserve your table on their website.
24th January 2026
Join the Royal Solent Yacht Club for a traditional Burns Night Dinner featuring all the traditional elements, including the Selkirk Grace, cutting of the haggis and a hearty feast. The menu includes Cullen Skink soup, Haggis Wellington with neeps and tatties and a wee dram, with a steak and mushroom pie available as an alternative main.
Online booking available at form.jotform.com/222933850492359.
25th January 2026 (19:00)
Celebrate Burns Night 2026 at one of the Isle of Wight’s oldest pubs. The White Horse Inn will be serving a set Burns Supper menu, featuring Cullen Skink, classic haggis with neeps and tatties and a raspberry cranachan dessert. Expect bagpipes, great food and lively entertainment.
Book your table now by calling 01983 685424.
If you’re hosting Burns Night at home, the Isle of Wight’s farm shops, fisheries and local producers have everything you need for a memorable celebration.
Starter: Now Scottish Salmon is probably the order of the day for most celebrating, but keep local and stay sustainable here on the Island and visit local fisheries such as Captain Stan’s in Bembridge or Ventnor Haven Fishery in Ventnor. Fish such as Skate, Seabass and of course shellfish and prawns, are usually available at this time of year.
Main Course: Baked haggis. If you get to your local butcher, they may have this in stock or be able to order it in especially for you. Feeling adventurous, you can always have a go at making this yourself at home. Alternatively, one of the Island’s supermarkets should have a stock at this time of year. If the thought of just haggis is a bit much, try chicken Balmoral, a chicken breast stuffed with a small amount of haggis.
Side Dishes: Neeps and tatties alongside buttered leeks. It’s not as daunting as it sounds, neeps and tatties are simply mashed swede and potatoes, and buttered leeks are exactly what they say they are. You can get all these Burns Night goodies from local farm shops such as Harvey Browns in Arreton or Farmhouse Fayre in Newport.
Dessert: The dish we all wait for. A traditional Scottish dessert is a raspberry cranachan trifle. Raspberries aren’t in season, but you may have a few frozen in the freezer, as may your local farm shop. Make your way to Briddlesford Farm for their cream and butter, which you’ll need for the trifle and also the oaty topping. Speaking of oats, The Water Mill, Calbourne, produces its own oats, which can be purchased directly or at local shops, including Norris Family Grocers in Niton.
