This Saturday, people all over Scotland will be celebrating Burns Night.
This unique annual holidays sees Scots come together to honour the life and work of Robert Burns. Each year, it takes place on the national bard’s birthday of January 25.
With Burns Night just a few days away, there has never been a better time to honour Scotland’s poet. If you are stuck for ideas, then a trip to a historic inn that Burns himself was once a regular of is a great idea.
The Globe Inn is located in the heart of Dumfries, where Burns spent most of his final years. It first opened its doors in 1610, and continues to be a favourite amongst locals and visitors alike more than 400 years later.
The inn’s claim to fame is that Burns regularly ate, drank, and recited there — and it is even said to have been the bard’s “favourite howff”. Situated along Dumfries’ High Street, it is just a short walk from both Burns’ home and the grand mausoleum where he was ultimately buried in 1815.
Fittingly, The Globe Inn features more than 300 whiskies to enjoy in either its main bar or the historic Snug that was once a tack room where horses got shoes fitted before riding. There are also three local hand pump ales to enjoy, as well as range of classic and contemporary cocktails.
While The Globe Inn’s cosy atmoshere and ties to Robert Burns are enough of a reason for a visit, its acclaimed 1610 restaurant is a must-visit as well. Serving up both lunch and dinner, two of the inn’s cooks previously worked with the late Andrew Fairlie — the only Scottish chef to achieve two Michelin Stars.
Among the highlights of the menu are Millbank venison tartare, fillet and belly of pork, and velouté of garlic and parmesan foam. You can even eat in Burns’ Dining Room, where you can enjoy a bespoke 10-course food menu with “perfectly paired” beverages.
The Globe Inn has earned a spot on the Michelin Guide, where it has been praised for its “creative” dishes that are “full of colour and flavour”. The experts also called it an “atmospheric place to dine”, and stated that “a drink here is a must”.
The inn has also earned acclaim from visitors. At the moment, it has an average rating of 4.5 out of five on Google based on 399 reviews.
One recent guest posted: “A lovely historical pub with a fantastic menu. We enjoyed every course and appreciated the little extras from the chef.
“The fish dishes were especially delicious, as were the cocktails.”
“Cosy historic old pub and restaurant,” a second wrote, while a third shared: “The best restaurant and food I’ve ever had can’t fault the place or staff.”
Meanwhile, The Globe Inn even offers special Robert Burns-themed tours, where visitors can learn more about the poet and his history with the pub. Among the highlights of the tour are the chair where he once sat and the bed chamber where he is said to have had an illicit affair.
More information can be found on The Globe Inn website.
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