The Monkey Shoulder Burns Night

Burns Night is a celebration of the life and poetry of the Scottish poet Robert Burns.

The celebration usually includes a Burns Supper. Burns night is held on or near the poet's birthday, 25 January. The first suppers were held in Ayrshire at the end of the 18th century by Robert Burns' friends on the anniversary of his death, 21 July, In Memoriam and they have been a regular occurrence ever since.

This year we cracked an invite to the much buzzed about Monkey Shoulder Burns Night Celebration at the Paramount Club. The invite promised "a Burns Night with a difference. Think beat poetry, rock and roll bagpipes and salubrious Monkey Shoulder Whiskey drinks to match the bonnie surroundings of Paramount Club in Soho".

The evening's entertainment includes:

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers
Rock 'n Roll Bagpipes - Guaranteed to blow your mind

Mr. Monkey our Master Mixologist
Jamie Forbes will be shaking his stuff at the bar & unveiling his original Burns night cocktails

Edinburg DJ Group Tokyo Blu
Scotland's hottest DJs will keep the night swinging

AND... introducing Monkey Mars Bar Tempura
Haggis Hors D'oeuvres, Whiskey Trifle and other lip smacking simian snacks

After navigating the waiting hoards at the entrance we were whisked 31 floors up to the roof of London - The Paramount Club. Where we were greeted by our hosts for the evening and a panoramic view of London. Being a fan of London (and seeing things from a different perspective) I had been looking forward to seeing London from The Paramount Club and was not disappointed.

The bar team kept the night well oiled with a range of Monkey Shoulder Whiskey Cocktails specially made by mater mixolosgist Jamie Forbes including; The John Barleycorn, Pink Scotch Drink, Bobby Burns and the sublime Ginger Monkey.

How to make a Ginger Monkey
50ml Monkey Shoulder
American Dry Ginger Ale

Fill a tumbler with ice, pour the Ginger ale until 2/3rds full, float the Monkey on top, Garnish with an Orange Wedge.

Edinburgh DJs Tokyoblu kept the dance floor fill of kilts. But rolling out the Legendary Red Hot Chilli Pipers with their unique brand of Jock and Roll was a classy move. In between the thumping beats we were treated to traditional Burns poetry with a real beatnik style to it.

The menu we were treated to included treats such as; Haggis Hors D'oeuvres, Monkey Shoulder Whisky Trifle and Monkey Mars (Bar) Tempura.

Thanks for the great evening Monkey Shoulder.