Whisky enthusiasts in London are being offered a remarkably historic setting for this year's Burns Night celebrations. The Scotch Malt Whisky Society (SMWS) is hosting its annual tribute to Scotland's national bard within the ancient, 600-year-old crypt of St Etheldreda's Church in the heart of the capital.
A Historic Venue for a Scottish Tradition
Following a completely sold-out event last year, the Society has sought a larger and more atmospheric location. They have chosen St Etheldreda's, one of London's oldest surviving buildings, dating from between 1250 and 1290. Originally part of Ely Palace, the church is a rare remnant from the reign of Edward I, with its crypt providing a dramatic, vaulted space perfect for an immersive evening.
Simone Malavolta, Manager of the Society's London venue on Greville Street, explained the choice: "Last year we held our Burns Night at Greville Street and sold out almost instantly, so this year we needed a bit more space! The Crypt of St Etheldreda’s is the perfect venue... with its dramatic stone arches and moody lighting guests will feel transported to another era entirely."
An Evening of Flavour and Festivity
The night will honour traditional Burns Supper customs, commencing with the skirl of bagpipes. Guests will then enjoy a three-course meal, with each course carefully paired with one of six exceptional Scotch Malt Whisky Society single cask whiskies, selected to complement the food.
In a move away from standard industry practice, the SMWS is renowned for its 'flavour-first' philosophy, bottling single casks under evocative names rather than distillery labels. The Society recently refined its guiding flavour profiles from twelve down to eight colour-coded categories, spanning the spectrum from 'Fragrant & Floral' to 'Bold & Peaty'.
A Special Edition Whisky for the Occasion
To mark the celebration, the SMWS is releasing a special edition bottling as part of its Winter Series. Named "Sing Thy Name!", this whisky comes from cask number 39.318. It is a 13-year-old single malt from a first-fill bourbon barrel, offering notes of cut grass, vanilla custard, lemon curd, cardamom, and sweet nutmeg.
While SMWS events are typically exclusive to members, this Burns Night offers a rare opportunity for non-members in London to experience the Society's unique approach to whisky. It promises a night where history, poetry, and pioneering whisky craftsmanship converge under ancient stone arches.
