To the Haggis!

Robert Burns, Scotland's national bard, was born on January 25, 1759. His birth is traditionally celebrated with a Burns Night Supper.

That's exactly what took place in the Mallinson's restaurant this week.

This celebration of Burns Night by 60 diners enjoying a six course traditional Burns Supper, gave HND Hospitality Management student Azim an opportunity to chat to Scottish piper Ian.(Were they comparing sporrans? Is this an opportunity for another caption competition?)

Anyway, the Waitrose sponsored evening also had another purpose beyond feeding the guests. It was a charity fund raising event.

A total of £200 was raised for Macmillan Cancer Support (http://www.macmillan.org.uk).

Students from the NVQ Level 3 Food Preparation and Cooking course were responsible for all the kitchen duties.

Akua, Dalbert, Abir, Maria, Anita, Natalie, Patricia, and Gil weren't just confined to the kitchen. They made an entrance and were welcomed by the diners.

There was even a piping-in of the Haggis in good Scottish tradition, with glasses being raised to "The Haggis".

It was a long evening of eating and drinking before it was finally time for a chorus of "Auld Lang Syne" and for the tables to be cleared for another year!