21st January 2010

Burns Night celebrations open to all

If an Indian restaurant in south London can create an event out of Burns Night on 25 January, then surely any catering establishment can follow suit.

Babur’s Burns Night Himalayan Fling is the perfect example of a restaurant thinking outside of the box by creating a special event to encourage greater footfall through the door – and on a Monday too.

Run along the same lines as last year’s Himalayan Fling, this year’s Burns Night special begins with a Gurkha piper heralding the entrance of the Nepalese bhuton, possibly the first and original haggis recipe, according to Babur.

To follow, diners will enjoy Slow-roasted Shoulder of Lamb marinated in Amrut Indian single malt whisky and finish with Warm Barley and Amrut halwa with raspberry coulis – all in aid of the Gurkha Welfare Trust.

In addition there will be live entertainment comprising Burns songs and poetry provided by harpist and soprano, Norma Ritchie alongside other surprise guests.

As if this were not enough, Babur has joined forces with Chivas Regal to offer a fabulous prize: at a time and location of the winner’s choosing, Chivas will send out one of its best tasters armed with an array of high-end whiskies to provide a whisky tasting for 10 people. Prizes for the other two competitions to be held on the night are a pearl necklace from Pearl Magpie and dinner for four at Babur itself.

For more information visit www.babur.info

Devised by Babur’s head barman and wine champion, Rupam Talukdar, here is the recipe for the cocktail – The Himalayan Fling – that will greet diners on Monday evening.

• To a tall glass, add some crushed ice, 50ml Amrut Indian single malt (or some other fine whisky such as Chivas Regal), 20ml sweet sherry, juice of 1/2 fresh lime, a dash of sugar syrup and stir well.
• Add a bit more crushed ice, 2 thin slices of fresh ginger and julienne of lime zest.
• Stir well and top up with more crushed ice.