Like everyone, the great Robert Burns just had the one birthday. Unlike many, his special day is celebrated by millions, who toast to the poet every January 25 – often with a chaser of whisky and supper of haggis, neeps and tatties.
Burns Night may have passed in 2023, but it shouldn’t stop you from commemorating his words, nor should it put you off enjoying those fine Scottish ingredients throughout the year.
Just ask Deeney’s Café – they’re serving up produce as “fresh as a Highland breeze wafting up your kilt” all year round. Their words. Their brilliant words.
There’s haggis, yes; but it’s made in conjunction with another classic in its own right, which you probably never thought to combine but will soon be dashing out to taste: the toastie.
Haggis Toasties… who knew?! If it hasn’t already, it must now be committed to print that this is an idea that borders on genius. Indulgent genius.
Tell me more about the Haggis Toasties…
There’s a number of these creations that you can choose from. Their signature Hamish MacBeth toastie is comprised of haggis, bacon, cheddar, rocket, caramelised onions and… need we say more? It just looks like a thing of utter beauty, and is just one cog in the Deeney’s mechanism of decadent sandwiches on offer.
We also have the MacBeth, which simply asks Hamish to hold the bacon; and the Lady MacBeth which is the same, but with veggie haggis. The Vegan Lady toastie is also an option, and is comprised of veggie haggis, vegan mayo, rocket, caramelised onion and mustard.
Want even more? You can add an egg to any toastie at Deeney’s for an extra £1.50.
But where can I find the Haggis Toasties?
You’ll be pleased to know that there’s multiple places you can find these beauties. Deeney’s was founded in 2012 by Paddy and Carol, and found their permanent home in Leyton in 2015. You’ll find there full range of toasties there, and recently, their haggis toasties have also arrived at the William Morris Gallery Café in Walthamstow. Oh, and if that wasn’t enough haggis toastie-ing, Deeney’s also appear every Saturday at Broadway Market.
These days, you might even catch them on the box: they popped up on This Morning last week to share the haggis and Burns love.
Basically, listen to them and try one of these – we’re pretty sure Robert Burns would have loved them. Probably.
Find Deeney’s at 360 High Road Leyton, E10 6QE; at William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park House, E17 5EH; and at Broadway Market every Saturday. Read more about Deeney’s here.