What IS Hogmanay & Why Haggis Pie?

Hogmanay, Haggis & Why We’ve Brought This Pie Back Early!

We’ve still got Christmas to look forward to, but when it passes every year, it’s hard not to feel a bit of a slump in festivities... But up in Scotland the party is only just getting started once it hits the last dregs of December! 🥃

Yep, we’re taking about Scotland’s answer to New Year’s celebrations: Hogmanay!

The big one. The grand finale. The reason New Year’s Eve feels a bit… louder and warmer north of the border.

And it’s exactly why we couldn’t wait any longer to bring back one of our most asked-for winter bakes:
Our Steak & Haggis Pie with Dartmoor Whisky!

So… What Is Hogmanay Anyway?

Hogmanay is Scotland’s traditional New Year celebration, and it’s been a big deal for centuries. While Christmas was once played down in Scotland, Hogmanay stepped in as the main winter celebration.

Celebrations can range from fire festivals, street parties, singing, dancing, first-footing, and plenty of food and drink to keep the cold at bay.

It’s about seeing out the old year properly and welcoming the new one with warmth, generosity and full plates. Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

Piping In The Haggis!

One of the most iconic Hogmanay and Burns Night traditions is piping in the haggis.

This ceremony comes from Robert Burns’ famous poem Address to a Haggis, written in 1786, which celebrates the haggis as a symbol of hearty, honest food. It’s proud, it’s bold, and it doesn’t apologise for being exactly what it is.

The act itself is the grand entrance of the haggis dish at a traditional supper, where a bagpiper leads a procession (the piper, the chef with haggis on a platter, and the "Addresser") into the dining room, often with Scottish music playing. The famous poem also may be recited!

Why This Pie, And Why Now?

Originally, our Steak & Haggis Pie with Dartmoor Whisky was earmarked for Burns Night. But we say: 'why keep the festivities back until January??'

This pie is built for cold nights and big celebrations. Proper chunks of beef. Savoury haggis. A splash of whisky to warm things through, not knock you sideways. All wrapped up in golden pastry that does the heavy lifting.

Something new for this year's version of this pie, though, is our partnership with Dartmoor Whisky! They're a premium brand local to Devon, operating just outside the stunning national park of the same name.

Their delicious 2 Star Great Taste Award-Winning Single Malt Whisky makes an appearance in this returning pie.

And Yes, We’re Keeping It Until Burns Night

Hogmanay gets the first slice, but Burns Night on 25th January gets its moment too. Another excuse to gather people round the table, raise a glass, and eat something with a bit of history behind it!

Because food isn’t just fuel. It’s stories. Traditions. Excuses to slow down and eat together.

So whether you’re seeing in the New Year quietly, hosting a full house with Jules Holland on the TV, or just fancy something warming after a winter walk, this one’s back and ready!

Go on - Take a Chunk!