Robert Burns Night is approaching, which means it is time to read some poetry and eat a haggis, the “Great chieftain o’ the puddin-race!” Chris Price put on his tartan for this round up of what to do.

As the haggis arrives at the table this year, break with tradition and cry out “O my Luve’s like a red, red rose, That’s newly sprung in June.”

Regular celebrators of Burns Night will point out that usually Robert Burns’ Address to a Haggis is read out on such an occasion and A Red Red Rose is traditionally aimed at a lover.

But as the tasty dish is served, Scotland’s national poet’s tender verse could so comfortably be aimed at the scrumptious national dish.

Disagree? Well, dozens of venues across Kent would have a thing or two to say about it as they host their annual Burns Night events.

The actual date is Wednesday, January 25, but there are one or two venues hosting their celebrations on different nights throughout the week.

Of course the other benefit of reading a different one of Burns’ poems as the haggis arrives is that reading Burns’ poetry is so often overlooked as a prime activity of the night. So often the Address... is read out and then revellers chow down on their neeps and tatties without so much as a second thought on the verse which has placed Burns in such high esteem in literary history.

If you do not fancy spending four hours in the kitchen preparing your haggis, here is a round-up of the places marking the poet’s birthday:

Farriers Arms, Flood Street, Mersham, near Ashford

Wednesday, January 25

A mouthwatering three-course meal including the traditional Address to a Haggis.

Cost: £25

Call: 01233 720444

The Phoenix Tavern, Abbey Street, Faversham

Wednesday, January 25

Enjoy the traditional haggis and whisky dinner, with a piper and a reading of the Address to a Haggis

Cost: £17.95

Call: 01795 591462

The Beacon Bar, Tea Garden Lane, Rusthall, near Tunbridge Wells

Wednesday, January 25

Enjoy a sumptuous Burns Night dinner.

Cost: £32.50

Call: 01892 524252

The Crown, High Street, Otford, near Sevenoaks

Friday, January 27

A night of live music from Rattlemac playing their latest material, followed by haggis and neeps and tatties.

Cost: £19.50

Call: 01959 522847

For two Robert Burns poems and a haggis recipe, pick up a copy of What's On inside your local KM Group newspaper.