Something to celebrate

Who says there's nothing to celebrate in January? There's Chinese New Year - the year of the monkey - and Burns' Night, too. How's that for a deliciously multicultural excuse for retoxing?

Imperial City is marking the occasion with fantastic food and a charitable initiative. Until January 29, they're offering a four-course banquet at £39.95 a head, based on the foods eaten to bring good fortune for the coming year. Eating for luck? We like that.

On the day itself (Thursday) there's a real blow-out: a fivecourse banquet hosted by Ken Hom with midnight champagne and a traditional dragon dance.

Prices are £59.95 a head, or £500 for a table of ten. Ken Hom is also hosting a table (at an extra £200). The money raised goes to Breast Cancer Care.

Imperial City, Royal Exchange, Cornhill EC3. Tel: 020 7626 3437. Tube: Bank

Until Sunday, Boisdale's two branches are reflecting owner Ranald McDonald's Scottish heritage with the Burns' week menu at £35 for three courses - including hotsmoked wild Highland venison with a black truffle dressing - or the gourmet menu at £55 for four courses with mini McSween haggis, Dunkeld wild smoked salmon and fillet of Highland venison.

Boisdale, 15 Ecclestone Street SW1. Tel: 020 7730 6922. Tube: Victoria Boisdale Bishopsgate, Swedeland Court, 202 Bishopsgate EC2. Tel: 020 7283 1763. Tube: Liverpool Street

Patterson's in Mayfair are also paying homage to haggis. Apart from the noble sausage, their sixcourse Burns' Night menu includes smoked haddock soufflè with a chive and caviar sauce, Scottish beef with stovies - that addictive potato and onion stew - and Scottish cheeses. It costs £40 a head and runs every evening from tonight until Sunday.

Patterson's, 4 Mill Street W1. Tel: 020 7499 1308. Tube: Bond Street