Top 5 bars for patriotic celebrations

The end of January is a time for patriotism. Whether you don a kilt and do the Highland fling on Burn's Night or whether you opt for a cork hat and crocodile wrestling on Australia Day,

* ALBANNACH 66 Trafalgar Square, WC2 (020-7930 0066).

London's newest Scottish Bar will be celebrating Burns Night on Tue 25 Jan with pipers piping and all manner of other Scottish festivities. A five-course meal is offered in the mezzanine restaurant at £55 per head and includes a different whisky with each course.

**** BOISDALE 202 Bishopsgate, EC2 (020-7283 1763) and 15 Eccleston Street, SW1 (020-7730 6922).

Such is the popularity of Burns Night at London's most successful Scottish bars that they're extending the celebrations this year. Special menus start at £35 for three courses and are available from Mon 17-Sat 29 Jan in Belgravia, and Mon 24-Fri 28 Jan in Bishopsgate.

*** SALT 82 Seymour Street, W2 (020-7402 1155).

To give it its full name, The Salt Whisky Bar & Dining Room has raised the standard of whisky drinking in London, with more than 250 different styles offered, including many rare and super premium brands. There are no special events, but this is a terrific place to enjoy a seriously cool style-bar atmosphere.

** THE RED BACK TAVERN 264 High Street, W3 (0871 223 1246).

The Red Back Tavern is one of the world's most famous Australian pubs, and Australia Day (Wed 26 Jan) is the biggest day in its calendar. Get there early (doors open at noon) for the ultimate Oz-fest with deals on drinks, live music and all manner of boisterous shenanigans.

** THE WALKABOUT 11 Henrietta Street, WC2 (020-7379 5555), and branches.

Young, travelling Aussies party long and hard, but never longer or harder than at these high-octane, exuberant party venues. There are 10 Walkabouts in London (visit www.walkaboutinns.com for details), each offering a stereotypically misogynistic atmosphere - just the way Aussie girls like it.