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10 best pubs to celebrate St Patrick's Day in London

St. Patrick’s Day in London is always a big, lively celebration, filled with great Guinness, live music, and plenty of Irish cheer.


Whether you’re looking for a traditional Irish pub with a cosy atmosphere or a bustling bar packed with partygoers, the city has plenty of places to raise a pint to Ireland’s favourite holiday.


From hidden gems to famous Irish hotspots, this guide will take you through the 10 best pubs in London to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day.


So, grab your green outfit, get ready for some toe-tapping music, and let’s find the perfect pub for an unforgettable night of craic!


Image of St Patrick's Day
Image credit: Photo © Roger D Kidd (cc-by-sa/2.0)


1) Auld Shillelagh – Stoke Newington


The Auld Shillelagh, nestled in Stoke Newington, is a cherished Irish pub renowned for its authentic atmosphere and exceptional offerings.


Established in 1991, this narrow yet inviting establishment has earned accolades such as the "Most authentic Irish pub in the world outside Ireland" by the Irish Times.


Drinkers are consistently impressed by the quality of the Guinness served, often hailed as the best in London.


The pub's interior is adorned with traditional Irish décor, including tricolour flags, sports memorabilia, and Guinness-branded items, creating a warm and familiar ambiance. Live traditional Irish music sessions are a staple, enhancing the lively atmosphere and offering an authentic cultural experience.


Image of Auld Shillelagh

2) The Toucan – Soho


The Toucan, nestled in Soho at 19 Carlisle Street, is a cherished Irish pub renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional Guinness.


Adorned with classic Guinness memorabilia, the pub offers an authentic Irish experience, making it a prime spot for St. Patrick's Day celebrations.


Despite its cozy size, The Toucan's lively ambiance often spills onto the street, creating a festive environment where patrons gather to enjoy the craic.


With its rich history and dedication to Irish culture, The Toucan stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking a genuine St. Paddy's Day experience in London.​


Image of The Toucan

3) Blythe Hill Tavern – Forest Hill


The Blythe Hill Tavern, located in Forest Hill, London, is a traditional Victorian corner pub renowned for its warm hospitality and exceptional selection of real ales.


Celebrated as a CAMRA award-winning establishment, it boasts a cozy interior with three wood-paneled rooms, each exuding classic charm.


For St. Patrick's Day, the tavern becomes a hub of Irish celebration, featuring live traditional music sessions that fill the air with lively tunes. Drinkers can enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, often hailed as one of the best in London, while soaking in the festive atmosphere.


The pub's dedication to preserving authentic pub traditions, combined with its friendly ambiance, makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a genuine St. Paddy's Day experience in the heart of London.​


Image of Blythe Hill Tavern

4) Mannions Prince Arthur – Tottenham


Mannions Prince Arthur, located in Tottenham, is a welcoming Irish pub that truly comes alive on St. Patrick's Day.


Known for its friendly atmosphere and lively events, this pub offers a genuine Irish experience. With regular music events and karaoke sessions, there's always entertainment to enjoy.


The pub features two big screens and two smaller ones, ensuring that all major sporting events, including Irish games, are well-covered. A notable highlight is the majestic oil painting of the pub's owners riding a horse through the Irish countryside, adding to its unique charm.


For St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Mannions Prince Arthur is an excellent choice, offering great pints and a warm, festive environment.


Image of Mannions Prince Arthur

5) The Cow – Notting Hill


The Cow, located in Notting Hill, is a lively pub known for its vibrant atmosphere and exceptional offerings.


Renowned for its Guinness and oysters, this venue combines traditional charm with a modern twist, making it an ideal spot for St. Patrick's Day celebrations. The Cow offers a special menu featuring Irish food, whiskies, and, of course, Guinness, ensuring a festive experience.


With its friendly ambiance and dedication to Irish culture, The Cow stands out as a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic St. Paddy's Day experience in London.​


Image of The Cow

6) The Harp – Covent Garden


The Harp, located at 47 Chandos Place in Covent Garden, is a celebrated pub renowned for its exceptional selection of cask ales and traditional ciders.


With ten hand-pumps at the bar, it offers a rotating selection of classic and guest brews, making it a haven for beer enthusiasts. The pub's interior is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows and Victorian portraits, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.


Its cozy downstairs bar buzzes with lively conversation, while the calmer upstairs room provides a more intimate setting.


The Harp has received numerous accolades, including being the first London pub to win the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) National Pub of the Year competition in 2010, and it has consistently won the West London CAMRA Award since 2006.


Image of The Harp

7) Mc & Sons – Southwark


Mc & Sons, nestled in Southwark at 160 Union Street, is a traditional Irish pub that offers a unique blend of Irish hospitality and authentic Thai cuisine.


The pub is adorned with family memorabilia, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. On St. Patrick's Day, Mc & Sons becomes a hub of celebration, featuring live traditional Irish music and an extensive selection of Irish spirits.


The combination of authentic Thai street food and a lively ambiance makes it a standout destination for those looking to experience a memorable St. Paddy's Day in London.​


Image of Mc & Sons

8) The Devonshire - Soho


The Devonshire, located at 17 Denman Street in Soho, is a classic London pub that offers a warm and welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for celebrating St. Patrick's Day.


Known for serving a perfect pint of Guinness, the pub has gained a reputation for its quality offerings. The Devonshire also serves homemade bar food from their in-house butcher and bakery, providing guests with hearty and delicious options to accompany their drinks.


The pub's interior is adorned with traditional decor, creating a cozy and inviting environment that embodies the spirit of a classic London pub.


Whether you're looking to enjoy a well-poured pint, indulge in comforting food, or soak in the lively atmosphere, The Devonshire provides an authentic and enjoyable experience for all visitors.


Image of The Devonshire

9) The Porterhouse – Covent Garden


The Porterhouse, located at 21-22 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, is one of London's largest and most renowned Irish pubs, making it an excellent choice for celebrating St. Patrick's Day.


Established in 2000, this expansive venue spans multiple levels, offering a variety of nooks and crannies for guests to explore. The pub is known for its impressive selection of craft beers, including their own award-winning brews, and an extensive whiskey collection.


On St. Patrick's Day, The Porterhouse hosts live Irish bands, creating a lively and authentic atmosphere. The multi-level layout provides ample space for dancing, drinking, and soaking up the festive spirit.


With its central location in Covent Garden, The Porterhouse is a must-visit destination for those seeking a genuine St. Paddy's Day experience in London.


Image of The Porterhouse

10) Waxy O'Connor's – Leicester Square


Waxy O'Connor's, located at 14-16 Rupert Street in London's Soho district, is a renowned Irish pub celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and unique interior.


Spanning six levels and featuring four distinct bars, Waxy's is designed as a labyrinthine space centered around a grand, carved tree, offering guests a memorable and immersive experience.


On St. Patrick's Day, the pub becomes a focal point for festivities, providing live music performances and an extensive selection of Irish beverages, including the iconic Guinness.


The lively ambiance, combined with authentic Irish hospitality, makes Waxy O'Connor's an ideal destination for those seeking to celebrate St. Paddy's Day in the heart of London.​


Image of Waxy O'Connor's

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