Best Irish pubs guide: Discover the best Irish bars in London for St. Patrick's Day
Entertainment

Best Irish pubs guide: Discover the best Irish bars in London for St. Patrick's Day

Featured content

WHEN it comes to deciding where to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in London, there's no shortage of Irish bars, pubs and boltholes to choose from.

Whether you're looking for the full Irish experience, something a little more offbeat or simply a place that pours the perfect pint, look no further than our list of top pubs to visit in the English capital this March 17.

Kelly's Bar

kellys

Address: Kelly's Bar, 411 Hendon Way, London NW4 3LH

Website: www.kellybar.co.uk

Tel: 020 8202 4000

Kelly's Bar, Kitchen & Club is the perfect one-stop location for a stylish night out in NW4.

Kelly's motto is 'Drink, Dine and Dance' - though not in itself unique, the quality on offer is of the highest standard, helping to ensure a special occasion is just that - special.

Enjoy first class hospitality and entertainment in a friendly, convivial and stylish setting.

Drink - Kelly’s Bar offers a distinctly bright and cosmopolitan décor to enjoy a few drinks in, shoot a game of pool or get a tasty freshly-made tapas snack in. Staff pride themselves on the quality of the fresh coffee and of course, the calibre of the Guinness on tap.

Dine - The elegance of Tim's Bistro decor is matched by a its French/British menu. Acclaimed chef Flavio Cruz has put together a range of meals that will whet the appetite of even the fussiest of diners – ensure you have a look at his mouth-watering menu by clicking here.

Dance – Available for private functions, look out for a range of exciting live acts and DJs at Kelly’s Club in 2017. This well-appointed first floor space will be having a wide range of live music and club nights, so follow them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Waxy O'Connor's

Dan Martin - Photographer 07816 673172

Address: Waxy O'Connor's, 14-16 Rupert Street, London W1D 6DD

Website: www.waxyoconnors.co.uk

Tel: 0207 478 0767

Receive a warm Irish welcome at Waxy O’Connor’s, London’s biggest and best Irish bar in the heart of the West End. Waxy O’Connor’s is a labyrinth of four unique bars over six levels - each with its own atmosphere and personality so there’s something for everyone at Waxy’s.

Named after the famous candlemaker from Dublin, Waxy’s has gained worldwide recognition for its warm hospitality, friendly staff, traditional wholesome food and extensive range of beers, spirits and coffees.

With live music four nights a week, including Irish trad sessions on Sunday night, you couldn’t ask for a livelier environment. As an official ‘London Irish Pub’ Waxy’s has three large screens for showing all major sports including football, rugby and the GAA.

Waxy’s take bookings for drinks as well as food and you can even hire a private area with your own bar.

Waxy’s turns 21 in November 2017 and will be throwing a party to celebrate. Also coming up this year, Halloween celebrations, Christmas functions and of course a fantastic New Year’s Eve party. Why not celebrate St Patrick’s Day the Waxy’s way.

Waxy's will be showing all of the 6 Nations matches live on their many big screens as well as hosting a whole week of events in the build up to St. Patrick's Day. Visit them this year between 13th - 19th March for tastings, live music and some craicing giveaways!

For more information or to make an enquiry contact their sales team on 02074780767 or email [email protected]

The Claddagh Ring

Marty Morrissey guest of honour for our 25th Anniversary celebrations Marty Morrissey guest of honour for our 25th Anniversary celebrations

Address: The Claddagh Ring, 10 Church Road, Hendon, London NW4 4EA

Website: www.claddagh-ring.co.uk

Tel: 0208 203 2600

Welcome to The Claddagh Ring Bar & Restaurant, named after the famous ring in Galway which represents, Love, Friendship & Loyalty. There’s an old saying which goes like “Eat, Drink & be Happy” and at The Claddagh Ring we insure that you enjoy all three.

Along with award winning cuisine, finest wines, beers & spirits we provide lively entertainment for all tastes. We often have bands over from Ireland along with live music and Irish DJs every Friday Saturday and Sundays. Our bars along with our newly refurbished Function Room are the ideal place for your special celebration such as Christenings, First Holy Communions, Birthday Celebrations and Family & Friends social occasions. You can choose from our special function menu or our "A la Carte" option. We serve hot & cold buffets or full four course meals. No function is too small or too large for us, so please give us a call or pop in to see us to make a booking or to discuss your requirements.

We cook traditional Irish dishes such as Bacon & Cabbage or Irish stew as well as popular European cuisine. We are famous for our Roast Dinners & we always try to meet any dietary requirements. Our chefs take pride in their food & make every effort to ensure you and your guests have an enjoyable time with us. Our function room is busy at popular times such as Easter or Christmas so please book well in advance to avoid disappointment. We serve a Full Irish Breakfast from 9.30am - 12 midday Monday-Friday, 9.30am - 3pm on a Saturday & 12 midday to 2pm on a Sunday. Our kitchens are open until 10pm Monday-Friday and 9pm on Saturday & Sunday. We show all sporting occasions including all GAA matches on our Giant Video Wall & a choice of 14 Plasma Screens.

Here at The Claddagh Ring we try and make your experience here feel like a "home from home" and we are always very thankful for your support.

We look forward to welcoming you here soon.

Céad Míle Failte

The Boston Arms

boston-arms

Address: The Boston Arms, 178 Junction Road, London N195QQ

Website: www.bostonarms.co.uk

Tel: 0207 272 8153

Welcome to the Boston Arms – one of Archway’s longest established Irish pubs with live music and Irish sports. Sprawling pub with upstairs 'Dome' venue and outdoor beer garden.

Upcoming Entertainment includes:

  • Friday nights – Karaoke in the Main Bar
  • Saturday nights – Live Bands in the Main Bar
  • RBS 6 Nations shown on 2 large screens and 5 small screens
  • All Premiership football shown live
  • Pool and Darts Facilities

St Patrick's Day Special:

  • All Ireland Club Finals showing from 1pm
  • Special Bacon and Cabbage on the Menu!
  • Live Music by ‘Flashback and Still on the Brew’ from 5pm

Private room available for parties and private functions!

O'Neill's

oneills

O’Neill’s Wardour Street

Address: 33-37 Wardour St, London W1D 6PU

Tel: 0207 494 9284

Website: www.oneills.co.uk/WardourStreet

Facebook: O'Neill's Wardour Street

O’Neill’s Wardour Street is situated in the heart of central London, close to the energetic night life of Soho, the bustle of China Town and the famous Leicester Square, O’Neill’s is where the craic is. Whether you’re looking for craft beers to enjoy while watching the big match, a rip-roaring live music set, or an American or Irish bourbon whisky while settling in for the night, O’Neill’s Wardour street is the place to be!

O’Neill’s King's Cross

Address: 73-77 Euston Rd, Kings Cross, London NW1 2QS

Tel: 0207 380 0464

Website: www.oneills.co.uk/KingsCross

O’Neill’s King’s Cross is a lively Irish pub and restaurant on Euston Road. Serving up a tasty selection of Irish and global classics, and an extensive selection of drinks, and is only a stone’s throw away from King’s Cross St Pancras Station in London.

O’Neill’s Carnaby Street

Address: 37-38 Great Marlborough St, Carnaby, London W1F 7JF

Tel: 0207 437 0039

Website: www.oneills.co.uk/CarnabyStreet

Facebook: O'Neill's Carnaby Street

O’Neill’s Carnaby Street is a bustling Irish pub on the corner of Carnaby street. Within walking distance of Liberty’s department store and The Palladium theatre. Serving a variety of great beers and Irish and global classics and around the corner from Oxford Circus.

O’Neill’s Muswell Hill

Address: 87 Muswell Hill Broadway, London N10 3HA

Tel: 0208 883 7382

Website: www.oneills.co.uk/MuswellHill

O’Neill’s Muswell Hill Broadway is a grade II listed building. As a former church the views throughout are spectacular and the acoustics are unrivalled. With an expansive food menu and draught range split over 2 floors you will be spoilt for choice in this venue.

The Ship Inn

the-ship-2

Address: The Ship Inn, 3 Hart St, London EC3R 7NB

Website: www.shipec3.co.uk

Tel: 0207 702 4422

The Ship Inn, Hart Street is a historic, Grade II listed, pub located at Tower Hill in the City of London.

While it is thought that there has been an ale-house on this site since before the Great Fire, the current building dates from the 1700's, being further enhanced in 1887 when its now famous façade depicting maritime motifs was added to mark the jubilee of Queen Victoria. As an added bonus for the history buff, the well-known diarist, Sir Samuel Pepys, is buried in the churchyard of St. Olaves, next door.

To this day, the pub remains a busy, bustling meeting point for thirsty travellers and local workers, typically employed in the insurance and shipping industries. As one would expect, The Ship is a popular haunt for real ale drinkers, who are drawn by its friendly service and daily changing roster of well-kept beers. However, the pub has also won quality awards for its draught Guinness and prides itself on its wide range of gins and whiskies from across the globe. If you happen to be passing at lunchtime, you will also find a hearty food menu available majoring on modern British dishes as well as a very popular range of handmade burgers.

Our Mini St Patricks Fest:

IRISH SPIRIT TASTING SESSIONS - This is an opportunity to get to know some of the great award winning Irish spirits available in our bar. First 20 booked in are free. Early booking is essential. Call in to the bar and speak to Paul or email [email protected]

1st March from 5:30pm - TEELING

  • Our friends from Teeling will be offering all you whisky lovers a chance to taste some of their finest “SPIRIT OF DUBLIN”.

8th March from 5:30pm - JAMESONS

  • We hand over to one of Irelands most popular brands to introduce some great tastes from Caskmates, Redbreast, Yellow and Green Spot to say a few.

10th March from 5:30pm - DINGLE

  • Artisan pot still Gin and Vodka ANSEO. We will be offering a chance to find your perfect Gin or Vodka pairing along with some Irish food. This will be followed by Ireland V Wales which will be on in both bars.

13th - 17th March - St Patricks Day Week

  • We will be offering promotions all week long especially on the 17th. Our Leitrim manager will be offering the now WORLD FAMOUS DRUMSHANBO GUNPOWDER IRISH GIN. Every purchase gives you the chance to enter a draw for return flights to Ireland for 2. T+C APPLY

17th March - St Patricks Day

  • 8am to 3pm full Irish breakfast (booking only b4 12).
  • 12-3 Live music from our exceptionally talented Shaun Brennan and friends. Check him out on YouTube:
  • Baby Guinness promos, Bring in your Irish passport and get a free Fat Frog, Beef and Guinness Pies, Irish Bacon Rolls, Irish Crisps and Snacks and lots more.

The Porterhouse

porterhouse

Address: The Porterhouse, 21-22 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7NA

Website: www.theporterhouse.ie

Tel: 0207 379 7917

It might be the largest bar in London but it doesn't feel that way. Split up over 12 different levels, the Porterhouse in Covent Garden can be as big or as intimate as you want it to be.

Let the fast pace of London pass you by as you sit and down the finest stout brewed in the world. That’s official!

So obsessed with its, The Porterhouse doesn’t simply brew under licence and claim Irish roots - it actually hand crafts its beer in Dublin, loads it onto a ship, waves goodbye and waits anxiously for its arrival in one of the world’s great capital cities.

No shamrocks or shalaylees here - simply a truly awesome Irish bar with genuine Irish beers, fine food and when it gets a little bit later in the evening you may pop down to the basement bar to enjoy some of London's best live music.

But don't just think of The Posterhouse as a fantastic beer bar because it also have some fantastic wines on offer.

The Churchill Arms

churchill-arms

Address: The Churchill Arms, 119 Kensington Church Street, London W8 7LN

Website: www.churchillarmskensington.co.uk

Tel: 020 7727 4242

The Churchill Arms was built way back in 1750, making it one of the older, more historic pubs in London and it is now run by proud Clare man Gerry O'Brien.

In the 1800s, Winston Churchill's Grandparents were regular visitors - which eventually led to the naming of the pub after World War II.

Step inside today and you'll find plenty of Churchill memorabilia hanging from the walls.

The pub has other claims to fame too, and is known as the first pub in London to serve Thai food.

It also gained recognition through its beautiful flower displays, and is one of very few pubs that can claim to be a Chelsea flower show winner.