St Patrick's Day 2025: 10 of the best Irish pubs in London to visit on St Paddy's Day

It’s St Patrick’s Day, and if there’s one thing London knows how to do well, it’s throw a proper knees-up in honour of the Emerald Isle. Whether you're donning your finest green attire or simply after a creamy pint of Guinness and a spot of toe-tapping live music, the capital’s Irish pubs are ready to welcome you with open arms, warm craic, and possibly a fiddler or two.

But don’t worry if you miss the big day, these pubs are a joy all year round. So grab your mates, raise a glass, and check out our pick of the 10 best Irish pubs in London. Sláinte!

1. The Toucan – Soho

Closest Tube: Oxford Circus / Tottenham Court Road

Tiny, charming, and entirely obsessed with Guinness (they even have Guinness memorabilia in the toilets), The Toucan is a Soho institution. The pint here is often rumoured to be one of the best in London, and it’s the kind of spot where you’ll happily find yourself chatting to a stranger at the bar before the night is out.

2. Waxy O’Connor’s – Soho

Closest Tube: Piccadilly Circus

Step inside and prepare to be amazed—this pub is a maze of winding staircases, hidden nooks, stained glass windows and even a full-grown tree in the middle. It’s like Narnia, but with Guinness. A lively spot for St Patrick’s Day, Waxy’s also has live music and a brilliant party atmosphere year-round.

3. The Auld Shillelagh – Stoke Newington

Closest Tube: Stoke Newington (Overground) or Arsenal (Tube)

Regularly voted one of the best Irish pubs outside of Ireland, this North London gem is small but mighty. The Guinness flows like poetry, the staff are legends, and if there’s a big game on, you can bet this place will be heaving with energy and good vibes.

4. The Sheephaven Bay – Camden

Closest Tube: Mornington Crescent

Tucked away just off Camden High Street, The Sheephaven Bay is a cozy, football-mad spot with a big heart. Expect hearty Irish breakfasts, warm wooden interiors, and one of the best outdoor beer gardens for when the sun makes a rare appearance.

5. The Faltering Fullback – Finsbury Park

Closest Tube: Finsbury Park

This one’s a cult favourite for a reason. With ivy-covered exteriors, a mad multi-level beer garden (like a treehouse for grown-ups), and a buzzing sports-bar-meets-community-hub vibe, The Faltering Fullback is a place you’ll visit once and keep coming back to.

6. The Porterhouse – Covent Garden

Closest Tube: Covent Garden

Three floors of Irish beer heaven. This massive pub is actually run by Porterhouse Brewing Co. from Dublin, so expect a wide selection of craft beers as well as that iconic Guinness. Add in live bands, a buzzing crowd, and a central location, and you’ve got yourself a great night out.

7. The Claddagh Ring – Hendon

Closest Tube: Hendon Central

If you’re craving an authentic, no-nonsense Irish boozer with proper trad sessions and Gaelic football on the big screen, head north to The Claddagh Ring. It’s a cornerstone of London’s Irish community and absolutely comes alive on St Paddy’s.

8. The Devonshire House – Crouch End

Closest Tube: Highgate or Finsbury Park

This family-run spot is a warm, welcoming pub with a loyal local following. Think big Sunday roasts, proper Irish breakfasts, quiz nights, and a pint so smooth it could sing you a ballad. It’s also a great one for catching the rugby or GAA with a lively crowd.

9. Skehans Free House – Nunhead

Closest Tube: Nunhead or Peckham Rye (Overground)

South London’s best-kept secret, Skehans is as much about character as it is about craic. There’s karaoke, darts, pool, an eclectic jukebox, and a fantastic garden out back. The Guinness? Top notch. The vibe? Unpretentious, friendly, and full of charm.

10. The Blythe Hill Tavern – Forest Hill

Closest Tube: Forest Hill (Overground)

A true hidden gem, this traditional Irish pub has a wonderful old-school charm. The Guinness is poured to perfection, the bar staff know everyone by name, and if you’re after a quiet pint away from the crowds, this is your spot.

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