In case you missed the green-clad masses descending on Trafalgar Square last Sunday, you'll be pleased to know that it's St Patrick's day on 17 March, meaning that tomorrow the capital will be full of people drinking Guinness, wearing funny hats and pretending to be at least a little bit Irish. Here are our suggestions for decent pubs to celebrate:
The Cheshire Cheese, Temple. Tucked away in the alleys opposite the Royal Courts of Justice, this friendly pub isn't Irish-themed but its owners (who definitely are) ensure a warm welcome and plenty of craic.
The Auld Shillelagh, Stoke Newington. Nominated as the best Irish pub in North London (at least according to the Hostelbookers website) this lively venue is offering live music and traditional food for St Patrick's day.
The Corrib Rest, Hendon. Open until 2am, you'll find regular live music sets and a lack of pretentious people in Guinness hats, or so our Facebook followers promise!
Porterhouse, Covent Garden. This offshoot of a Dublin staple isn't the place for a quiet drink, but the fact they brew their own stout and stock a hefty range of beers makes it a great option for those averse to Guinness.
Hennessy’s, Aldgate. If the weather is pleasant then the festivities at this Aldgate pub will spill out onto the roof garden, but if not you can console yourself with free canapés.
The Lamb Tavern, Leadenhall Market. If you're near Leadenhall Market then the Lamb's outside Guinness bar might make for a good stop-off, particularly as there'll be live fiddler music throughout the day.
The Crown, Cricklewood. Set in a traditionally Irish area of London, this large venue offers a lively atmosphere as well as free Irish newspapers for when you want something a bit more relaxing.
Sheephaven Bay, Camden. Named after a spot in County Donegal, this pub and its Irish staff get consistently good reviews.
Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith. From 7pm there will be a lively programme of music featuring classic London-formed band 'Le Cheile', as well as the latest big thing in Irish music 'Beoga'. Tickets are £18 (£15 concessions) and there is a licensed bar in the venue.
The Water Poet, Spitalfields. Ok, so it's not an Irish bar but they'll be serving Guinness sticky toffee pudding on the 17th, which sounds like a great excuse to indulge in some alcoholic sugary goodness.
Our friends at Fancyapint.com also have a list of 'top boozers with an Irish heart', with a little overlap from above:
- Harp
(Covent Garden, London)
Winner of CAMRA's Best in Britain Award and a great little pub with a vast range of fine beers and a hearty welcome.
- Churchill Arms
(Notting Hill, London)
Famous pub in Notting Hill, where Jerry, the gregarious landlord provides top-notch beers and Guinness with Thai food.
- Quinn's
(Camden, London)
Large, friendly pub boasting an amazing selection of beer on tap and in bottles, overseen by its legendary Irish governor.
- Tipperary
(Fleet Street, London)
The first Irish pub in London and 400 years old, with a welcoming interior and a fine pint of Guinness.
- Porterhouse
(Strand, London)
If Guinness isn't your tipple, there's three other stouts on tap as well as dozens of real ales and lagers.
- Toucan
(Soho, London)
A tiny Irish bar in the heart of Soho with a good drop of Guinness, where you can rub shoulders with media moguls and screen stars.
- Filthy McNasty's Whiskey Cafe
(Angel, London)
An unusual, but welcoming watering hole offering a variety of live music, djs, poetry, Guinness and, of course, Irish Whiskey.
- Top O' The Morning
(Hackney Wick, London)
For a real Irish local, next to Victoria Park in Bow - offering a warm welcome and a decent drop of the black stuff.
- The Corrib Rest
(Kilburn, London)
Huge Irish pub with regular live music and excellent Guinness on tap.
- Dog & Bell
(Deptford, London)
Friendly service and a relaxed atmosphere amongst the locals are the order of the day and a lovely pint of stout and quality real ales.
Have any other suggestions — particularly south of the river? Share them in the comments section.
