If you’re the type of person who really favours great company and great ales on tap – then you’ve come to the right place. Traditionally different, forever friendly and brimming with Irish Champagne (that's a pint of Guinness to you and I), you’re sure to enjoy the spirit of the Emerald Isle in our guide to the best Irish pubs in London.
Last edited by Kiera Chapman
Last updated on 3rd October 2024
Boasting outposts all across the capital, O'Neill's pubs echo the warm hospitality of a classic Irish boozer. Each and every venue showcases trendy decor, plus many also host live music events and epic sports screenings. Plus you can get stuck into elevated pub grub washed down with cocktails or beer.
With live trad Irish sessions three evenings a week and an incredible selection of beer and wine, Sir Colin Campbell is a great Irish pub in North London. Head here to find an intimate atmosphere, fun and delicious seasonal plates.
This venue is a labyrinth of bars, linked by different staircases, ornate wooden decorations and the famous 250ft tree shipped in from Ireland. Check out Waxy's charming decor, complete with beautiful stain glass windows and huge wooden beams, as you drink like a king.
McGettigan's is a West London's hub for all things Irish. Serving up everything from traditional Irish dishes and pub grub classics to some of the finest Guinness in England, it's the place to sit back, relax and watch a game or two on the screens.
Comfy sofas, open fire and a relaxing vibe make this a great place to meet friends, grab a quick drink or settle in for the evening. Snuggle up on one of the plush leather sofas and enjoy a chat over a top-notch Irish coffee.
Located on Hoxton High Street, Howl at the Moon is a fun and lively Irish pub where booking is almost always essential. A buzzing, cosy and cool space littered in beer mats, plants and friendly faces, it's perfect for after-work drinks and grub and East London beers on tap.
For a lively evening packed with tradition and good vibes, look no further than MC & Son's in Vauxhall. This Irish pub is steeped in history, with the walls lined with photos of the McElhinney family through the years and a cosy atmosphere that invites you to stay awhile. Live music every Saturday and a cheeky 2am lock-in make it the ultimate weekend hangout! Plus, their menu offers a fun twist with Thai snacks like Chiang Mai chicken (£8) and Khao Soi curry and chips (£7). A perfect mix of pints and plates.
Nancy Spains is a modern Irish pub in the heart of Shoreditch, stylistically mixing the Prohibition era with the East's quirkiness. Offering live music every week, DJ nights on Fridays and Saturdays, plus a tempting 2-4-1 happy hour, this haunt is set to be your new favourite. Whether you're on the hunt for authentic whisky or are thirsty for a signature tipple like a Barry's Pornstar (blending the classic with an East 8 Hold Up), you'll find everything you need and more here, including moreish Dominican food from resident chefs Boca Chica.
Founded by Aaron Wall and the home of Modern Irish Hospitality, Homeboy Islington offers the warm welcome you'd experience in any pub or bar in Ireland. Whether you're in the mood for whiskey, Guinness or a stiff drink, you'll find it all here... with authentic grub to soak it all up.
With a plethora of Guinness taps and Celtic dishes, mixed with music and a buzzy atmosphere, this venue is a great pick. Expect a lively atmosphere and quirky fairylit decor, often in the shape of large and colourful toucans.
After the best Irish pubs in London with live music? Brogan's can be found on Fulham Broadway and boasts 4 widescreen TVs, entertainment, a full menu of scrummy food, and a gorgeous rustic interior. Think cosy booths, bare brick walls and stunning stained glass windows.
A top Irish pub in North London, The Faltering Fullback isn't your traditional stop off. With anything and everything hanging from the ceiling, from bikes to hockey sticks to acoustic guitars, as well as footie on the big screen and a bustling beer garden, it's one to soak up that charming spirit.
With its beer garden, Guinness and big screens for watching sport, The Auld Shillelagh is a great Irish pub. It's been nestled in the heart of Stoke Newington for over 20 years so your drink is in good hands - these guys have been refining for quite a while.
Not for the traditionalists, this faux-Irish pub in Notting Hill is a great spot for a refreshing pint of Guinness and a trendy venue that hangs antlers from the ceiling. Head downstairs for your tavern feel or enjoy the shabby-chic vibes on the ground floor, complete with a vast selection of oysters and clams.
