8 Authentic Irish Pubs in London for St. Patrick’s Celebrations 2025
St. Patrick’s Day in London is so much more than just shamrocks and pints of Guinness, it’s a celebration with deep roots, bursting with Irish pride, music, and culture. From the early days of county parades organised by Irish migrants in the 1950s to the modern-day celebrations centered around Trafalgar Square, the spirit of the Emerald Isle has left its mark on the city.
Today, Londoners and visitors come together to keep that spirit alive with an exciting line-up of events that blend tradition with a modern twist. Think lively parades, toe-tapping Irish dancing, pub crawls serving hearty Irish fare, and a sea of green sweeping through the city streets.
Make the most of your this year trip by booking direct with Imperial London Hotels - where the best rate and flexible stays come guaranteed.
A group of friends in festive green hats toast with mugs of green beer, celebrating St. Patrick's Day.
A Quick Guide to St Patrick’s Day 2026 in London
The big day lands on Tuesday, 17 March 2026, but the party kicks off early with the parade on Sunday, 15 March 2026. Starting at 11am from Hyde Park Corner, the colourful procession makes its way to Trafalgar Square, where the celebration continues with a full-on festival from 12pm to 6pm. Think lively floats, street performers, traditional Irish music, and enough green to make even the most sceptical Londoner feel a bit Irish. It’s one of those events where you’ll find yourself clapping, dancing, and even pretending you can do a proper jig, all in the name of St Paddy’s cheer.
A few tips to make the most of it:
Plan for pubs: They fill fast. If you are hoping to grab a table at a hotspot, booking in advance is a smart move. Otherwise, aim to arrive before peak hours to catch a prime spot.
Transport made easy: Bloomsbury is perfectly located - hop on the Tube and you’re minutes from Soho, Shoreditch, London Bridge, and all the top Irish pubs around town.
Take it slow: The day is long, and with music, dancing, and plenty of Guinness to sample, pacing yourself is key.
What Makes a Great St Patrick’s Day Pub?
Not all pints of Guinness are created equal, and the right pub can make or break your day. Here’s what to look for when planning your St Paddy’s pub crawl:
Quality of Guinness: Obvious, but critical. A proper pint is worth the detour.
- Atmosphere & Trad Music. Think lively, friendly, authentic vibes, bonus points for live Irish bands and dancing.
- Location & Accessibility: Easy to reach from Bloomsbury or the West End. Minimal Tube stress, maximum fun.
- St Patrick’s Programming: Live bands, DJs, food specials and early openings.
Your Ultimate St Patrick’s Day 2026 Pub Crawl in London
1. Waxy O’Connor’s – Soho
Location: Soho, Central London
Why It’s Great: Iconic, huge, atmospheric, a labyrinth of interconnecting rooms and quirky décor.
Vibe Check: Part Irish pub, part enchanted forest.
Looking for something unique and historic?
Waxy O'Connor's should be on your list. Named after legendary Dublin candlemaker Finbar “Waxy” O’Connor, this award-winning pub sprawls across six levels and four bars. With live music, hearty Irish dishes, and a friendly buzz, it’s a proper St Patrick’s Day playground.
Keep an eye out for the stunning beech tree centrepiece, hand-carved as a nod to its Irish roots and its community spirit in wood form! After a pint or three, stroll back to the
Bedford Hotel in Bloomsbury for a comfy bed to recover.
2. The Toucan – Soho
Location: Soho
Why It’s Great: Legendary Guinness, loyal crowd, tiny yet bursting with charm.
Vibe Check: Cosy, buzzing, with a reputation for “best pint in London.”
The Toucan has a history in its walls from 1960s Greek restaurant La Roca to Knuckles Bar, where London’s young musicians, including Jimi Hendrix, found their stage. In 1994, Colin Taylor opened it as the Guinness haven we know today. Small but lively, it’s packed with character, traditional charm, and the perfect spot for St Patrick’s Day. Expect flowing pints, friendly banter, and an atmosphere that feels straight out of Dublin.
When the night winds down, head to
City Sleeper Hotel in nearby Bloomsbury for a seamless stay. From contactless check-in and superspeed Wi-Fi to hearty breakfasts and blackout curtains, City Sleeper ensures comfort is just as memorable as your evening out.
3. The Auld Shillelagh – Stoke Newington
Location: Stoke Newington
Why It’s Great: Consistently voted one of London’s most authentic Irish pubs.
Vibe Check: Tiny, traditional, packed with energy, and brimming with friendly chatter.
Tiny when it opened in 1991, this pub started with a bar, a few stools, and a dartboard on the loo door, but a dream to pour perfect pints. Over 30 years later, it’s three times the length, with a sunny beer garden, weekly live music, and big screens for all the sports. Guinness fans rave that it’s the best in North London. St Patrick’s Day celebrations feel like one long, happy Irish family gathering.
4. . Mc & Sons – Southwark
Location: Southwark
Why It’s Great: Thai-Irish fusion pub, unusual but unforgettable.
Vibe Check: Lively, quirky, a pint with a twist.
Mc & Sons feels like a step back in time, a proper Irish pub in Southwark, with walls covered in family photos and the occasional Mc Elhinney behind the bar. By day, it’s relaxed, serving Thai street food and pints in snug corners. By night, it transforms into a lively Irish music hub, pouring some of the best Guinness in London. St Patrick’s Day? Expect music, laughter, and a warm, welcoming vibe that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled straight into a Southwark pub straight from the Emerald Isle.
5. Skehans – Nunhead
Location: Nunhead
Why It’s Great: Warm, local, Irish-run spot with live music.
Vibe Check: Friendly, welcoming, authentic.
One of South London’s few remaining family-run pubs, full of character, it boasts a wood-burning stove, pool table, darts, and six nights of live music a week. With a hidden garden out back and a Thai restaurant next door, it’s a pub of surprises. On St Patrick’s Day, the atmosphere comes alive: Guinness in hand, music ringing out, and that welcoming, local charm that makes every pint taste like a proper celebration.
6. The Faltering Fullback – Finsbury Park
Location: Finsbury Park
Why It’s Great: Lively crowd, quirky layout, community favourite.
Once a quiet backstreet pub, The Faltering Fullback has grown into one of Finsbury Park’s most loved Irish locals. Dating back to the 19th century and renamed in 1994, it really found its stride when Patrick Fitzsimons took over in 2001, backed by his family from West Limerick. Today, it’s famous for big match days, live music, quiz nights, and a buzzing crowd. St Patrick’s Day here is pure craic, packed, lively, and full of friendly faces.
7. Gibney’s London – Old Street
Location: Old Street
Why It’s Great: Modern Irish bar with excellent stout & events.
Vibe Check: Contemporary, buzzing, perfect for a younger crowd.
At Gibney’s, Irish hospitality comes first. Founded by Tony Gibney, Richard Corrigan, and John Nugent, this Old Street favourite blends the warmth of a traditional Irish pub with the energy of a modern London bar. It’s a melting pot of pints, live music, sport, and good time especially on St Patrick’s Day, when the atmosphere is lively, welcoming, and full of craic. Head upstairs to Daffodil Mulligan for open-flame Irish cooking and inventive small plates if your celebrations call for something a little extra.
After celebrating in true Irish style, wind down at the
Tavistock Hotel in Bloomsbury. Located near Russell Square station, this historic hotel offers modern comfort, the relaxing
Woolf & Whistle bar, and is in a prime location just steps from
Tavistock Square Gardens. It’s the perfect complement to a lively night out.
8. Sheephaven Bay – Camden
Location: Camden
Why It’s Great: Sports hub, GAA crowd, top-notch energy.
Vibe Check: Active, fun-loving, full of fans.
For high-energy St Patrick’s Day vibes, Sheephaven Bay delivers. Sitting proudly in Camden, this Irish pub is known for its passionate sports crowd, especially during GAA fixtures. Add proper pints, loud cheers, and a welcoming, no-frills atmosphere, and you’ve got a pub that fills up fast on the big day. It’s lively, social, and unapologetically fun, great if you like your Guinness served with a side of sporting drama.
Complete your evening with a stay at the
Morton Hotel, just moments from Russell Square. This boutique retreat features charming furnishings inspired by the Bloomsbury Group, a cosy
Library Bar, and indulgent breakfasts featuring fluffy pancakes and freshly prepared dishes.
Bonus Pub: The London Pub
While not an Irish pub,
The London Pub is for anyone looking to enjoy a more classic yet modern pub experience in the heart of the city. Known for its hearty British pub food, and an atmosphere perfect to unwind after a day of parade.
Why It’s Great: TLP pint starting at just £5.45, good selection of pub food, modern decor and outdoor beer garden (with heaters).
Vibe Check: British pub with a welcoming, homely atmosphere. For those wanting a more laid-back pub experience away from the Irish-themed festivities.
A festive crowd in green hats gathers behind barriers for a St. Patrick's Day parade with Irish flags.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade in London
The St. Patrick's Day Parade in London officially began in the 1950s, organised by the Irish County Associations that had been established to support Irish migrants. These parades featured participants marching under their county banners and were often followed by religious services at prominent cathedrals like Westminster Cathedral or St. George's Cathedral in Southwark.
- How to Make the Most of St Patrick’s Day 2026
St Patrick’s Day in London is good fun, but it does reward require a little planning. Here’s how to enjoy the pints, the parades, and the craic without spending half the day queueing.
- When to Arrive (to avoid queues)
If you are heading to a popular Irish pub, earlier is better. Many places start filling up by mid-afternoon, especially in Soho and Camden. Aim for late morning or early lunchtime if you want a seat or at least space to lift your pint without elbow negotiations.
- What to Expect (Yes, it will be busy)
Let’s be honest, St Patrick’s Day is not a quiet pint kind of day. Expect busy pubs, queues at the bar, and standing room only in the best spots. Take a tip from the locals: go in with the mindset of embracing the buzz, not fighting it. The atmosphere is half the fun.
Leave the car at home. The Tube is your best friend, with frequent services across central London and late-night options to get you home safely. Bloomsbury gives you easy access to Soho (15 mins walk), Trafalgar Square (20 mins walk), Camden, Shoreditch, and the South Bank, all prime St. Paddy’s Day territory. Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended.
- Staying Safe & Comfortable
Stick together, set a meeting point just in case, and keep phones charged (portable chargers are a lifesaver). Drink water between pints, grab food when you can, and don’t rush the day St Patrick’s celebrations are a marathon, not a sprint.
- Where to Eat Between Pubs
Refuelling is essential. Around Bloomsbury, you’ll find everything from quick comfort food to relaxed sit-down spots like Poppadom Indian Kitchen for a meal full of flavour, Botanica for seasonal British food and Blooms Coffee and Pizza for that on-the-go slice.
Soho offers endless options for a pre-pint bite, Camden is great for casual street food, and Shoreditch has plenty of crowd-pleasing eats to keep energy levels up between rounds.
A person sits on a green sofa reading a newspaper, with a dog on a leash seated beside them.
Your Bloomsbury Base for St Patrick’s Day
Staying in Bloomsbury puts you right in the middle of the action - with fast connections to Soho, Camden, King’s Cross, and the South Bank, making it easy to hop between pubs without the stress.
Where to stay:
- Royal National Hotel – Ideal for groups and friends travelling together. Big rooms, great value, and a lively atmosphere.
- City Sleeper at Royal National Hotel – Modern, comfortable, and just steps from the Tube for easy late-night returns.
- President, Bedford & Tavistock Hotels – Classic, central, and dependable favourites with warm welcomes and excellent value.
- Morton Hotel – A boutique stays hotel with heritage charm, perfect if you’re after something a little quieter after a big day of celebrating.
St. Patrick’s Day in London is an experience for your bucket list, and these authentic Irish pubs make it even better. Whether you’re sipping Guinness at The Porterhouse, dancing to live music at Waxy O’Connor’s, or simply soaking in the lively atmosphere, you’re guaranteed a shamrockin’ good time. So, grab your green hats and start planning your St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
St Patrick’s Day in London FAQs
What is the best Irish pub in London for St Patrick’s Day?
It depends on the vibe you’re after from iconic Soho spots to local favourites in Camden and South London, there’s no shortage of great options.
Do London’s Irish pubs get crowded on St Paddy’s Day?
Yes, very. Expect busy bars from early afternoon onwards, especially in central London.
Where is the St Patrick’s Day parade in 2026?
The parade takes place on Sunday, 15 March 2026, starting at 11am from Hyde Park Corner and ending at Trafalgar Square, followed by a festival from 12pm to 6pm.
Can you book tables at Irish pubs for St Patrick’s Day?
Some pubs offer bookings, but many work on a walk-in basis. Booking ahead or arriving early is your best bet.
What time should I arrive?
Late morning or early afternoon gives you the best chance of avoiding queues.
Which Irish pubs are closest to Bloomsbury?
Soho favourites like The Toucan and Waxy O’Connor’s are just a short Tube ride away, while North London pubs such as Faltering Fullback and Sheephaven Bay are easily reached via the Northern/Victoria line.