Guide to the best Irish pubs in London

Waxy O'Connor's, named after the famous candle maker from Dublin, Finbar O'Connor, is one of the capital's most famous Irish pubs. It's a labyrinth of four bars set across six floors and is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality and signature Waxy's tree located in the heart of the pub. It has an excellent selection of drinks and has garnered popularity amongst whiskey drinkers since it stocks a wide selection of whiskey from Ireland. As you might expect, they go all out for St Patrick's Day, hosting live music performances, giveaways, copious amounts of Guinness and plenty of craic.

Opened in 2024, Nancy Spains is an Irish pub in Shoreditch that's a big celebration of Irish culture. Inspired by bootlegging, the bar serves an extensive range of Irish whiskeys as well as Irish stout and creative cocktails. Snacks are on offer if you get peckish and the venue regularly has live music on to keep the vibrant atmosphere going.

Reopened in 2024 after a long absence, The Tipperary is London's oldest Irish pub and was the first in the world outside of Ireland to serve Guinness. It's a traditional and lively wood-panelled venue with a classic appearance. Pop in for a drink or enjoy budget-friendly pub food in here, including boiled bacon and cabbage, pies, and a signature burger.

This narrow pub on Stoke Newington's Church Street is hailed as one of the most authentic Irish pubs in the world (outside of Ireland, that is). It may look tiny from the outside and narrow inside, but it can fit a sizeable number of people, especially when spilling out into the rear beer garden. There have live music and sports showing regularly, and they claim to pour one of the best pints of Guinness in the city. But we'll let you be the judge of that.

Bop to the sound of trad music and thick Irish accents at this Irish pub in Kilburn. It’s been a hub for traditional Irish folk music for the past 30 years and hosts weekend music nights featuring musicians from around the country and Ireland in an intimate and welcoming setting. They’re also pretty big on sport, showing live matches on the big screens dotted throughout the pub and have a weekly quiz to keep the brain sharp. Enjoy pasta by Pasta Evangelist washed down with independent craft cider or a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.

The Boston Arms is a traditional, family-owned Victorian pub in North London, renowned amongst the Irish community for its authentic vibe and charm. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to music here; they have live Irish music playing on Saturday nights, and it’s located next door to two other music venues, so it is the perfect pre or post-gig spot to enjoy a pint of frothy Guinness.

This Irish pub near Camden Town’s vibrant high street is a sporting hub with walls pasted with signed Celtic memorabilia and 14 screens showing all important matches. It’s widely known for being a hub for Spanish football in Camden, ensuring they show all major tournaments on the big screen. The food menu remains true to classic British boozer vibes, with a menu chock full of the classics like fish and chips, ham and chips and chunky sandwiches.

Mc & Sons was first established in 1998, which makes it relatively new compared to its somewhat ancient Irish siblings. It's popular within the expat community, drawing Irish folk from all corners of the city, as well as friendly locals. Their beer menu is impressive and they serve a menu of tasty Thai fare, like crispy fried tofu with tangy pickles and a jungle curry that might be too spicy for amateur chilli eaters. One of their dishes even won a competition and was transformed into a Gousto meal.

This traditional Irish pub can be found between Seven Sisters and Tottenham Hale and is jam-packed with classic Irish craic. Inside you’ll find a pool table and dart board as well as a legendary painting of the pub owners riding a horse through the Irish countryside. Expect all the classic beers on tap, as well as countless perfectly poured pints of Guinness.

Headed up by legendary landlord Pat Quinn until he passed in 2017, Quinn’s in Camden Town remains a favourite amongst the city’s Irish community. The bright yellow and navy blue façade ensures you won’t miss the entrance, and inside, there’s an old-school feel, with terracotta-coloured walls, a dark mahogany bar and tall velvet-topped bar stools.

This legendary Irish pub is inspired by old Guinness advertisements featuring various animals, including the Guinness-loving toucan. The pub opened in 1994 and has remained a local favourite ever since. Today it’s a traditional Irish pub kitted out with more Guinness memorabilia than you probably knew existed. The small interior means that during the warmer months, people spill out to drink on the streets. Multiple Guinness taps line the bar, sitting side-by-side with other beers.

The Faltering Fullback is one for the sports enthusiasts amongst us; situated right behind Finsbury Park in Arsenal F.C territory and home to an array of screens showing the hottest matches. They also host a timetable of entertainment, including a famous Fullback quiz, open mic nights and acoustic sessions. The leafy pub garden is also a lush spot to sink a pint or two.

Blythe Hill Tavern is an award-winning traditional Victorian pub between Forest Hill and Catford. It’s gained popularity amongst locals and serves an eclectic menu of drinks, which has won them awards over the years, including real ales, lesser-known ciders and a selection of exciting beers. Oh, and Guinness, obvs. Although they don’t serve food, they do have crisps and nuts to nibble on. Plus, there's always something going on to keep you entertained, from live music performances and quizzes to sports screenings.

Picture your classic London boozer, and an image of this traditional Irish pub on Hoxton Street will probably pop into your mind. It features oversized windows and expansive wooden floors and serves a rotating selection of niche beers, real ale and cider. It wouldn't be an Irish pub without traditional live Irish music, which they have plenty of on the weekends.

The Cow is an Anglo-Irish pub in leafy Notting Hill headed by restaurateur Tom Conran. Its claim to be the number one destination for Guinness and oysters is reasonably well backed up, with a sizeable shellfish menu and a perfectly poured pint of the black stuff. You can enjoy your wining and dining session in the furnished saloon or dining room; both feature bright murals by artist Paul Slater.

This Covent Garden-based pub is one of London's biggest bars, spread across several floors with a bustling atmosphere. They opened in Dublin in 1996 and the bar in Covent Garden followed shortly in 2000. They host a timetable of live music performances and serve an eclectic menu of draft and craft beer. They're also renowned for their extensive collection of Irish, American and Scottish whiskeys, best enjoyed alongside one of their comforting, classic British pub dishes like fish and chips or a juicy burger.

Waxy O'Connor's busy warrens can be a bit much if you're just in the mood a relaxing drink with a few mates. Waxy's Little Sister is a charming Irish pub with cosy touches such as comfy sofas and glowing fireplaces. The drinking den spans two floors and boasts quite the assortment of Irish whiskeys, with the staff ready to help you find the right one for you. They do a mean Irish Coffee too.

The Devonshire in Soho opened in late 2023 and was designed by a pair of industry veterans as their dream pub. This includes beautifully furnished spaces, ambitious wood-ember grilling, an in-house aging room, an outdoor terrace, and more. One of the founders is particularly well-known for his fastidiousness when it comes to pouring Guinness, so this might well be the place to go for the most beautiful pint of the black stuff around.

Moments from Dalston Kingsland station, Burke's Warehouse is a modern and cosy Irish pub. There's a friendly atmosphere here, live sport is shown, and snacks and meals are available as well. A broad range of drinks are on offer too, plus there's a covered outdoor area decorated with old Guinness adverts.