Irish Pubs in London, the best spots

What are the best Irish pubs in London?

• Waxy O'Connors 
• O’Neill’s Bar London
• The Porterhouse
• Philomena’s Irish Bar & Cafe
• The Sheephaven Bay
• Auld Shillelagh
• The Faltering Fullback
• The Claddagh Ring
• Blythe Hill Tavern

Waxy O’Connor’s

Waxy O'Connor's is one of the best Irish pubs in central London, named after a candle maker from Dublin. Four bars are spread over six levels of extravagant decor with cosy corners, carved wooden furnishings and quirky tiled floor. There is also live music you can enjoy four nights a week. Try a range of beers such as Guinness, Caffreys and Chieftain Irish Pale Ale while you enjoy delicious pub grub. With three large TV screens, it is the perfect place for sports fans to enjoy football, rugby and GAA.

How to get there ?
Yellow route : Hop off at stop #1, Coventry Street
Green route : Hop off at stop #38, Wyndham's Theatre

O’Neill’s Bar London

O’Neill’s Bar on Wardour Street was the original Irish bar in Soho. It is ideal for a quick pint in central London or you can book a table and drinks package if you are celebrating with family and friends. You never have to miss a Premier of UEFA league game with the latest live sporting events on TV, or you can soak up the eclectic mix of live bands. Try a traditional Irish breakfast or grab a bite to eat for lunch from just £7.75 every day. Choose from a range of Irish or American whiskeys, stouts, craft ales, cocktails, wine or beer whilst enjoying live bands and the dynamic atmosphere.

How to get there ?
Yellow route : Hop off at stop #1, Coventry Street
Green route : Hop off at stop #38, Wyndham's Theatre

The Porterhouse

Sample whiskey from around the world from the dedicated whiskey menu at The Porterhouse in Covent Garden. The pub is split over three levels with mezzanine floors in between and you can enjoy live music in the basement on some weeknights. The Irish beer is handcrafted in Dublin and shipped over to central London and the atmosphere is great for sports and beer lovers. Tuck into pub classics, sandwiches, weekend brunch and more and sit back, relax and chill out to whiskey jazz sessions.

How to get there ?
Yellow route : Hop off at stop #2, Trafalgar Square
Green route : Hop off at stop#39, St Martin's in the Field

Philomena’s Irish Bar & Cafe

Watch whatever sport whenever you want to at Philomena’s Irish Bar in London. This friendly Irish sports bar in Covent Garden has 10 TVs to broadcast sports and you can enjoy delicious food and table service. Tuck-in to sharing platters, traditional Irish pub food, breakfasts, Sunday roasts and vegan options, served every day from 9am. You can grab a great pint of Guinness while you watch your favourite sports with friends or family and the friendly staff make it a great spot for sports lovers to cheer on their team.

How to get there ?
Green and Yellow routes : Hop off at stop #5, Covent Garden

The Sheephaven Bay

If you are looking for Irish pubs in Camden Town, London, head to The Sheephaven Bay off Camden High Street. With all the charm of a traditional Irish pub, this is the perfect spot for sports fans, with 14 TV screens, a dartboard and plenty of signed sports memorabilia. Chill out on sofas in The Saloon, sit by the open fire in The Lounge or enjoy a spot of alfresco dining in the cosy beer garden. The Sheephaven Bay serves traditional pub food, a great Sunday roast and some classic Irish dishes. You will always be entertained with live sports, quiz nights on a Monday and you can leave an old book behind and take a new one from the book exchange.

How to get there ?
Green route : Hop off at stop #43, St Pancras Station

Auld Shillelagh

Auld Shillelagh was the winner of the ‘Most Irish Pub Outside of Ireland’, and it’s easy to see why. With a warm and friendly atmosphere, a reputation for serving the best Guinness in London and a distinctly Irish feel, the hospitable staff treat you more like a friend than a customer. Although it looks small, this traditional Irish pub in Stoke Newington stretches right back and has a beer garden which is a great sun trap. They don’t serve food, but there is a great selection of beers and irish whiskeys and the warm atmosphere makes up for not always getting a seat.

The Faltering Fullback

Tucked away behind Finsbury Park in North London, The Faltering Fullback has a lively atmosphere and is almost always full. There is wood panelled seating outside and the beer garden spans over a series of decks and secluded areas. Indoors you can taste some delicious Thai food from 6.30pm every day, while you sit back and enjoy the entertainment. Monday is quiz night, there is live acoustic music every Sunday, open mic nights and the stage is often graced by an Irish folk band.

The Claddagh Ring

If you fancy taking a 45-minute tube ride from central London to Hendon, The Claddagh Ring will welcome you with open arms. This Irish pub in London is open every day until late and it is a great local pub with a cosy atmosphere and good sized meals. Breakfast is served every day or you can head there for lunch, dinner or a Sunday roast. If you are driving for a meal with friends or family, there are parking facilities available.

Blythe Hill Tavern

Although it will take you around 30 minutes to reach from central London, Blythe Hill Tavern in Forest Hill is definitely worth a visit. The warm and homely atmosphere in this traditional corner pub makes it a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life and it is usually full of locals. Join in with the Monday night quiz, watch local musicians playing Irish music on a Thursday or relax in the beer garden on a sunny weekend. Watch a range of sporting events on TV including horse racing, golf and football whilst you enjoy a great beer. Snack on crisps or nuts whilst sipping on real ales or niche cider on regular rotation.

After enjoying a pint of Guinness, watching your favourite sports team and enjoying live music in London's best Irish pubs, discover London's oldest pubs.