With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, I set out on a mission to find the best Irish pubs in London for the perfect pint of Guinness and a proper celebration. Whether you’re looking for a lively, raucous party, a cosy, laid-back evening, or simply a spot that pours Guinness just right, there’s an Irish pub in London for you.

St. Patrick’s Day means different things to different people. For some, it’s a day to go all out, surrounded by music, laughter, and a sea of green. For others, it’s about soaking up the atmosphere over hearty Irish food and a few pints with friends. No matter how you choose to celebrate, one thing is certain—you’ll need a great pub to do it in.

To help you plan the perfect St. Patrick's Day weekend in London, I’ve put together a list of five incredible Irish pubs, each offering something unique.

Before I highlight my list I have rated my pubs based on teh following three principles:

1. Guinness quality - how well poured it is and its texture

2. Atmosphere and authenticity

3. St Patricks Day Events

While not every pub on this list is hosting official events, their unbeatable atmosphere, authenticity, and top-notch Guinness make them must-visits for St. Patrick’s weekend. Whether it’s traditional Irish food, live music, or unbeatable craic, These spots will ensure your these spots will make your St. Patrick’s Day one to remember.

The 5 Best Irish Pubs in London for St Patrick’s Day

1. The Devonshire – The Best Guinness in London?

Address: 17 Denman St, London W1D 7HW | www.devonshiresoho.co.uk

For a while now, The Devonshire has been making waves across social media as the go-to spot for the best Guinness in London. Unlike most pubs, the landlord went the extra mile—travelling to Ireland to bring back a dedicated Guinness draught system, completely separate from all other beers on tap.

Some might argue that Guinness is Guinness, no matter where it’s poured. But trust me—after one sip at The Devonshire, you’ll understand the difference. The Guinness here is ultra-creamy, rich, and velvety smooth, with just the right amount of silky sweetness to keep you coming back for more. Even my girlfriend, who’s not a big drinker (let alone a Guinness fan), was convinced enough to order a half-pint—something I never thought I’d see!

Another standout feature? They’re one of the few pubs in London that serves Guinness Zero on draught, so if you’re skipping alcohol but still want to join in the celebrations, you won’t feel left out.

The bar is run by a friendly team of Irish bartenders, and service is quick and efficient—a necessity, given how busy it gets. You’ll often spot rows of perfectly poured pints lined up on the bar, patiently waiting for their final top-up. While The Devonshire isn’t hosting any official St. Patrick’s Day events, expect it to be buzzing with Guinness lovers. Located in the heart of Piccadilly Circus, it’s the perfect stop for anyone on a St. Paddy’s pub crawl or looking to kick off the celebrations with a top-tier pint.

2. The Toucan – The Ultimate Guinness Experience

Address: 19 Carlisle St, London W1D 3BY | www.thetoucansoho.co.uk

One of my very first blog recommendations was The Toucan, where I crowned it the best Guinness experience in London—and that title still stands. Everything about The Toucan pays homage to Guinness. From the name and décor to the drinks menu, this Soho gem is a shrine to the black stuff. Step inside, and you’ll find walls covered in vintage Guinness memorabilia, creating an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and effortlessly cool.

But what really sets it apart? Guinness cocktails. Yes, you read that right—not Baby Guinness shots, but actual Guinness-based cocktails. Their menu includes classics like the Black Velvet (a luxurious mix of Guinness and Champagne) and the intriguingly named Velvet P**,** a bold fusion of Guinness and port. It might sound unusual, but trust me—it works.

The Toucan has a laid-back, unpretentious vibe, where you’ll often see people gathered outside, pints in hand, spilling onto the Soho streets. The crowd is a mix of locals, tourists, and even the occasional celebrity, making it a great spot for both people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere. While it’s not strictly an Irish bar, it still embraces Irish heritage, serving Tayto crisps and other nostalgic snacks.

It’s small, cosy, and effortlessly cool, making it the ultimate spot for a proper pint of Guinness in London. And with its prime Soho location, you’re in the perfect spot to continue the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations well into the night.

3. Shepherd and Flock – A Hidden Gem for Cheap Guinness

Address: 84 Goldhawk Rd, London W12 8HA

Tucked away near Shepherd’s Bush and Westfield, the Shepherd and Flock is a proper no-frills, old-school boozer that delivers character, history, and one of the cheapest pints of Guinness in London (outside of Wetherspoons). At first glance, its rough-around-the-edges exterior might not catch your eye, but step inside, and you’ll find a pub full of charm, warmth, and history.

Dating back to 1869, this one-room watering hole is steeped in West London’s Irish heritage. Shepherd’s Bush became home to many Irish labourers in the late 19th century, and by the 1960s, just four miles away in Park Royal, Britain’s Guinness brewery was producing a staggering 1.6 million barrels of stout at its peak. The area’s love affair with Guinness ran deep—so much so that by the 1980s, the famous Irish stout became the first-ever shirt sponsor of my beloved Queens Park Rangers (QPR), a club native to Shepherd’s Bush.

The Shepherd and Flock proudly honours this history, with Irish memorabilia lining the walls and classic Irish snacks behind the bar. It’s a go-to spot for QPR fans, as well as a fantastic hidden gem for anyone looking for a proper pint near Shepherd’s Bush Empire or Westfield.

And let’s talk about the Guinness. At just £5 a pint, it’s one of the best-priced pints you’ll find in London, and thankfully, it’s not just cheap—it’s damn good too. While you won’t find big St. Patrick’s Day events here, it’s a brilliant place to gather with mates, soak up some Irish hospitality, and enjoy a proper, affordable pint of the black stuff.

4. Sheephaven Bay – For Celtic Sports Lovers

Address: 2 Mornington St, London NW1 7QD | www.sheephavenbaycamden.co.uk

If you’re looking for a pub with a sporting edge, Sheephaven Bay is the place to be. Just off Camden High Street, it might look like a typical London pub from the outside, but step inside, and you’re instantly surrounded by a sea of Celtic and Irish sports memorabilia. From rugby jerseys to GAA scarves and historic football shirts, the walls tell the story of Ireland’s deep sporting traditions.

This pub is serious about its live sports, prioritising rugby, football, and Gaelic football, with their website’s events page regularly updated to show what’s on. For St. Patrick’s Day, they’ll be announcing their events on social media closer to the time, so it’s worth keeping an eye out. The atmosphere, while passionate, was incredibly friendly, and the staff were welcoming and attentive. It became clear that Sheephaven Bay isn’t just about supporting a single team—it’s about celebrating sport and community.

As for the Guinness? While it wasn’t the absolute best pint we had on this list, it was still a solid pour with a rich, velvety texture. But with a slightly fizzier finish than some of the other places we visited. What really made it stand out, though, was the setting—there’s something special about sipping a freshly poured Guinness while surrounded by the energy of a lively Celtic sports crowd.

While enjoying my pint, I spotted a plate of Irish stew being served at a nearby table—it smelled absolutely incredible, and I found myself instantly craving a bowl.

If you’re after a proper Irish pub with a buzzing sports atmosphere and a great pint, Sheephaven Bay is a solid choice for St. Patrick’s Day. When I asked about St Patricks Day events, they told me to check social medias which I have tagged for you here:

• Sheephaven Bay Instagram - @thesheephavenbay

• Sheephaven Bay X/Twitter - @sheephavenbay

• Sheephaven Bay Facebook - @Sheephaven Bay

5. The Claddagh Ring – The Most Authentic Irish Experience

Address: 10 Church Rd, London NW4 4EA | www.claddagh-ring.co.uk

Located in Hendon, it’s the furthest pub from central London on this list, but trust me, it’s worth the trip. Every visit proves why this place is one of the most beloved Irish pubs in the city—it’s always fully booked. The Claddagh Ring is a pub close to my heart. With my family’s strong Irish roots, we’ve been visiting for years, and it has always felt like a home away from home. In fact, my most recent visit was for my dad’s birthday, but we regularly come here—not just for the warm Irish hospitality but also for the amazing traditional food.

And the weekends here are nothing short of legendary, with live music, dancing, and a buzzing party atmosphere. For St. Patrick’s Day, they’re going all out with a four-day celebration, featuring live music and Irish performances on Saturday 15th, Sunday 16th, and Monday 17th—but you’ll need to book tickets in advance. Alongside the entertainment, they’ll also be showing sports throughout the weekend, including The Cheltenham Gold Cup on Friday, Ireland in the Six Nations on Saturday, and the Carabao Cup Final on Sunday.

Of course, no Irish pub recommendation is complete without mentioning the Guinness. The Claddagh Ring serves one of the best pints in London, coming in a very close second to The Devonshire. It was expertly poured, with a creamy, long-lasting head with an almost identical velvety finish. It’s the kind of Guinness you slow down to appreciate rather than just drink.

A must-try dish - the traditional Irish lamb stew at The Claddagh Ring

Beyond the drinks, this is the best pub on the list for food. Whether you’re lining your stomach or in the mood for a proper Irish meal, you’ll find plenty of hearty, traditional dishes. The Irish lamb stew is huge, served with thick slices of sourdough bread, and is pure comfort in a bowl—rich, deeply flavoured, and exactly what you want on a cold evening. They also serve bacon and cabbage, and their roast dinners are some of the best around. If you’re a fan of Irish whiskey, they have a great selection, so be sure to ask the staff for a recommendation.

For me, The Claddagh Ring offers the most authentic Irish experience in London. It might not be right in the city centre, but if you want to feel like you’ve stepped into Ireland for the night, this is the place to be.

Your St. Patrick’s Day Plans Sorted

No matter how you plan to celebrate, these Irish pubs guarantee a cracking St. Patrick’s Day—whether it’s for the best Guinness, live music, or a buzzing atmosphere. So, grab your mates, raise a pint, and soak up the craic.

Where will you be celebrating? Drop a comment below and let me know!