Guinness has gone from an old man’s drink to the most popular choice for young adults in London, and while the quality has improved in recent years, the city is still riddled with mediocre pints. But Irish people have spread to every corner of the city, and brought excellent pubs along with them.   

While not quite as good as Ireland, here are the best Irish pubs in London where the Guinness almost compares.

The Devonshire

The Devonshire on St. Patrick’s weekend might be busier than the Dublin parade. Those brave enough to venture through the insane crowds will be rewarded with one of – if not the – best pints of Guinness in London.

Owner Oisin Rogers put an inordinate amount of effort and time into ensuring the Guinness was better than everywhere else – something vaguely scientific about pipes and temperature – and it’s paid off like even they couldn’t have predicted.

The Devonshire has achieved iconic London status for a reason – it’s central, buzzy, and serves the best Guinness in town.

Natasha, Digital Editor

where: 17 Denman St, London W1D 7HW
website: www.devonshiresoho.co.uk

The Auld Shillelagh

Maybe the most frequently mispronounced pub on this list, the Auld Shillelagh has been a favourite haunt for Irish people living in London for a long time, and is known for two things. An absolutely massive, buzzy garden and great Guinness.

They host regular music sessions and televised Irish sporting events, and The Irish Times even called it the most authentic Irish pub outside of Ireland.

Where: 105 Stoke Newington Church St, London N16 0UD
Website: theauldshillelagh.co.uk

Skehans

Skehans, with its ivy-drenched exterior, hilltop view of the city, regular gigs and independent Irish ownership, is a South London favourite.

The Nunhead pub is one of the few remaining independent, family-run pubs around. With live music 7 days a week, there’s also a traditional Thai restaurant and a beautiful hidden garden at the back of the pub.

The Nunhead pub is one of the few remaining independent, family-run pubs around.

where: 1 Kitto Road, Nunhead, London, SE14 5TW
website: https://www.skehans.com/

The Toucan

This Soho staple is more of a room than a pub, but customers don’t really spend too much time inside the place – rather, they spill out into the street, Guinness in hand.

Named after the bird forever associated with the brand, it remains an absolute must for anyone looking for a great pint of the black stuff in Central London.

Address: 19 Carlisle Street Soho, London W1D 3BY
Link: www.thetoucansoho.co.uk

Post-uni (and long before the chokehold of The Dev), I lived with three Irish people, and the Toucan was the only place in London they would order a pint of Guinness. I think that just about says it all. A true stalwart of the Soho pub scene.

Astrid, Contributing Fashion & Lifestyle Editor

Howl At The Moon

Stepping off Hoxton Street, punters find a friendly, familiar atmosphere with great beers and a unique interior. Trad sessions run every Saturday from 2-4pm and every Sunday from 6-8pm, and they also hosted London’s Paul Mescal look-alike competition. The Guinness is great, and its a great place for any Irish expats to watch the GAA finals in the summer.

Since the tail end of 2025, the pub’s cult status has been bolstered by Thrift Taco’s kitchen takeover. Expect bold Mexican flavors and pint-pairing specials that are set to remain a staple on Hoxton Street throughout 2026.

Its a great place for any Irish expats to watch the GAA finals in the summer.

Where: 178 Hoxton Street, London, N1 5LH
where: www.hoxtonpub.com

Gibneys

Hidden below Richard Corrigan’s Daffodil Mulligan on Old Street, you can find an Irish Bar fresh out of Dublin. Gibney’s London – sister to Gibney’s of Malahide – serves up the best Guinness this side of the Irish Sea, as well as cocktails aplenty and delicious bar bites from the Daffy’s kitchen upstairs.

With live music throughout the week, all the sports on the screens and a perfectly rowdy atmosphere, this is the ideal place to get the party started.

Where: 70 City Rd, London EC1Y 2BJ
Website: www.gibneyslondon.com

The Sheephaven Bay

A Camden favourite, The Sheephaven Bay manages to create a warm, homely feel while also being absolutely massive. It has two bars, three separate seating areas, a conservatory, a garden and 14 plasma TV screens showing all the latest sport.

The Guinness is excellent, and they even do the courtesy of not serving it ice-cold, a fatal mistake pubs too often fall into.

Nothing I love more than a post work pint of Guinness and some live music at Sheephaven

Mallory, Junior Food & Drink Editor

Address: 2 Mornington Street, Camden Town NW1 7QD
website: sheephavenbaycamden.co.uk

Faltering Fullback

Of all the Irish pubs on this list, the Faltering Fullback is probably the most Irish-adjacent. You’ll probably see more English rugby fans than Irish ones, but it’s still a great pub nonetheless.

The garden is huge, the Guinness is great, and the layout is wonderfully labyrinthine. If you can head here for a sporting event you should, although you might need to turn up at about 10am.

The Faltering Fullback is peak London. You can roll up at 10pm on a Tuesday and there is sure to be a raucous vibe. The best pub garden, an interesting crowd and fab Thai food to line your stomach for too many pints of Guinness.

Flora, Senior Brand Partnerships Executive

where: 19 Perth Rd, Finsbury Park, London N4 3HB
website: www.falteringfullback.com


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