How To Celebrate St Patrick’s Day In London 2023

St Patrick’s Day is here once again, an annual joyous affair on 17 March in commemoration of the death of Ireland’s patron saint, Saint Patrick. But St Patrick’s Day isn’t just celebrated in Ireland (far from it): with a diaspora larger than the nation’s population, this Irish holiday is marked across the globe, from New York City to Buenos Aires to here in London. Better still, this year the jolly holiday – famed for its raucous parades and free-flowing pints of Guinness – falls on a Friday. Wondering how to celebrate in the English capital? Here’s how to enjoy St Patrick’s Day in London in 2023.

How To Celebrate St Patrick’s Day In London 2023

The Bloomsbury Club Bar

16-22 Great Russell Street, London WC1B 3NN

Traditional bands and live music is on all week at The Bloomsbury Club Bar. From 15–18 March, hear the likes of The Curfew Live, Jamie Roche & Friends and Fionn Ó hAlmhain, special Jameson Black Barrel whiskey cocktail in hand. thebloomsburyclub.com 

(© Simon Brown)

The Audley Public House

41-43 Mount Street, London W1K 2RX

Pulling pints from 10am, The Audley is the ideal destination for an all-day St Patrick’s Day celebration. Think live Irish music from the likes of Tad Sargent, Pat Mahon, Rita Farrell and Caitlin Mahon, hearty pub snacks and St Patrick’s Day specials (Guinness Rarebit? Yes please). theaudleypublichouse.com 

The George

55 Great Portland Street, London W1W 7LQ

It’s Jameson Irish Whiskey galore at The George this St Patrick’s Day, with special cocktails served alongside Irish Oysters, pints of Guinness and coveted bags of Tayto crisps, with live music soundtracking the affair from 7–10pm. Make a weekend of it: The George will be live screening every Six Nations match, including the crucial England v Ireland match on 18 March. thegeorge.london 

 

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Karen Ryan & Friends At The K Bar

109-113 Queen’s Gate, London SW7 5JA

Celebrate this St Patrick’s Day in London at The Kensington, where The K Bar is being taken over for the evening by award-winning fiddler Karen Ryan. Enjoy her traditional Irish melodies alongside a menu of special Jameson Irish Whiskey cocktails, including the Oráiste (Jameson Black Barrel, Campari, Sweet Vermouth and orange sherbet) and the Sean Scéal (Jameson Black Barrel, lime cordial, mint, and Perrier Jouet Brut). doylecollection.com 

Andrew Clarke, Daniel Watkins & Steve Ryan (© Steve Ryan)

40FT Brewery & Acme Fire Cult X Homeboy

Bootyard, Abbot Street, London E8 3DP

Venture up to Dalston for an all-out party at 40FT Brewery, thrown by Irish-born founder Steve Ryan in collaboration with Irish bar, Homeboy. Alongside special cocktails from the Homeboy bartenders and a music line-up of Irish DJs curated by Arveene, expect tasty dishes using Irish grass-fed beef and oysters from Acme Fire Cult’s Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins. 40ftbrewery.com 

108 Brasserie

108 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QE

Over in Marylebone Village, 108 Brasserie is serving a special Irish Heritage menu all week (13–19 March), celebrating St Patrick’s Day through the stomach. Expect the likes of Potted Shrimps, Irish Boxty, Irish Stew and Dublin Coddle. End with an indulgent chocolate and Guinness mousse – or the more traditional brown bread and Guinness ice-cream served with toasted oats and raspberries. There will also be complementary Irish Coffee from 5–7pm on 17 March to commemorate the special day. 108brasserie.com 

(© Chris Coulson)

Big Penny Social

1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL

Or venture to Walthamstow for Big Penny Social’s vibrant party, featuring a traditional Irish band, lively Irish dancing and tasty Irish whiskey cocktails alongside plenty of food and DJ sets until 1am. Tickets from £5, bigpennysocial.co.uk 

Flat Iron Square

45 Southwark Street, London SE1 9HP

When it comes to St Patrick’s Day, green is the magic colour. Head down to Flat Iron Square for special cocktails, green beer, plenty of Guinness and Baby Guinnesses, and one-off dishes to boot (think The Good Slice pizza with caramelised Guinness onions and black pudding on a cheddar focaccia base; Gamekeeper burgers with Guinness gravy and Guinness onions; and a traditional Irish lamb stew from Street Latin Arepas). Meanwhile, a live ceilidh and folk music will keep you entertained all evening. flatironsquare.co.uk