St Patrick's Day in London has long been a cause for celebration. The English capital is home to many Irish expats, and several others who can trace their ancestry back to the Emerald Isle. More often than not, such events are frequented by travellers who have fallen in love with the beautiful landscapes, historic sites, cultural finds and luxurious hotels in Ireland – or those who are yet to visit, despite a penchant for a pint of Guinness. Here, we've rounded up some of the best events for St Patrick's Day in London, from exciting new bar openings to late-night hideouts carrying on the party well into the early hours.
Bóha London, Chelsea
Forget ‘day’, as it’s St Patrick’s Week at Bóha London. The capital’s home of contemporary Irish and British fare has a range of limited-edition Irish dishes this week, including dry-aged chocolate-fed Irish Tomahawk and Guinness bread. Pair dishes with new cocktails such as the Guinness espresso martini or a pour of Taoscán Irish Whiskey, or check out the weekend programme for a party fit for the Emerald Isle. There’s a St. Patrick’s Day brunch on Saturday 16 March, before a Sunday service with live entertainment on Sunday.
Address: Bóha London, 562 King's Road, London SW6 2DZ
Website: bohalondon.com
Dates: Until Sunday 17 March
108 Brasserie, Marylebone
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in London through the stomach at 108 Brasserie in the heart of Marylebone Village. The special menu features a trio of Irish dishes, including mussels braised in DukesHill cream cider sauce, served with smoked bacon and Irish cheddar scones. Finish with a Guinness chocolate mousse and delicate Irish butter shortbread, with a pint of the black stuff to wash it down.
Address: 108 Brasserie, 108 Marylebone Lane, London W1U 2QE
Website: 108brasserie.com
Dates: Available until Sunday 17 March
Nancy Spains, Shoreditch
A new Irish bar is opening in Shoreditch just in time for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Nancy Spains opens its doors on Friday 15 March, and there’s enough happening to entice the most traditional of hibernophiles. Expect live music and an array of Irish drinks and snacks in a space that embodies the true spirit of an Irish pub experience. From noon on Saturday 16 March, pints of Murphy’s stout cost just £2.50, while DJs and an Irish trad session take over on Sunday 17 March.
Address: Nancy Spains, 128-130 Curtain Road, London EC2A 3AQ
Website: nancyspains.co.uk
Dates: Opens Friday 15 March
Pastaio, Soho
If there’s a treat worth travelling for this weekend, it’s Pastaio’s indulgent Guinness tiramisu. Following on from the Insta-worthy pink ‘rhubarbmisu’ served in celebration of Mother’s Day last week, the Guinness Tiramisu is a twist on the classic Italian dessert made with chocolate Guinness cake, mascarpone and lashings of Irish whisky.
Address: Pastaio, 19 Ganton Street, Carnaby, London W1F 9BN
Website: pastaio.co.uk
Dates: Sunday 17 March
The Sun Tavern, Bethnal Green
As the owners of London’s most extensive Irish Whiskey collection, it’s a given that the team at The Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green should celebrate the Emerald Isle in style. The East London cocktail bar is partnering with Teeling Whiskey for the occasion to create a Paddy’s Day menu featuring one-off concoctions from £7 a pop. Slurp complimentary oysters and see the live Cèilidh band get the party going alongside a guest DJ. That’s one way to banish the Sunday scaries.
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Address: The Sun Tavern, 441 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 0AN
Website: thesuntavern.co.uk
Dates: Sunday 17 March
The George, Fitzrovia
St Patrick’s Day can be a notoriously boozy affair – but that needn’t be the case. Head to The George in Fitzrovia to sample alcohol-free Guinness on draught in a pub for the first time and wake up feeling smugger than those at alternative celebrations. Guinness 0.0 is currently only available in rugby stadiums, so the takeover sees pints of the stout pulled in a London pub for the first time.
Address: The George, 55 Great Portland St, London W1W 7LQ
Website: thegeorge.london
Dates: Friday 15 - Sunday 17 March
Big Penny Social, Walthamstow
Join the ultimate St Paddy’s Day shindig at the UK’s largest beer hall this Saturday. Big Penny Social is pulling out all the stops, so expect live music from Kilcullen and a dancefloor session with Maggie O'Shea Dance Academy to learn a step or two. Sample a fresh brew of Big Penny Social Stout from the dedicated Stout Bar, old fashioned cocktails, and a baby Guinness shot or two – soak up the sauce with hand-stretched pizzas. With craft brews from UK and London breweries, this is a must for any beer lover looking to raise a toast to The Republic.
Address: Big Penny Social, 1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL
Website: bigpennysocial.co.uk
Dates: Saturday 16 March
Mercer Roof Terrace, St Paul's
Declare your love of Ireland from the rooftops this weekend, as Mercer Roof Terrace puts on a special menu for one day only. Atop the Vintry and Mercer boutique hotel, the team has devised a menu centred around Guinness to enjoy over fantastic city views. Snack on Homemade Guinness bread coated in rich rosemary butter before Severn and Wye smoked salmon and a main course of slow-braised beef shin and Guinness pie served with chive mash, anis carrots and stout jus. Are you not done celebrating? Head to the speakeasy, Do Not Disturb, for a warming tumbler of whiskey.
Address: Mercer Roof Terrace, 20 Garlick Hill, London EC4V 2AU
Website: vintryandmercer.com
Dates: Sunday 17 March