Soaked in Guinness, cloaked in in shamrock attire and ready to celebrate all things Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day in London is one of the year’s first proper parties in the capital.
Last year marked the first St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in London since 2019, with the 2020 and 2021 festivities curbed due to the pandemic, and it’s safe to say the jubilance resumed. That tasted good (a little like Jameson whiskey, if you were wondering).
Today (March 17), Paddy’s Day is back in London, so get planning: it’s time for green dream of a day out.
15 Ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London
1. Head to one of London’s brilliant Irish pubs
Because any St. Patrick’s Day is bound to feature a pub crawl at some point, right? Whether you fancy a quiet Guinness and some hearty scran, shots of whiskey or live Irish bands, you’re bound to find some excellent craic at one of London’s many Irish pubs. Here’s a few suggestions to get you started — hope your heads aren’t too sore on Saturday morning.
2. Raise a glass and tuck into a three-course meal at Irish-owned restaurant Rotunda
March 17 means one thing: a big ol’ party at Rotunda. There’s a three-course meal with a devilish menu—Irish cured salmon! Guinness-braised Corneyside beef! Apple cake!—and a healthy injection of Irish cheer. Dance to music from the Craicheads, who might sweep all the awards for greatest band name around. Whether you’re there for the grub, the jigs, or a primal concoction of both, Rotunda is your port-of-call for a raucously delicious London Paddy’s Day party. Book your spot now.
3. Head to a Lucky St Paddy’s Day rooftop party at Skylight
Skylight Tobacco Dock have just the tonic for you to sip this St. Patrick’s Day in London. Hope for some sun but don’t be put off by the rain; because you’re heading up to a rooftop for a party on the grade I-listed venue. Expect chocolate orange espresso martinis, a jovial spread of Jameson cocktails, and games to win free shots. Don’t craic down if you win – book your spot here.
4. Or have a party at Skylight Peckham
Sound familiar? That’s because it is. There’s two of these in the city, and both are primed for a St. Patrick’s Day throwdown. It’s a similar affair here, with a slightly different, but no less incredible, view over London. Tuck into that street food and swig down some Jameson. Book here.
5. Gorge on some mouthwatering Guinness x Crosstown Doughnuts
Don’t fancy a night out on the town? Or maybe you’re saving yourself for the weekend. No bother, but make sure you’re treating yourself to one of these decadent offerings from Guinness and Crosstown. Back by popular demand, it might just be the crossover of the year, and they’ve got a Guinness meets Baileys edition that is making me slightly weak the knees just thinking about. You can pop into their stores or order on demand from March 1, and even grab yourself an entire box ready for St. Patrick’s Day. Or if you can’t wait, impatience might actually be a virtue on this occasion: pre-orders are available right now.
6. Try some Irish twists on classics at The Farrier
Not only are The Farrier in Camden showing the weekend rugby, but they’re a perfect stop for a meal for St. Patrick’s Day in London, with a side of Guinness… obviously. Ulysses might chronicle 24-hours, but the Farrier are running their St Paddy’s Day celebrations for double that amount of time, with oysters (the food, not the card – it’s hard not living by the sea) and Irish music. Not that we need to compare a bonafide classic with a… really long book – both can be good, guys! I jest, and while you might not bump into Leopold Bloom at The Farrier, you will have a roaring time. Find out more and book your place here.
7. Celebrate at the London Irish Centre with Dinner Ladies’ Irish Supper Club
In the run-up to both St. Patrick’s Day and International Women’s Day (March 8) the London Irish Centre delivered news of a 40-guest Irish Supper Club run by Dinner Ladies. Emily Plunket and Liz Moore are conjuring up a five-course menu complete with dishes inspired by their childhood memories growing up in Ireland. Enter into a room deocrated with ferns and moss, take a Guinness and some Taytos, before being taken on a culinary rollercoaster. Secure your place here.
8. Have a merry ol’ time at The George in Fitzrovia
It’ll feel just like the Emerald Isle over at The George over the weekend of March 17-19, making it the perfect pub to spend St. Patrick’s Day in London. Swing along to the Irish band on Friday night after wetting the whistle with a Jameson and pack of Taytos. Alternatively, you can head down on Saturday for beer battered dayboat fish and chips or bangers & mash. Both stellar options, both have the makings of a memorable Paddy’s Day weekend. Find out more here.
9. Taste some luxury whiskey at The Single Malt Shop
These Whiskey connoisseurs are taking over Darby’s, giving you the rare chance to try some rare Whiskey – some with a value of up to £385. A ticket lets you try their range of selections curated by expert Charlie McCarthy alongside tasty small plates. Book your spot here.
10. Have a boozy evening in green at Flat Iron Square
You know Flat Iron Square; and you love Flat Iron Square. The Southwark street food and drinking hub is turning green for St. Patrick’s Day in London this year. Double-pour green cocktails are on the cards and you can keep both Guiness and baby Guinness flowing all through the night as you dance along to some live Irish folk music by the band Stroma. Find out more via the Flat Iron Square website.
11. Nab a free Guinness at any O’Neils pub (if your name is Patrick or Patricia)
Though your folks might argue that this Guinness should be for them since they did decide on your name and all, anyone called Patrick or Patricia can take advantage of a free drinks offer at an O’Neil’s pub today. O
12. Head to “London’s Only Non-Stop Live Music Venue” for a boogie
It’s no secret that people like to swing their hips on St Patrick’s Day in London, so getting down to some live music is usually on the menu. One such place to do just this is at The Piano Works, where the tunes never sleep. On the 17th, guests will be treated to an evening soundtracked by a band and given pieces of gold to exchange for Baby Guinness. Who says no? Who says no? More information here.
13. Have a dance at Big Penny Social
The giant Walthamstow hub was always going to have big plans on Paddy’s Day. Grab a chaser of Irish Whiskey and get involved in the live Irish dancing to a live Irish band. DJs are playing until 1am, so you’re bound to have a lively night celebrating the Emerald Isle this St Patrick’s Day in London. Find out more and book your spot here.
Ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London at the weekend
Now, St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year, but the fun invariably seeps into the weekend too – you’ll be (literally) running to cling onto that Paddy’s Day feelings at these weekend events.
14. Cheer on Ireland in the final weekend of the Six Nations
Currently, Ireland top the table at the Six Nations, and Saturday March 18 marks the final weekend of action. So, you better get in front of a screen, sip down on some Guinness and cheer on the team right up until the 80th minute in their crunch tie against England. On the last day, anything can happen. These London venues are the best place to catch the action, save from the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, of course. Ireland vs England takes place at 5pm on March 18.
15. Take part in the London St. Patrick’s Day run (Hyde Park, 11am)
Horrifying to many, but a 5k run around Hyde Park on Saturday morning may be the perfect way to get yourself in the spirit for a weekend of celebration. Or sweat that alcohol out your system. If you’re continuing the partying later on Saturday a run around the greenery in the springtime is sure to get those endorphins going for your festivities.