Soaked in Guinness, cloaked 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.
From the best Irish pubs to unmissable events, we’re about to break down all of the fantastic things going on across the city to honour this sacred day of St. Patrick.
With this year’s festivities happening on Sunday March 17we have a whole weekend to celebrate, so get planning; it’s time to paint the town green! Here are seventeen things to do for St. Patrick’s Day in London.
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 don’t get too sore at work the next day!
Boasting a fabulous parade and live entertainmentMayor Sadiq Khan has announced the return of London’s official St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Over 50,000 people are expected to take over central on March 17, with a plateau of fun activities happening throughout the day. Irish national treasure and drag legend Panti Bliss will be the Grand Marshal of the legendary St. Patrick’s Day paradewhich kicks off in Piccadilly and concludes in Whitehall, before a live concert takes over Trafalgar Square. Click here for more information.
All St. Patrick’s Day weekend, Camden Market will be playing host to an unmissable festival celebrating all things Ireland. From Irish dancing to live musicand their very own parade, experience the iconic market like never before, with a whole lot of Irish flare. Click here for tickets and more info.
4. See B*Witched live at BOXPARK’s boozy St. Patrick’s Day celebration
Say you will, say you won’t, but St. Patrick’s Day is nothing without a little B*Witched. The iconic girl group will be performing at BOXPARK Wembleyguaranteeing a craic-ing time for pop music fans across the city. However, there’s some St. Paddy’s Day magic at all three BOXPARK locations on the Friday and Saturday night (March 15/16), with crafty cocktails and mouth-watering bites.
5. Check out the London Irish Centre in Camden
From their Big St. Patrick’s Day Festival to other unmissable events, the London Irish Centre is a charming community hotspot in Camden that focuses on preserving Irish culture and heritage. There’s always something going on, celebrating Irish music, art, the language, and traditions. So, whether you’re heading here St. Paddy’s weekend or not, be sure to scroll through their fantastic line-up of events.
One of the West End’s finest cabaret bars is putting on a special St. Patrick’s Day bash, featuring a jam-packed night of cabaret and the very best in Irish talent! From burlesque bombshells to hilarious satire comedy acts, drag kings to drag queens, and all those in between, you can expect a stellar show with an indulgent meal to match! Click the link below to get your tickets.
Don’t miss out: Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day at this legendary cabaret night in Soho
7. Gorge on some mouthwatering Guinness x Crosstown Doughnuts
Don’t fancy a night out on the town? 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 Baileys edition that is making me slightly weak in the knees. You can pop into their stores or order on demand up until St. Patrick’s Day.
8. Try something from London’s largest whiskey collection at The Sun Tavern
As one of our favourite Irish pubs, it would be rude not to share what’s going on over at The Sun Tavern. This Bethnal Green gem is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a fabulous party on the big day, featuring a cocktail menu curated especially, complimentary Oysters, live music, and a DJ until late. The fun begins in the afternoon, so you can make a day of it should you please – ’tis the Irish way! For more information, click here to visit their website.
9. Or party all weekend at The Prince in Earls Court
You can expect St. Patrick’s Day celebrations to pop up in pubs across the capital, but we thought we’d share a couple more, just in case you’re a little lost in the sauce. The Prince is one of West London’s favourite pubs, hosting a fully-blown St. Paddy’s weekend bonanza, with drink deals and an Irish makeover to get you in the festive spirit. The gorgeous pub will be adorned with Irish bunting, and DJs will be spinning tunes from classic Irish artistsalongside those classic party bangers. For bookings, The Prince’s website.
Perhaps it’s coincidence, but we think it’s fate. The Croydon Whiskey Festival coincides with St. Patrick’s Day weekend, taking place on Saturday 16 March. Craft brands and independent bottlers are all set to head to Croydon with some of the world’s best whiskeys and liquors. Delve deeper into the wonders of whiskey, and sample some spirits from over forty brands. Get your tickets, here.
11. Feast on Irish culinary classics at 108 Brasserie
Nestled in Marylebone Village, 108 Brasserie is serving up an absolute treat for St. Patrick’s Day, and it’s beyond drool-worthy. With a special menu that celebrates the best of Irish flavourstuck into hearty dishes like the mussels braised in DukesHill cream cider sauce, complemented by smoked bacon and a unique Irish cheddar scone. There’s even a Guinness mousse for dessert if you love the black stuff like us. Click here to book.
12. Enjoy a week of Irish music at Bloomsbury Club
There’s an oddly satisfying hybrid happening at the Bloomsbury Clubwith Irish culture beautifully clashing with Ancient Egypt for their unmissable St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. From Wednesday 13th until Saturday 16th, talented Irish musicians will be taking over this swanky, art deco den beneath The Bloomsbury Hotel. Their fantastic menu of cocktails and bar bites is inspired by Ancient Egypt, so walk like an Egyptian to Bloomsbury Club for some fantastic St. Paddy’s Day fun! Click here to visit their website.
13. Cheer on Ireland during a Six Nations game
The Six Nations is back and London pubs are now busier than ever on the weekends, packed with rugby fans, chanting, and pint glasses. Sounds like an ideal way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Dayespecially if you’re cheering on the Irish this year! Be sure to check out our full round-up of perfect pubs for the Six Nations. You never know, you might find your next go-to spot.
See also: Book your tickets for some of the best St. Patrick’s Day events
14. 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 16-17making it the ideal pub to spend St. Patrick’s Day in London. Swing along to the Irish band on Saturday night after wetting the whistle with a Jameson and pack of Taytos. Alternatively, you can head down on Saturday for even more live music including some acoustic offerings. Both stellar options, both have the makings of a memorable Paddy’s Day weekend. Find out more here.
15. Indulge in some St. Patrick’s Day specials at French bistro 65a
When it comes to mouth-watering menus this St. Patrick’s Day, it doesn’t get much better than this. 65a is a gorgeous French brasserie and bar in the heart of Old Spitalfields Market. Irishman Patrick Frawley and Head Chef, Maura Baxter, who is also Irish, have dropped a St Patrick’s Day weekend menu (available March 15-17), inspired by their homeland. Savour the Carlingford Oysters or try the Guinness Glazed Pork Belly, all washed down with a pint of the black stuff, or their speciality cocktail Black Velvet, which is Champagne and Guinness combined. For bookings, click here.
16. Make your way to Shoreditch for their brand-new Irish pub
Nancy Spains is Shoreditch’s all-new Irish bar that’s opening up on St. Patrick’s Day weekend. To mark this welcomed addition to East London’s pub scene, they are offering £2.50 pints of stout on Saturday, March 16. There will also be live music and performances throughout the weekend, so you could say they’re throwing a craic-ing party for St. Paddy. You’re unlikely to see pint prices that low for a while, so make good use of this fantastic offer!
17. Enjoy live music and food specials at The Audley Public House
We’re closing with another top-notch pub offering from none other than The Audley Public House. With live music playing from 2pm on the 17th, to delicious food specials, it’s a great option if you’re looking for an unforgettable day out this St. Patrick’s Day. We’re drooling over their menu, traditional dishes like Irish Lamb Stew and Guinness Welsh rarebit, for a Celtic fusion of flavour. Visit their website for more information.
