If you’ve ever been on a St. Paddy’s pub crawl in central, then you’ve probably paid a visit to Waxy O’Conner’s – London’s largest Irish pub in the heart of the West End. This isn’t your typical, stand-alone Irish pub though; not in the slightest. It’s an immersive wonderland that’s decked out with dazzling details, transporting you across the Irish Sea without taking a step outside of Soho.
From the confessional booth in the back to their beautiful Beech tree centrepiece, the Warren-like design is cosy on entry, before becoming an expanding maze and shrine to all things Ireland.
Speaking of the Beech tree, it’s a real tree from Ireland they’ve rightfully named The Waxy O’Connor’s Tree. It was planted in Midland Ireland over 250 years ago, dying in 1994. Soon after, it got shipped to London to be ‘planted’ inside one of the city’s most iconic Irish pubs, even being hewed and treated by a local woodworker who used to play by the tree as a child.
However, this pub is so much more than its enveloping design and charm. There’s live music most nights of the week, and it’s a go-to hotspot for locals and visitors alike. It’s especially popular for sports fans wanting to watch major sporting events like the Six Nations, with the pub boasting eight big screens around the venue.
There are four bars across six immersive floors, with adorable nooks and crannies to explore, relax, and connect. Enjoy a couple of pints in The Church Bar, before grabbing a table for some top-notch pub grub. You can expect a refined menu of those classic dishes we all love and adore, and you should definitely head here on Sunday if you’re craving a roast dinner. There’s the occasional buffet too if you’re feeling extra ravenous.
As for the name of the pub, Waxy O’Conner’s comes from the famous Irish candle maker, Finbar O’Connor, who was born in Dublin back in 1788. His love for liquor and booze made him the perfect inspiration for this fantastical place that has captured the hearts of its many visitors.
The pub even has a sister location located further into Soho on Wardour Street called Waxy’s Little Sister. Although much smaller in size, it too has some quirks that make it a unique spot to chug a couple pints of Guinness. To find out more information about Waxy’s sister pub, click here.
You can find Waxy O’Conner’s at 14-16 Rupert Street, W1D 6DD. For more information and bookings, click here to visit their website. The nearest stations are Picadilly Circus and Leicester Square.
