St Patrick’s Day 2023: Where to Celebrate in LondonBy Alicia Grimshaw
So here we are again – St Patrick’s Day – the holiday where *everyone* finds that tiny bit of Irish in their family tree or claims they’ve “always loved a Guinness”. Regardless, there’s no doubt Paddy’s Day is the most fun night out of the year, and 2023 is no different. We’ve rounded up the best events the capital has to offer this year, it’s just up to you to get the drinks in.
1. For Whiskey Cocktails: The Sun Tavern
What: The Sun Tavern will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day with a selection of Whisky-based cocktails, food and Irish music with Jameson Whiskey. Choose from a selection of beautifully crafted cocktails, like the Seven Drunken Nights made with Jameson Black Barrel, Maraschino, Velvet Falernum, Passion Fruit, Hibiscus, and Umbrella London Ginger Beer. Throughout the afternoon, expect a live performance from a Cèilidh band to set the scene and the tempo, followed by free food in the evening courtesy of Oyster Boy,
Where: 441 Bethnal Green Road, London E2 0AN
2. For a St Paddy’s Day Party: 40FT Brewery x Acme Fire Cult
What: On 17th March, Dalston’s 40FT Brewery – founded by Irish-born Steve Ryan – and its sister and neighbour venue, live-fire restaurant Acme Fire Cult will team up with Irish bar Homeboy to host an all-out St Patrick’s Day party in their yard. The evening is set to showcase the very best of Irish produce and talent, with a specially brewed 40FT stout, one-off dishes from chefs Andrew Clarke and Daniel Watkins, guest cocktail serves from the Homeboy team, and a soundtrack of live sets from DJs hailing from Ireland and beyond, going on until 2am.
Where: Bootyard, Abbot St, London E8 3DP
3. For an Irish Band: Big Penny Social
What: Big Penny Social will be hosting an evening of celebration for an unmissable St Patrick’s Day on March 17th. There will be a live traditional Irish band, Plugged In!, as well as performances from the Maggie O’Shea dance academy dancing, inventive and delicious Irish whiskey cocktails including an Irish Old Fashioned and DJ sets till 1am.
Where: 1 Priestley Way, London E17 6AL
Entry is £5 per person and bookable in advance here.
4. For a Rooftop Knees-Up: Skylight Peckham
What: Skylight Peckham will be throwing a rooftop party complete with a full-piece Irish band playing modern hits with an Irish twist. Enjoy the spectacular views from Canary Wharf to The London Eye while sipping Jameson cocktails, including Chocolate Orange Espresso Martinis and Ginger Sparklers. Chef Karan has also created a special St Patrick‘s Day menu featuring street food classics including the delectable beef burger with a Jameson spiked BBQ sauce and all the fixings on a brioche bun.
Where: Theatre Walk, 120 Peckham Hill St, London SE15 5JT
Early bird tickets start at £10, including a Jameson cocktail on arrival, with a £20 ticket also including a Jameson burger. Book here.
5. For a Whiskey Masterclass: Skylight Tobacco Dock
What: This St Patrick‘s Day, Skylight Tobacco Dock will be hosting the ultimate celebration spanning multiple floors of the iconic grade I-listed building. The venue will also be hosting an exclusive Jameson Black Barrel Masterclass at a secret speakeasy location for whiskey enthusiasts. Guests will get a chance to shake up two different Jameson cocktails, led by a Jameson Whiskey expert. The session will also include a history on the famous whiskey, as well as premium bar snacks to pair with the Jameson cocktails.
Where: Tobacco Dock, London E1W 2SF
Tobacco Dock’s early bird party ticket includes a Jameson cocktail on entry for arrivals before 19:30 and is priced at £10, or £20, including a Jameson burger. Book the cocktail masterclass here.
6. For an Irish Soirée: Bloomsbury Club Bar
What: Partnering with celebrated Irish whiskey brand Jameson, The Bloomsbury Club Bar will offer an exclusive selection of cocktails for St. Patrick’s Day, crafted by the team’s talented set of mixologists. Sip on classic Irish tipples with a twist whilst enjoying traditional bands and live music in a weeklong celebration. Creative concoctions include a Guinness Old Fashioned, Anam Cara and Cold Brew Irish Coffee. Meanwhile, music acts The Curfew Live, Jamie Roche & Friends and Fionn Ó hAlmhain will play intimate sets every night until late.
Where: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
To book a table, please visit The Bloomsbury Club Bar
7. For Irish Specials: The Coach Makers Arms
What: Head to Cubitt House’s The Coach Makers Arms in Marylebone for a St Patrick’s day knees up with live music and a host of Irish specials on the menu. Dine on snacks like colcannon and Cashel Blue croquettes with whisky mayonnaise; Pulled lamb shoulder with dripping and soda bread; and Clonakilty black pudding fritters with Guinness Sauce while Redbreast 15 Irish whiskey, Black Velvets and, of course, pints of Guinness will be plentiful.
Where: 88 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2PZ
8. For a Great Irish Tour: The Coral Room
What: Just in time for St. Patrick’s Day, The Coral Room at The Bloomsbury invites guests to celebrate the launch of their new cocktail menu, The Great Irish Tour. Signature cocktails on the menu pay homage to fourteen of Ireland’s boundless and bountiful counties. From the hoppy malts of Dublin to the floral botanicals of Wicklow, guests will discover passion-filled pours that will ‘whiskey’ them away to a fabled island of myth, wild beauty and stories.
Where: 16-22 Great Russell St, London WC1B 3NN
9. For a Three-Course Menu: 108 Brasserie
What: 108 Brasserie at The Marylebone welcomes all to explore an exclusive St. Patrick’s Day menu, available from the 13th – 19th March. The menu celebrates traditional Irish heritage with a three-course feast that revolves around the culinary customs commonly associated with the Emerald Isle. Beginning with the choice of Potted Shrimps with smoked trout and dill or a classic Irish Boxty with whipped St Gola goats’ cheese, beetroots and spring onions. The main event offers a choice between a traditional Irish stew with colcannon and black pudding or Dublin coddle (vegan). To finish, choose from chocolate and Guinness mousse paired with traditional Irish shortbread or brown bread and Guinness ice cream served with toasted oats and raspberries.
Where: 108 Marylebone Ln, London W1U 2QE
10. For a Burger Collab: Patty&Bun x HG Walter
What: Patty&Bunhas teamed with grass-fed, Irish Beef and renowned London butchers HG Walter for an epic burger special in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The ‘Patty O’Bun’ is the ultimate grass-fed Irish beef burger curated with the highest quality cuts and will be available until March 31st. The burger special features: 2 x aged grass-fed Irish beef patties, Irish Cashel Blue cheese, Guinness caramelised onions and homemade bacon mayo all crammed inside a brioche bun.
Where: Locations here
