Whether you’re watching the rugby, feasting with friends, or downing green shots, St Patrick’s Day in London is always a good craic. Here are some of the best places to celebrate this Sunday, from live music in Camden to Irish roasts in Shoreditch.
St Patrick’s Day at Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
Overseen by London’s favourite Irish chef, Richard Corrigan, this West End restaurant goes all out for St Patrick’s Day. They’re serving a family-style lunch on Saturday – 5 courses including smoked salmon and Irish stew – followed by the rugby and live music from 6pm. On Sunday, you can book a table for a post-parade brunch, followed by more live music.
St Patrick’s Day Festival at Trafalgar Square
Now approaching its seventieth year, London’s St Patrick’s Day festival showcases the best of Irish music, dance, food and culture. Festivities kick off at noon to coincide with the St Patrick’s Day parade which sees elaborate floats, marching bands and dance troupes making their way from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square. Don’t miss The Massaoke Band on the main stage at 5pm – they’ll be getting the crowd going with a singalong including some Irish favourites.
St Patrick’s Day music trail at Camden Market
Camden Market is hosting an all-Irish music trail this Saturday with six acts performing around the market, including a headline gig at the Dr. Martens Boot Room. Some of the market’s street food traders will be serving special St Patrick’s themed dishes – don’t miss Chin Chin Labs’ four-leaf clover ice-cream on a chocolate potato cake with chocolate stout sauce. If you fancy a sit-down supper, you can dine nearby at The Cheese Bar, Porky’s BBQ, or new rotisserie joint Kuku Riku.
Two Pubs, One Saint – The Water Poet and The Crown and Shuttle
Two of Shoreditch’s favourite Irish-owned pubs have teamed up for six days of St Patrick’s Day celebrations, including Irish gin masterclasses and all the Six Nations rugby action on Saturday. On the day itself, there will be Guinness by the bucketload and live music at both pubs, plus pies and oysters at The Crown and Shuttle and Irish roasts at The Water Poet. Be sure to book ahead!
The Big Guinness Weekender at Brigadiers
Brigadiers have planned a weekend of live sporting action, Irish music, free-flowing Guinness, and their famous Sunday roasts with an Indian barbecue twist. Visit on Saturday to watch the rugby while tucking into their match day menu or book a table for Sunday lunch with a side of football, whisky boilermakers, and music from the Stomping Boondocks. Their exclusive St Patrick’s Day starters – masala prawn cocktail and hot Goan sausage oysters – are a must-try.
Taste the Greatness of Northern Ireland at Borough Market
From 13-23rd March, Borough Market are showcasing award-winning produce from Northern Ireland in their glass-fronted Market Hall. You can stock up on everything from biltong and bacon to oysters, craft beer and gin. The market is usually closed on Sundays but they’re opening on the 17th for a family-friendly St Patrick’s Day celebration. Expect face painting, cookery demos, Irish dancing, and plenty of good food and drink.
St Patrick’s Day afternoon tea at Brigit’s Bakery
For one day only, Brigit’s Bakery will be serving a St Patrick’s themed afternoon tea including pistachio macarons, chocolate cupcakes, and a shamrock-topped baby Guinness verrine. The bakery is in Covent Garden, just a stone’s throw from the festivities in Trafalgar Square. The themed tea is also available on their bus tours, but you’ll need to be quick to book a seat.
St Patrick’s Day at Boisdale
If the West End crowds are too raucous for your taste, why not celebrate in style at Boisdale in Canary Wharf? They’re showing the rugby, pouring perfect pints of Guinness all day long, and there’s live music from Irish duo Acoustica from 8pm. Their St Patrick’s Day menu – 2 courses for £29.50 – includes hearty Irish dishes like boiled collar of bacon with colcannon and parsley sauce, Guinness braised sausages, and Baileys cheesecake.
Whatever your plans this weekend, visit OpenTable or use our app to find the perfect place to dine out.
