These are London's best Irish pubs and bars for St Patrick's Day on March 17, or for any other day for that matter.

1 The Porterhouse, Covent Garden

A large pub sprawling over three levels, The Porterhouse also has plenty of nooks and crannies should you want to tuck yourself away. For food, you’ve got small plates, mains, pizzas and burgers, and for drinks, there’s an extensive selection to try. Behind there bar, there’s a host of craft beers to try, as well as Estrella, Peroni and Budvar. Cask ales rotate, and on tap, the pub has a selection of its own award-winning brews to try.

Address: 21-22 Maiden Lane, WC2E 7NA

Website: porterhouse.london

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2 The Toucan, Soho

A Soho stalwart, in its various incarnations it has been serving up Guinness to thirsty punters for decades, but as The Toucan for a quarter of a century. Not a place for bells and whistles but chock-full of character and charm and Irish crisps Tayto, it’s the place to go for a convivial breezy pint of the black stuff or two.

Address: 19 Carlisle Street Soho W1D 3BYB

Website: thetoucansoho.co.uk

3 The Auld Shilelagh, Stoke Newington

Long and skinny, The Auld Shilelagh has been a popular neighbourhood gaff for more than 20 years, that plays the sport, and at times, traditional Irish music. It’s a no frills, no fuss type of joint that feels a bit like your favourite trainers – well worn, comfy and can take you anywhere the night might lead.

Address: 105 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0UD

Website: theauldshillelagh.co.uk

4 Waxy O’Connor’s & Waxy’s Little Sister, Soho

With two venues in Soho, the first Wax O’Connor’s and its younger sibling, Waxy’s Little Sister, there’s plenty Irish food, beer and whiskey to go round. The flagship venue sprawls over six levels and will show the sport when on, and has live music Wednesday to Saturday. The younger venue has more of a relaxed vibe, with sofas and open fires, for when you want a more chilled evening.

Address: Waxy O’Connor’s: Rupert Street W1d 6DD
Waxy’s Little Sister: Wardour Street W1D 6QG

Website: waxyoconnors.co.uk

5 The Cow, Notting Hill

A cheery local boozer, The Cow has earnt a reputation for its Guinness and oysters, and for its hearty pub fare. With a focus on meats and seafood the kitchen takes its ques from various parts of Europe and in addition to sea food platters to choose from, you’ve got the likes of smoked salmon, avruga caviar, creme fraiche, capers and shallots, and fish stew or crab tagliolini for mains.

Address: 89 Westbourne Park Road W2 5QH

Website: thecowlondon.com

6 Homeboy, Islington & Nine Elms

Not one of your classic Irish pubs by any shot, Homeboy is more of a modern cocktail bar with laid-back charm, that sometimes pops up in the Top 50 Cocktail Bars. The kitchens plate up pub grub and Irish fare, and on Sundays, the Nine Elms venue makes a mean roast.

Address: Islington: 108 Essex Road N1 8LX
Embassy Gardens: Unit 6, Embassy Gardens, Nine Elms, SW11 7

Website: homeboybar.com

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7 Mc & Sons, Southwark

Convivial and old, the pub has been in the same family for generations that attracts locals and commuters alike. The kitchen is run by Jonny Rice, and plates up Thai dishes for lunch and dinner, which has traditional dishes such as pad Thai and massaman curry, and not so traditional dishes like chips doused in northern Thai curry sauce. On tap you’ve got Irish brews and a selection of craft beers too.

Address: 160 Union Street SE1 0LH

Website: mcandsonslondon.com