St Patrick’s Day 2018: Best UK pubs for Guinness from London to Glasgow

You may not be in Ireland, but you can certainly drink the Irishman's favourite pint

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Outside Ireland, very few of us have enjoyed a good pint of Guinness…but when you do, it is one of life’s true pleasures.

But fear not, these protectors of the famed dry stout do exist and here are a few to visit on St Patrick’s Day or any other occasion you feel the need.

While this is not an exhaustive list of public houses proffering Arthur Guinness’ invention – we implore you to undergo further research across UK and let us know your results.

Blythe Hill Tavern, London

 

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London is a city full of ‘Irish pubs’ but the genuine article is a rare bird - now South London’s Blythe Hill Tavern is just such a bird.

With this Irish owned and run establishment – Your pint of Guinness is in good hands. Having won numerous CAMRA awards for its vast selection of cider and draft beer - your taste buds will be satisfied.

The Tavern plays host to street food pop-ups, regular trad music and poetry evenings.

The Blythe Hill Tavern, 319 Stanstead Road, London, SE23 1JB

The Spotted Dog, Birmingham

 

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Set at the historic heart of Birmingham’s Irish community – the Spotted Dog sticks to its roots in offering a wide selection of beers in addition to the black stuff.

Armed with a beer garden for all seasons- the Spotted Dog hosts regular events from Irish film evenings to live jazz.

While it may only open late in the afternoon – this establishment stays open on St Patrick’s Day till 1am.

Spotted Dog, 104 Warwick St, Digbeth, Birmingham, B12 0NH

King Billy, Nottingham

 

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Nottingham is a city full of great independently-owned pubs serving local ales and bitters.

But for the Toucan’s tipple – we’ve plumped for the King Billy. Welcoming staff offer delectable cobs (rolls) as well as an array of craft beer options.

The King Billy boasts a hidden roof garden - perfect if St Patrick’s Day brings sunshine as well as drinking sessions and Yeats quotes.

King Billy, 6 Eyre St, Nottingham, NG2 4RG

Scotia Bar, Glasgow

 

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The oldest pub in Scotland's second city (est. 1792) is a strictly traditional drinking hole offering decent pints and whiskies without pretension.

33 years younger than Guinness, this bar has not wasted time perfecting its draft - so drink up.

Scotia Bar, 112 Stockwell Street, Glasgow, G1 4LW

Shakespeare's, Sheffield

 

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The city built on seven hills plays host to this gem of a drinkers pub complete with a wide variety of guest ales and a photogenic jukebox.

There are well over 10 beers on draft with up to 50 varieties bottled - just in case you have the misfortune of having friends uninterested in Guinness.

This establishment, which has a cosy beer garden, was vociferously suggested by Heather Griffin of the Rutland Arms (another fine Sheffield establishment).

Shakespeare's 146-148 Gibraltar St, Sheffield S3 8UA

Pogue Mahones, Liverpool

 

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It will be no surprise Liverpool is brimming with traditional Irish pubs and bars - so any that stands out cannot be dismissed.

Reopened last year after briefly shutting its doors - Pogue Mahone offers top notch pints, gin and sport.

For all Liverpudlians looking to start their St Patrick's celebrations early - this charming public house will open its doors on March 16th at 10am - so drink responsibly people.

Pogue Mahones 77 Seel St, Liverpool L1 4BB