Traditional Irish Food & Drinks to Try at London’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival

St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most celebrated cultural festivals in the world, and London’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is no exception. Every year, the city comes alive with parades, live music, and vibrant gatherings, paying tribute to Ireland’s patron saint.

One of the festival's most cherished aspects is its rich culinary experience, bringing together some of the best traditional Irish food and drinks. From hearty stews to perfectly poured Guinness, St. Patrick’s Day in London offers authentic Irish flavours, making it a must-attend event for food lovers.

What Makes Irish Cuisine Unique?

Irish cuisine is deeply rooted in tradition, history, and natural ingredients, making it one of the world's most comforting and wholesome food cultures. Its uniqueness lies in simple yet hearty dishes, prepared using locally sourced ingredients and age-old cooking methods.

Heritage and Ingredients of Traditional Irish Dishes

The foundation of Irish cuisine is built on fresh, locally available ingredients that have been staples for centuries. Ireland’s fertile lands, abundant coastlines, and temperate climate provide the perfect setting for growing crops and raising livestock, shaping its culinary identity.

Common Ingredients in Irish Cuisine

• Potatoes – A staple in many Irish dishes, from boxty (potato pancakes) to colcannon (mashed potatoes with cabbage).

• Dairy – Rich butter, cream, and cheeses like Cashel Blue and Dubliner add depth to Irish recipes.

• Seafood – Salmon, oysters, and cod are popular, thanks to Ireland’s coastal waters.

• Meats – Lamb, beef, and pork are often slow-cooked or stewed for maximum flavour.

• Oats and Barley – Commonly used in bread, porridge, and even traditional Irish whiskey.

Traditional Cooking Methods that Preserve Authentic Flavors

Irish cooking focuses on simple techniques that enhance natural flavours rather than overpowering them with spices. The most popular methods include:

• Slow Cooking – Used in dishes like Irish stew and coddle, allowing meats and vegetables to absorb rich flavours over time.

• Baking – Seen in soda bread and potato-based dishes, maintaining the authenticity of traditional recipes.

• Open-Fire Cooking – Historically used in rural Ireland, enhancing the smoky flavours of grilled meats and roasted vegetables.

Must-Try Traditional Irish Dishes at London’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival

London’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival is the perfect place to experience authentic Irish cuisine, bringing together some of the best traditional flavours from Ireland. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal, a comforting side dish, or a classic Irish breakfast staple, these must-try dishes will give you a true taste of Irish heritage.

Irish Stew

One of the most iconic dishes in Ireland, Irish stew is a simple yet flavorful meal made with slow-cooked lamb, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It is known for its rich broth and tender meat, making it the ultimate comfort food during cold March evenings.

📍 Where to Try It: Many food stalls and Irish pubs at the festival serve this dish, but some of the best versions can be found at Waxy O’Connor’s in Leicester Square and The Auld Shillelagh in Stoke Newington.

Boxty (Irish Potato Pancakes)

Boxty is a much-loved Irish potato pancake made by grating raw potatoes, mixing them with mashed potatoes, and frying them to a crisp, golden brown. It is often served with sour cream, smoked salmon, or a full Irish breakfast.

📍 Where to Try It: Check out food vendors at the festival serving freshly made boxty with creative toppings like Irish butter, cheese, or bacon. Some Irish restaurants in London, such as Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, also feature boxty on their menus.

Soda Bread

Unlike regular bread, Irish soda bread uses baking soda instead of yeast, giving it a unique, dense texture. It pairs beautifully with Irish butter, cheddar, or even smoked salmon.

📍 Where to Try It: Some of the best bakeries in London bring their fresh-baked Irish soda bread to the festival. You can also find it at Gail’s Bakery or St. John Bakery, where they often have special St. Patrick’s Day editions.

Colcannon & Champ

These are two classic mashed potato dishes that have been enjoyed in Ireland for generations:

• Colcannon – Made with mashed potatoes, cabbage, and butter, giving it a creamy and slightly crunchy texture.

• Champ – A variation made by mixing mashed potatoes with scallions, creating a smooth and flavorful side dish.

📍 Where to Try It: Many Irish pubs and food stalls at the festival serve these as side dishes to stews, roasts, and grilled meats.

Coddle

A Dublin favourite, coddle is a hearty dish made with sausages, bacon, potatoes, and onions, slowly cooked in a flavorful broth. It has a rich, smoky taste and is a perfect meal for a cold festival day.

📍 Where to Try It: Head to The Porterhouse in Covent Garden or The Toucan in Soho, as they often serve authentic Dublin coddle during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Shepherd’s Pie

One of the most recognizable Irish dishes, shepherd’s pie consists of a savoury minced lamb filling topped with a layer of buttery mashed potatoes and baked until golden brown. It remains a St. Patrick’s Day favourite because of its hearty and comforting nature.

📍 Where to Try It: Many pubs, including The Guinea Grill and The Cow in Notting Hill, serve some of London's best shepherd’s pies. You can also find it at the festival’s Irish food market stalls.

Black & White Pudding

A traditional part of a full Irish breakfast, black pudding is made with pork blood, oatmeal, and spices, while white pudding is a similar version without the blood. Both taste rich slightly spicy, and are usually served fried with eggs, bacon, and toast.

📍 Where to Try It: Look for Irish breakfast stalls at the festival, or visit places like The Breakfast Club or The Wolseley, where they authentic Irish black and white pudding as part of a traditional breakfast.

Best Traditional Irish Drinks to Try at the Festival

No St. Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without classic Irish drinks, which have been integral to Irish culture for centuries. Whether you prefer a creamy stout, a smooth whiskey, or a warming Irish coffee, London’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival offers a fantastic selection of traditional Irish beverages.

Guinness

Arguably the most famous Irish drink, Guinness is a dark, creamy stout with a distinctive rich malt and roasted barley flavour. First brewed in 1759 in Dublin, it remains an essential part of St. Patrick’s Day traditions worldwide. The secret to enjoying Guinness is the perfect pour, which takes 119.5 seconds to settle properly, creating its signature velvety head.

📍 Where to Enjoy It: Some of the best pints of Guinness in London can be found at:

• The Toucan – Soho (known for pouring Guinness the “proper Irish way”)

• Waxy O’Connor’s – Leicester Square (a must-visit during the festival)

• The Auld Shillelagh – Stoke Newington (often called the best pint of Guinness in London)

Irish Whiskey

Irish whiskey is world-renowned for its smooth, triple-distilled process, which gives it a light yet rich flavour. Unlike Scotch whisky, Irish whiskey is generally smoother and less smoky, making it a favourite choice for both neat sipping and cocktails.

Notable Irish Whiskey Brands Available at the Festival:

• Jameson – The most famous Irish whiskey, known for its smooth and slightly sweet profile.

• Bushmills – One of the oldest distilleries in Ireland, offering a more delicate, honeyed taste.

• Redbreast – A premium, single-pot still whiskey with deep, rich flavours.

📍 Where to Try It: Many Irish pubs will offer tasting flights of Irish whiskey during the festival. Look for whiskey bars like The Whiskey Exchange or head to The Porterhouse in Covent Garden for an authentic experience.

Baileys Irish Cream

Baileys Irish Cream is a luxurious blend of Irish whiskey, cream, and cocoa, creating a smooth, velvety liqueur. It is one of the most popular Irish exports, perfect for those who enjoy sweet, creamy drinks.

How It’s Served at the Festival:

• On the Rocks – Served over ice for a simple, smooth experience.

• In Cocktails – Mixed into Irish coffee, espresso martinis, or Baileys hot chocolate.

• In Desserts – Used in Baileys cheesecake, truffles, or Baileys-infused ice cream.

📍 Where to Try It: Many cocktail bars and dessert stalls at the festival will offer Baileys-based drinks. You can also find Bailey's cocktails at Mr. Fogg’s Tavern or The Dandy Lion in Islington.

Irish Coffee

A warming and rich beverage, Irish coffee combines hot coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and a layer of fresh cream. It’s the perfect drink to warm up on a chilly March evening while enjoying the festival.

The Secret to a Perfect Irish Coffee:

• A strong, freshly brewed coffee base.

• A shot of quality Irish whiskey (like Jameson or Bushmills).

• A teaspoon of brown sugar for sweetness.

• Lightly whipped cream floated on top (not mixed in).

📍 Where to Try It: Many festival coffee stalls serve Irish coffee, but some of the best in London can be found at:

• The Coffee Jar – Camden

• Bar Termini – Soho (for an elevated, cocktail-style Irish coffee)

• Swift – Soho (known for its expertly crafted Irish coffee with premium whiskey)

Poitín (Irish Moonshine)

Poitín (pronounced “pot-cheen”) is a strong, traditional Irish spirit, sometimes called Irish moonshine. It dates back to 6th-century Ireland and was originally made in small pot stills using barley, potatoes, and sugar beets.

This high-proof drink can range from 40% to 90% alcohol, making it one of the strongest Irish beverages. Today, legal distilleries produce smoother, refined versions of poitín, but it still holds a special place in Irish culture.

📍 Where to Experience It: Poitín is rare but can sometimes be found at special whiskey tastings during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Some whiskey bars like Milroy’s of Soho or The Sun Tavern in Bethnal Green occasionally stock modern poitín brands like Bán Poitín and Micil Irish Poitín.

Where to Find the Best Irish Food & Drinks in London During St. Patrick’s Day

London offers a vibrant Irish food and drink scene, especially during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Whether you're looking for a traditional Irish pub, a food stall at the festival, or a fine dining experience, here are the best places to enjoy authentic Irish cuisine in London.

Waxy O’Connor’s – Leicester Square

A multi-level Irish pub with a lively atmosphere that serves Irish stew, soda bread, and Guinness. Expect live music, Irish dancing, and a packed crowd during the festival.

The Auld Shillelagh – Stoke Newington

Famous for pouring one of the best Guinness pints in London, this authentic Irish pub offers a cozy setting and classic Irish comfort food.

The Toucan – Soho

A small but iconic Irish bar known for its expertly poured Guinness and whiskey selection. A great stop for those looking for a true Irish pub experience.

Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill – Piccadilly

Bentley's is the place to be if you want an Irish dining experience. They serve fresh Irish oysters, soda bread, and premium whiskey pairings.

The Porterhouse – Covent Garden

An Irish-owned brewery and pub, The Porterhouse offers a wide selection of Irish craft beers and a special St. Patrick’s Day menu featuring traditional Irish dishes.

Festival Food Stalls – Trafalgar Square

During London’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Trafalgar Square transforms into an Irish food haven, featuring food stalls serving:

• Irish stew

• Boxty (potato pancakes)

• Shepherd’s pie

• Black & white pudding

• Colcannon & champ

• Freshly baked Irish soda bread

This is the perfect spot to sample multiple Irish dishes while enjoying live music and cultural performances.

Notable Venues for Authentic Irish Cuisine in London (Beyond the Festival)

If you want to enjoy authentic Irish food outside of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, these venues are worth a visit:

✅ Gibney’s London (Old Street) –Mayfair) A traditional Irish bar serving high-quality Irish whiskey, seafood, and stews.

✅ The Guinea Grill  – Famous for its Shepherd’s Pie and premium Irish meats.

✅ Corrigan’s Mayfair – A lavish restaurant by Irish chef Richard Corrigan, serving modern takes on Irish classics like boxty, oysters, and beef stew.

✅ The Sun Tavern (Bethnal Green) – One of the few places in London serving Poitín (Irish Moonshine) alongside craft Irish beers and whiskeys.

✅ The Harp (Covent Garden) – A hidden gem for traditional Irish cask ales and bar food.

Arrive in Style with Imperial Ride

With thousands of people flocking to pubs, festival venues, and restaurants, getting around London on St. Patrick’s Day can be overwhelming. Whether heading to a traditional Irish pub, a food stall in Trafalgar Square, or an exclusive fine-dining experience, We ensure a comfortable and hassle-free journey.

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