Chasing Guinness in London? Even If These 10 Pubs Are Out – Here’s Why You Should Go Anyway
If you’ve been struggling to find a pint of Guinness in London recently, you’re not alone. Thanks to social media, Guinness has become the drink of the moment, leading to shortages across the UK. Some pubs have even introduced Guinness ration cards to manage dwindling stock.
For those chasing a creamy pint, here’s a list of pubs that serve great Guinness – but be warned, supplies might be scarce. Check ahead, and don’t be surprised if your favourite spot has run dry. Fortunately, these pubs offer plenty of other reasons to visit.
1. The Auld Shillelagh
Location: 105 Stoke Newington Church Street, N16 0UD
Why It Was Great: Known as one of the best places for Guinness in London, this Irish pub poured some of the smoothest pints in town. If they’re out, they’ll probably let you know with a sign at the door.
Why You Should Still Visit: Famous for its lively Irish atmosphere, regular live music sessions, and friendly community vibe. It’s the next best thing to drinking in Dublin.
Website: theauldshillelagh.co.uk
Follow them on Instagram
2. The Toucan
Location: 19 Carlisle Street, Soho, W1D 3BY
Why It Was Great: A Guinness shrine and famously known for one of the best pints’ of Guinness outside of Dublin. The walls are covered in memorabilia, and they serve Guinness straight from the keg. But with queues around the block recently, it’s anyone’s guess if they’ve got any left.
Why You Should Still Visit: If you love Irish whiskey, The Toucan offers one of the best selections in the city, alongside its lively basement bar atmosphere.
Website: thetoucansoho.co.uk
Follow them on Instagram where a picture of Guinness was posted as recently as the 19th December and they’ve been on the telly talking about the shortage🤞
3. The Cow
Location: 89 Westbourne Park Road, W2 5QH
Why It Was Great: Saloon Bar & Dining Rooms by Tom Conran is famous for oysters and Guinness. If you’re lucky, you might catch a pint – but given the buzz, luck is exactly what you’ll need.
Why You Should Still Visit: The Cow is a destination for top-tier seafood and its signature Guinness and oysters combo – plus, the atmosphere is always buzzing.
Website: thecowlondon.com
Follow them on Instagram where they shared a picture of 6 pints of Guinness on Christmas day! “The Vitamin G will be flowing today from 12-3pm” and they also have Guinness, cracklin’ and sausages.
4. The Coach & Horses
Location: 42 Wellington Street, Covent Garden, WC2E 7BD
Why It Was Great: When a reviewer says that it’s “Probably the best copper piping you will ever find in a gents toilet.” you know you’ve hit erm… gold! (ish)
This hidden gem behind Covent Garden serves reliably good Guinness. Well, at least until the social media crowd found it.
Why You Should Still Visit: Its classic British pub menu, old-school interiors, and prime location near West End theatres make it worth a visit, pint or not.
It’s so hidden that we couldn’t find a website or an Instagram account. Even a phone number was missing from Google search, but it has recent Google reviews. So ditch your devices and party like it’s 1979. Or visit Trip Advisor for more info if you really must.
5. The Dog & Bell
Location: 116 Prince Street, Deptford, SE8 3JD
Why It Was Great: Tucked away in Deptford, yes Deptford this amazing looking, friendly community pub quietly poured one of the best pints in South London. If you happen to pass by, it would be rude not to try.
Why You Should Still Visit: Sadly you missed their 28th Annual Pickle Fest in November! But it is known for its rotating selection of real ales, beer garden, and friendly atmosphere. It’s also a great spot for a classic pub quiz.
Follow them on Instagram where it is full of festive cheer. It almost makes me want to ungrinch (totally a word) and visit before it goes back to normal. They’ll be more than a few reasons to visit in 2025 regardless of the black stuff.
6. Gibney’s London
Location: 70 City Road, EC1Y 2AS
Why It Was Great: Gibney’s was a haven for Guinness lovers near Old Street. It’s the kind of place that poured a pint so smooth you’d think you were far away from the edginess of Shoreditch and much closer to Dublin. Add in that the Gibney family have been in the pub game since 1937, you know your Guinness pouring is in good hands… if they have any, that is.
Why You Should Still Visit: With its upscale basement bar vibe, live music and excellent cocktail menu, Gibney’s offers much more than just Guinness.
For more info and what’s on, visit their website: gibneyslondon.com
7. The Devonshire
Location: 17 Denman St, London W1D 7HW
Why It Was Great: Arthur Guinness was just 34 when he signed the iconic 9,000-year Guinness lease, on a then-disused brewery site on 31 December 1759 for an annual rent of £45. 34 years later and The Devonshire opened in Soho. So you’d be a bit concerned if this place hadn’t nailed the art of the perfect pour. It’s still worth visiting for the atmosphere and heaps of history – even if all that’s left is lager.
Why You Should Still Visit: The Devonshire is your classic London pub, serving up homemade bar food from our in-house butcher and bakery, and of course a perfect pint of Guinness. Plus, there is a restaurant and grill room upstairs if you fancy a steak or lobster.
Visit their website devonshiresoho.co.uk
8. Howl At The Moon
Location: 178 Hoxton Street, N1 5LH
Why It Was Great: This Hoxton hotspot drew crowds for live music and Guinness. Given the queues recently, the Guinness might not last long once it’s tapped.
Why You Should Still Visit: A lively venue offering regular live music, craft beers, and a great selection of local brews. This independent neighbourhood pub doesn’t take itself too seriously, doing proper food and booze. Plus, cute dogs that may or may not be hogging the Guinness. It’s hard to be mad at that cuteness though.
Website: hoxtonpub.com
9. The Globe
Location: 20 Morning Lane, Hackney, E9 6NA
Why It Was Great: A cosy Hackney pub that poured Guinness with love. If the shortage continues, The Globe might have to start rationing by the sip. Particularly if one review was telling the truth about the prices “Cracking pub. Only paid £3.95 for a pint of Guinness.” 😲
Why You Should Still Visit: If you’re after a chain pub in North London that doesn’t look like mince, this could be a good shout. With a score of 4.4 on Google and With its welcoming atmosphere, hearty pub food, and cask ale selection, The Globe remains a local favourite.
Website: craftunionpubs.com/globe-inn-hackney
10. The Sun Tavern
Location: 441 Bethnal Green Road, E2 0AN
Why It Was Great: Better known for its whiskey selection, with London’s largest selection of Irish Whiskey, plus the world’s largest collection of Poitín. The Sun Tavern has probably not surprised anyone that it’s pretty good at pouring a solid pint of Guinness too.
Why You Should Still Visit: Whiskey fans will love the impressive range, and the cocktails are just as good. It’s also a great spot for a late-night drink, especially if you want to dance the night away. Expect resident DJs every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, right up till 2am. Plus, Umbrella Radio also hold their monthly takeover there.
Website: thesuntavern.co.uk
And with that, we are going to let Umbrella Radio X The Sun Tavern takeover play us out! God speed and happy Guinness hunting! 🙏
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Some of these pubs may be out of stock or operating on a Guinness ration card system. Always check ahead to avoid disappointment or be happy to drink something else instead.
