The Irish actor has named not one but two London pubs he rates above the rest for a proper pint of Guinness.
When it comes to Guinness, Irish people tend not to sit on the fence. The pour, the atmosphere, and the feeling of the place all matter just as much as the taste. Now, Paul Mescal has revealed two London pubs he trusts for a genuinely great pint of Guinness.
The actor shared his top spots for good Guinness during a recent interview with British Vogue, where he appeared alongside Kerry actor Jessie Buckley, his co-star in the upcoming film Hamnet.
For any Irish people living in London, or those who just love a good pint of the Black Stuff, it’s important to know where you can go to get your fix. Rather than naming just one, Mescal highlighted two pubs that he believes do it right.
The Toucan, Soho – Guinness tradition frozen in time
First on Mescal’s list is The Toucan, a tiny pub tucked away on Carlisle Street in Soho. Despite its small size, The Toucan has built a huge reputation among Guinness lovers. When Mescal reveals this as one of the best pints in London, Jessie Buckley agrees, saying, “The Toucan, I’d say”.
The pub is famed for its unwavering commitment to Guinness culture. Its walls are adorned with the same vintage memorabilia that has hung there for years, including painted toucans flying around the room and original signage that gives the space a wonderfully old-fashioned feel. It is a place that feels unchanged by trends or time.
Downstairs, the basement bar is no stranger to impromptu Irish music sessions, adding to the sense that this is a genuine home away from home for Irish Londoners. Interestingly, the pub’s owner, Colin Taylor, has no known Irish roots, yet few places in the city feel as authentically Irish.
The Auld Shillelagh – an Irish heart in north London
Mescal’s second choice is The Auld Shillelagh, located in Stoke Newington. Long regarded as one of London’s great Irish pubs, it has become a cornerstone of the local community.
Owned by Roscommon brothers Aonghus and Tomas Leydon, The Auld Shillelagh is deeply rooted in Irish culture, from its strong sporting connections to its loyal regulars. On match days, both Gaelic and soccer, the pub is packed with Irish away from home and locals alike. Plus, stellar pints of Guinness are in full swing.
For many, this is the gold standard for an Irish pub in London, combining warmth, authenticity, and a consistently excellent pint.
Two pubs, two great pints of Guinness – according to Paul Mescal
It’s no secret that Irish people tend to turn their noses up at any pints of the Black Stuff poured beyond Irish shores. However, lovers of creamy pints of Guinness can delight in having not one, but two great pints of Guinness to check out in the English capital.
By naming both The Toucan and The Auld Shillelagh, Paul Mescal has effectively highlighted two very different but equally respected Guinness institutions. One is a tiny Soho hideaway steeped in tradition, the other a north London pub with Irish ownership and a powerful sense of community.
