Irish writer Orlaith O’Sullivan recently spent time in London researching her new book. While she was here, she checked out some of London’s best Irish bars for our World in London series…

More than tracing the footsteps of Shaw and Yeats around Bloomsbury, spending an hour or two in conversation over a well-poured pint is a quintessential London-Irish experience. A “good” Irish pub has a certain elusive quality. It doesn’t try too hard to announce its heritage. It is a space that welcomes, warms, and nurtures good conversation. 

Waxy O’Connor’s – in the heart of the West End – is a cavernous pub that still manages to feel inviting. Order your pint and Tayto crisps, then choose a spot according to your taste: nestle beside the fire in the Cottage Bar, take a pew within the gothic décor of the Church Bar, or explore the fairytale atmosphere of the Tree Room, where you can marvel beneath its massive trunks and branches. 

With its mix of church architecture, painted panelled ceilings and tiled floors, Waxy O’Connor’s provides a unique and quirky setting for its loyal, lively clientele. If you’re looking for a smaller, simpler experience, try Waxy’s Little Sister, around the corner on Wardour Street. Armchairs, sofas and an open fire set the perfect tone for a quick catch-up pint or a chilled-out evening. 

For something completely different, The Irish Club is an elegant members’ club that welcomes guests and non-members. Located at 2-4 Tudor Street, the 1903 building previously housed The Institute of Journalists and was later converted to barristers’ chambers. Now tastefully restored, it offers a sophisticated sanctuary from the bustle of Blackfriars. 

The Club’s Jameson Bar reportedly houses the largest collection of Irish whiskeys in London. If whiskey isn’t your tipple, there’s ample choice of wines, cocktails and beers to enjoy against a backdrop of contemporary Irish art. (At the time of writing, there are more Graham Knuttels than you could shake a stick at.) 

The secret of a good Irish bar lies in its atmosphere. Whether its customers are reading the papers on a still afternoon, or roaring encouragement to the Six Nations, it’s a space that remains dependable, recognisable, despite its different moods. Whatever it is, you can’t bottle it. 

Do you have more Irish recommendations? Let us know where you go to find a taste of Ireland in London. 

Tomorrow, 26 January, is Australia Day: the national day of Australia. The day commemorates the day the First Fleet arrived at Sydney Cove in 1788.

With its thriving Aussie community, many places in London will be holding parties and events to celebrate Australia day.

For starters, there are Australia Day celebrations at the Walkabout Inn in Islington, The One Tun on Goodge Street, the Clapham Grand, at various branches of Belushi’s and, slightly incongruously, at Waxy O’Connors (one of London’s biggest Irish pubs) tomorrow night.

At Jetlag near Great Portland Street, they’re holding an Aussie film marathon, with classic movies Puberty Blues, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Muriel’s Wedding and the ever-brilliant Strictly Ballroom. Add to this the food accompaniment of kangaroo steak with garlic and lime jumbo prawns and ice-cold James Boag’s lager and we think you’ve got the makings of a fantastic Australia Day celebration.

Vinopolis are also celebrating Australia Day with a special tasting of all things Australian tomorrow. In addition to Australian sparkling wine, Victoria Bitter and Australian Bombay Sapphire cocktails, there’ll be a selection of tasty treats to soak up the alcohol: Jumbuck’s pies and Tim Tam biscuits with rum.

This is just a taster of all the fun and frolics planned for tomorrow night in London. What are your plans for celebrating Australia Day?