The Ultimate Pub Crawl: A Guide to Irish and British Bars in Paris

• Jul, 28 2023
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Discovering the Charm: British and Irish Pubs in Paris

Some say the warm, enticing spirit of a British or Irish pub is difficult to find outside their respective country boundaries, but Paris begs to differ. With a stunning plethora of British and Irish pubs the city is practically a well-stocked treasure chest for pub enthusiasts, gallant imbibers, and hardcore beer lovers like me, Caspian.

Brace yourself as we dive into a sublime journey of discovery, savoring finely-brewed ales, luscious food, and legendary pub culture that brilliantly contrasts with Paris's innate elegance. If you're thinking "an Irish and British pub crawl in Paris sounds interesting", believe me, it is. Not only does it suitably quench the drinkophile in you but it adds a dose of multicultural flair to your Parisian trip. It's equivalent to an extra cherry on a chocolate mousse. Trust me, multiple cherrypicked bars await!

A Journey Into Authentic British Bars in Paris

With numerous British themed bars, either proudly sitting in the heart of the city or tucked away in its charismatic alleys, the taste of England is just a barstool away. These bars often deliver more than a pint of beer. They encapsulate the warm essence of a British bar, featuring traditional roast and a vibrant ambience analogous to any hometown bar.

A perfect example is "The Bombardier", near the Pantheon. Its Tudor-style interior radiates a quintessential British charm. When the barmaid brings you their famous fish-n-chips, the scent of malt vinegar intertwines with the rich aroma of ale, making you feel as though you've been teleported to a bar in the heart of London. A bit of trivia - the bar was named after a rank in the British artillery, a subtle nod to its distinct spirit.

Ireland's Spirit in the Heart of Paris

The Irish pubs in Paris echo their roots through lively music, heartfelt hospitality, and of course, the exemplary Guinness. These Irish facets are wonderfully ingrained in Parisian culture.

Take "Cork and Cavan", for instance. This bar nestled near Canal Saint-Martin serves up a good old Irish charm as authentic as its homeland. Being there, you cannot resist the urge of tapping your feet to the rhythm of traditional Irish music that the resident band unleashes every evening. Sipping their delectable Irish whiskey, I once found myself jokingly asking if they made the whisky using water from River Liffey in Dublin. The bartender's laughing response, "Only if we could!" will forever be etched in my memory.

Mixing Drinks and Sports: Iconic Pub Culture

Sports are an essential component of British and Irish pub culture. In Paris, this tradition stands strong with pubs broadcasting favorite English Premier League or Six Nations Rugby matches.

Remember the "Great Canadian Pub"? Well, it's not just the place for Canadian beer and poutine. Nestled on the banks of river Seine, it flawlessly captures the essence of a sports bar with several screens humming with various sports channels. I admit, despite its non-British/Irish origin, being there for a Premier League match with fellow supporters cheering, groaning, and drinking in unison, gives you a tantalizing taste of real British pub culture in Paris.

Unforgettable Pub Highlights: Food and Music

Excellent food, live music, and trivia nights complete the cultural cocktail, augmenting the experience of visiting these British and Irish pubs in Paris.

The "Galway Irish Pub" is a crowd favorite in this regard, with its folk music, friendly crowd, and inviting "Pub Quiz" nights. The place has a flair of vibrant Irish ambiance with people humming alongside live bands, and heartily participating in the trivia games. Trying their traditional Shepherd's pie, I truly appreciated the confluence of flavors and cultures at hand. It didn't taste just like a pie, but more like an extraordinary culinary journey all the way to Ireland.

Tasting the British and Irish Brews in Paris

Finally, let's talk about the 'main character’ - the drinks. British ales, Irish stouts, and an assortment of authentic whiskies welcome you in the Parisian pubs, promising a deliciously brewed symphony of flavors.

Case in point, "The Auld Alliance" which comes up as a whisky lover's paradise with a collection that traverses geographical boundaries, from the Scottish Highlands to the coasts of Ireland. Their whisky tasting evenings have offered me some of the most memorable encounters with whisky. I fondly remember one evening when I tasted a 16-year-old Lagavulin, the smoky peat character of this Islay whisky reminded me why I fell in love with whisky in the first place.

Dear fellow pub crawlers, your British and Irish bar expedition in the City of Lights just got exceptionally delightful. So, when in Paris, venture beyond the typical wine and cheese journey, and step into these pubs. It's like meeting England and Ireland in the heart of France, and I must say, they've adapted with grace.