Paris isn’t just about croissants and cathedrals. Walk down a quiet street in the 6th or 11th arrondissement after dark, and you’ll hear the clink of pint glasses, the murmur of English accents, and the unmistakable sound of a well-played folk tune. Hidden among the boulangeries and bookshops are dozens of authentic Irish and British pubs-places where the Guinness flows like the Seine, and the pub quiz nights are taken seriously. These aren’t tourist traps with fake fog machines and plastic leprechauns. These are real spots, run by expats or locals who learned the craft in Dublin, London, or Edinburgh, and brought the soul of the British Isles to the City of Light.
Why Irish and British Pubs Thrive in Paris
There are over 400,000 British and Irish expats living in France, and Paris alone hosts more than 100,000. That’s not just a number-it’s a community that craves a proper pint, a decent pub snack, and a place where the barman knows your name. These pubs fill a gap that French cafés can’t: they offer warmth, noise, and a sense of belonging. You won’t find a quiet espresso here. You’ll find a full-bodied stout, a plate of fish and chips with mushy peas, and a conversation that lasts until last call.
Unlike the French tradition of sipping wine slowly over hours, British and Irish pubs are built for connection. They’re where you meet friends after work, catch a rugby match, or strike up a chat with a stranger who just moved from Manchester. In Paris, where social rituals can feel formal, these pubs feel like home.
The Top 5 Irish Pubs in Paris
The Black Sheep on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Antoine is the closest thing to a Dublin pub outside Ireland. Opened in 2008 by a Dubliner who worked in Guinness breweries, it serves 10 rotating craft stouts, including a house-brewed oatmeal stout that’s won awards in London. The walls are lined with vintage Irish music posters, and the jukebox only plays Irish rock-from The Pogues to Hozier. Their Sunday roast is legendary: slow-cooked beef with Yorkshire pudding, served with a side of Guinness gravy.
Irish Pub Paris in the Latin Quarter is the oldest, dating back to 1992. It’s small, dimly lit, and smells like old wood and tobacco (yes, they still allow smoking in the back room, thanks to a grandfather clause). The owner, Sean, is from Cork and has been pouring pints here for over 30 years. He’ll tell you the history of every pub in the city if you ask. Don’t miss their £5 Guinness on Tuesdays-yes, that’s right, five euros. It’s the only place in Paris where you can get a proper pint for under €6.
The Dubliner in the 11th arrondissement is a favorite among locals. It’s not touristy, which means you’ll see more French people here than foreigners. The staff speak fluent French and English, and the menu includes Irish stew with a twist: they use duck instead of lamb. Their live music nights on Thursdays feature fiddle players from Brittany and Galway, often swapping tunes in a jam session that lasts until midnight.
Barleycorn near Place de la République is the go-to for rugby fans. Big screens, loud crowds, and a wall covered in rugby jerseys from every team in the Six Nations. They host match-day brunches with bacon rolls and black pudding, and their “Pint & Pitch” deal-two pints and a snack for €12-is the best value in the city.
St. Patrick’s Pub in Montmartre is the most colorful. Painted in green and gold, with stained glass windows and a statue of St. Patrick out front, it’s the only pub in Paris that does a full St. Patrick’s Day parade every year. The owner, a former bouncer from Belfast, still wears his old jersey behind the bar. They serve a whiskey sour made with Irish single malt and honey syrup that’s been aged in bourbon barrels.
The Best British Pubs in Paris
The English Pub in the 14th arrondissement is a classic. Opened in 1987, it’s run by a couple from Yorkshire who moved here after falling in love with Paris. The menu is straight out of a London pub: steak and kidney pie, ploughman’s lunch, and proper fish and chips with thick-cut chips and tartar sauce. Their real ale selection includes cask-conditioned ales from Camden and Fuller’s, delivered fresh every Wednesday. They don’t take reservations, and the bar stools are worn from decades of elbows. That’s the point.
The Royal Oak in the 15th is a hidden gem. It’s tucked away on a quiet street, with a garden out back where you can smoke a cigar and sip a whisky. They serve over 20 British whiskies, from Glenfiddich to Laphroaig, and their Sunday roast is served with horseradish cream and a Yorkshire pudding so fluffy it collapses when you cut into it. The pub quiz here is legendary-teams compete for a case of real ale, and the questions cover everything from British soap operas to the history of the London Underground.
The Red Lion in Le Marais is the most British of them all. The walls are covered in Union Jacks, the staff wear flat caps, and the bar is made from reclaimed oak from a 19th-century pub in Liverpool. They host “Afternoon Tea with Scones” every day at 3 p.m.-a rarity in Paris. The tea is Earl Grey from a supplier in Kent, and the clotted cream is imported from Devon. It’s the only place in Paris where you can get a proper scone without it tasting like a dry biscuit.
The Globe near the Champs-Élysées is a pub built like a London theater. It’s got a stage, velvet curtains, and a dartboard that’s been used since 1995. They show Premier League matches live, and the crowd here is a mix of expats, French football fans, and tourists who stumbled in looking for a McDonald’s. Their “Bangers & Mash” is made with pork sausages from a butcher in Lincolnshire, and the mash is whipped with butter and a splash of cream. It’s the kind of dish that makes you forget you’re in France.
The White Horse in the 10th arrondissement is the only pub in Paris with a real fireplace. It’s heated by a wood-burning stove, and in winter, the smell of burning logs mixes with the scent of mulled ale. They serve a seasonal cider made with apples from Kent, and their “Pub Grub” menu includes Scotch eggs, pork pies, and pickled onions. The owner, a former Royal Navy sailor, still tells stories of his time in Portsmouth. He’ll let you sit by the fire if you buy a pint.
What Makes These Pubs Different from French Bars
French bars are about elegance, silence, and wine. Irish and British pubs in Paris are about noise, community, and beer. You won’t find a sommelier here-you’ll find a bartender who knows which stout pairs best with a plate of sausage rolls. The music isn’t background noise; it’s part of the experience. The food isn’t an afterthought; it’s the reason you came.
And the rules? They’re different too. In a French bar, you order at the counter, pay, and sit. In these pubs, you order at the bar, the bartender remembers your name, and you’re encouraged to stay. There’s no rush. No one will glare if you linger over your third pint. That’s the magic.
How to Do a Pub Crawl Like a Local
Start in the Latin Quarter at Irish Pub Paris around 6 p.m. Order a Guinness, soak in the atmosphere, and chat with Sean. Walk to The Black Sheep by 7:30. Grab a seat near the jukebox and pick a song. Head to The Dubliner by 9 p.m. for live music. Then, cross the river to The English Pub for a pint of real ale and a steak pie. End at The White Horse around midnight, where the fire is lit and the night is still young.
Pro tip: Don’t rush. These pubs aren’t designed for speed. Take your time. Talk to the staff. Ask about the beer. Ask about the music. Ask where they’re from. You’ll leave with more than a full stomach-you’ll leave with stories.
What to Order
- Guinness - Always ask for it poured fresh. If it’s not served with a creamy head, it’s not right.
- Real Ale - Look for cask-conditioned ales. They’re served at cellar temperature, not ice-cold.
- Fish and Chips - The batter should be light, crispy, and not greasy. The fish should be flaky.
- Irish Stew - Should have chunks of meat, not ground. Potatoes should be soft, not mushy.
- Scotch Egg - The sausage casing should be peppery, the egg runny in the center.
- Whiskey Sour - Made with Irish whiskey, not bourbon. Honey syrup beats sugar.
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- Asking for a “beer” without specifying. There are lagers, stouts, ales, ciders. Don’t be vague.
- Expecting fast service. Pubs here move at their own pace. Patience is part of the experience.
- Wearing fancy clothes. These are casual spots. Jeans and a sweater are perfect.
- Trying to order wine. They might have it, but it’s not why you’re here.
- Leaving a tip. Tipping isn’t expected. A simple “thank you” is enough.
When to Go
Weekdays are quieter, perfect for conversation. Fridays and Saturdays are lively, especially during rugby or football season. Avoid St. Patrick’s Day if you hate crowds-every Irish pub in Paris becomes a festival. The best time? Late October to March. The weather’s cold, the fires are lit, and the pubs feel cozier than ever.
Final Thoughts
These pubs aren’t just places to drink. They’re cultural outposts. They’re where British and Irish traditions live in Paris-not as relics, but as living, breathing parts of the city. You don’t need to be from the UK to appreciate them. You just need to be willing to sit down, order a pint, and let the night unfold.
Are Irish pubs in Paris expensive?
Not compared to Parisian wine bars. A pint of Guinness costs €6-7, which is less than a glass of wine in many neighborhoods. A full meal like fish and chips or Irish stew runs €14-18. That’s cheaper than a typical French bistro dinner.
Can I get British food in these pubs?
Yes. Most serve classic British dishes: steak and kidney pie, bangers and mash, ploughman’s lunch, fish and chips, and Sunday roasts. The ingredients are often imported or sourced from local butchers who specialize in British-style meats.
Do I need to speak English?
No. Most staff speak fluent French and English. Many of the regulars are French locals who’ve learned to love these pubs. You’ll hear more French than English in some places.
Are these pubs family-friendly?
Most are not designed for kids, especially in the evening. But some, like The Red Lion and The English Pub, welcome families during afternoon tea or Sunday lunch. Check ahead if you’re bringing children.
Is there a dress code?
No. Jeans, sweaters, and boots are perfect. You’ll see suits and ties at The Globe on match days, but that’s the exception. Leave the fancy clothes for the Michelin stars.
