The Ultimate Pub Crawl: A Guide to Irish and British Bars in Paris
Discover the best Irish and British pubs in Paris, from authentic Guinness pours to live folk music and real ales. A local's guide to the city's most genuine UK-style bars.
When you're in Paris and craving a British bar, it's not just about beer and pub snacks—it's about finding a place that feels like a slice of home. A British bar, a pub-style venue serving ale, cider, and classic British fare in a casual, no-frills setting. Also known as English pub, it’s more than a drinking spot—it’s where conversation flows, football matches are watched, and the vibe stays relaxed even when the city outside is buzzing. These spots aren’t just for tourists or expats; locals who’ve lived abroad often seek them out too, drawn by the warmth, the familiarity, and the way time slows down over a pint of Guinness.
What makes a British bar, a pub-style venue serving ale, cider, and classic British fare in a casual, no-frills setting. Also known as English pub, it’s more than a drinking spot—it’s where conversation flows, football matches are watched, and the vibe stays relaxed even when the city outside is buzzing. stand out in Paris? It’s not the Union Jack flags or the bagpipes playing in the background. Real ones have proper cask ales, staff who know their beers, and a menu that includes proper fish and chips, bangers and mash, or a decent ploughman’s lunch. You’ll find them clustered in areas like the 6th, 11th, and 18th arrondissements, where expat communities settled long ago. Some are tucked into quiet streets near Montparnasse, others hide behind unmarked doors in Belleville. The best ones don’t advertise—they just feel right.
Don’t confuse a British bar, a pub-style venue serving ale, cider, and classic British fare in a casual, no-frills setting. Also known as English pub, it’s more than a drinking spot—it’s where conversation flows, football matches are watched, and the vibe stays relaxed even when the city outside is buzzing. with a themed restaurant that serves tea and scones. The real ones have sticky floors, dartboards, and regulars who’ve been coming for years. They’re the places where you’ll hear someone arguing about Premier League results, where the bartender remembers your name after one visit, and where you can sit alone with a book and not feel out of place. These spots connect people—not just through drinks, but through shared habits, humor, and quiet understanding.
Paris has more than a dozen spots that nail the British pub vibe, but only a handful get it right without trying too hard. Some have live music nights with folk bands, others host quiz nights that draw crowds from across the city. You’ll find places that import their own beer from the UK, and others that brew their own IPA using local hops. The key? Look for places that feel lived-in, not staged. The ones where the menu hasn’t changed in five years, and the staff don’t rush you to leave after closing time.
What you won’t find in these bars are loud DJs, neon signs, or overpriced cocktails. That’s not the point. The point is comfort, authenticity, and a little bit of nostalgia. Whether you’re an expat missing home, a traveler curious about British culture, or just someone who wants to sit down with a good pint without being stared at, these bars offer something rare in Paris: a place that doesn’t try to impress. They just are.
Below, you’ll find real stories from people who’ve found their favorite spots in Paris—from hidden gems in the Latin Quarter to the pub where the owner once worked in Manchester. You’ll learn what to order, when to show up, and how to tell a genuine British bar from a tourist trap. These aren’t guides written by bloggers. These are experiences from people who’ve been there, sat down, and stayed for hours.
Discover the best Irish and British pubs in Paris, from authentic Guinness pours to live folk music and real ales. A local's guide to the city's most genuine UK-style bars.