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

The Making of a Pub Crawl Connoisseur

Back in my younger, more reckless days, I hopped from pub to pub, chugging down pints with no regard for the intricate symphony of flavours that coursed over my tongue with every swig. Oh, how the palette has matured and the thirst for fine pints has grown! Fast forward a couple of decades, and I find myself captivated by the paradoxical comfort and thrill of exploring English and Irish pubs in the unlikely location of Paris! Somehow, I've become a self-proclaimed Pub Crawl Connoisseur.

So gather round, dear readers, sit back, hoist your favourite pint, and let's embark on a journey to the cosiest corners, finest draughts and most alluring British and Irish watering holes in the city of light and love. And to make this journey all the more riveting, I am going to interweave personal anecdotes and experiences, of drunken encounters, hearty meals, and unforgettable soirees. So, ready for a bit of a staggering journey of our own?

Your Treasure Map: Plotting the Perfect Parisian Pub Crawl

Inviting friends over to your apartment for some bottled English Ale and home-cooked Shepherd's Pie is one thing. But letting the cobblestoned alleys of Paris lead you to Dickensian pubs serving fish and chips or stumbling across red-bricked Irish taverns with their Celtic beer mats is something else entirely. And as it happens, I've done the legwork for you. I've spent countless nights sampling the ales, beers, stouts and more in such places, some within sight of the Eiffel Tower, others hidden in narrow lanes humming with history and mystery.

This refined treasure map of mine, with carefully selected destinations of decadence and delight, came to be after meandering aimlessly, guided by the irresistible whispers of comfortable armchairs, fireplaces, rugby matches, oak-panelled bars, foamy pints and kindred souls. Safe to say, it's not just about indulging in copious amounts of alcohol; it's about celebrating the enthralling cultural amalgamation and the shimmering threads that bind us all. Oh, by the way, some of these pubs serve the best pie and mash this side of London and dear, oh dear, their Guinness rivals any across the Irish Sea.

From Foggy London Town to Sunny Paris: The Allure of British Pubs

It's a common phenomenon, really: you're strolling down a Parisian boulevard, the Seine murmuring by your side, when suddenly an oasis of 'otherness' presents itself. The familiar red telephone booth, the Union Jack fluttering in the breeze, the smell of malt vinegar, roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. Yes, my dear readers, you've stumbled upon a British pub, an uncommon sight in the backdrop of French culture yet one that offers a unique piece of home to the ever-growing number of expats, tourists, and Anglophiles.

Of these, 'The Bombardier' near the Pantheon is a riveting destination. It reeks of British charm, from the hunter green interior to the Broadside Ale on tap and platter of full English breakfast available even at twilight. It's one of those places where you walk in as strangers but leave as tight-knit friends. Then there's the 'Frog & Rosbif' series of pubs, the first in France to brew its very own beer. The selection is varied, the interior welcoming, and the pies are just the perfect blend of savoury and comforting.

Crossing the Channel: The Robust Irish Barracks in the French Metropolis

It’s time to ferry across from Dover to Calais as we move into the territory of Irish pubs in Paris. The aesthetics of these establishments are distinctly raw, earthy and inviting. Akin to walking into a Hibernian haven, you'll be greeted with dark wood, exposed stone walls, Gaelic decor, traditional Irish music playing in the background, and of course, a pint of Guinness or Irish whiskey invitingly placed in front.

Now as for finding an authentic Irish pub, you need to feel the spirit, and at 'Corcoran's Sacre-Cœur', spirit is in abundance, literally and metaphorically. Located in the shadow of Sacre-Cœur Basilica at the top of Montmartre, sipping on your whisky here, you could swear you were in Dublin's Temple Bar area. Equally charming is 'O'Sullivans', with several outlets across Paris. Offerings include traditional Irish dance nights and one of the oldest stand-up comedy nights in Paris. Their 'Stout' is fantastic, and their 'Irish Breakfast' is a glorious cure for the wildest hangover.

The Midnight Marauders: Late Night Jaunts and Parisian Pints

Anyone who tells you that Paris sleeps has clearly not experienced a Parisian midnight. This city hums, it writhes, it vibrates with electric life. Many a time, my nocturnal escapades have led me stumbling upon some truly sublime nighttime haunts. These are not just pubs; they're a refuge for the midnight thinker, for the dreamer who dares to dream with their eyes wide open.

'The Highlander' an authentic Scottish pub, perched on quiet rue du Nevers, comes to life once the city crosses into tomorrow. With its basement turned into a dance floor, it’s where conversations, confluences and confessions emanate over whisky neat, much like the capital of the Highlands. 'The Moose', an international sports bar and grill, keeps its doors open till 5 in the morning. Here, broadcasts of rugby and ice hockey matches provide an eccentric, yet thrilling backdrop to the night-crawlers' rendezvous over Canadian poutine and pitchers of Molson.

Tips and Tidbits: The Art of Parisian Pub Crawling

Before this scrawl of a crawl comes its end (my, how time flies while talking about good times), let's shower some sage advice upon eager heads. Starting early would be your modus operandi. It allows you enough time to truly absorb the essence of each pub, to understand its beats, its rhythms, its patrons and of course, its draughts. Friendly banter with bartenders often entails insider information about the best ales, cocktails and if you're lucky, an unpublicised happy hour.

Here's a secret: look out for the exceptionally 'Parisian' aspect of these otherwise English and Irish pubs. It could be an intricate Art Nouveau lamp hanging from the ceiling, a vintage French poster behind the bar, or even a bottle of Pastis alongside the Imperial Stouts and Whiskies. After all, we are in Paris, and as they say, "When in Paris...you drink wherever the drink takes you!" So, toast to this meandering journey of discovery that's a hop, a sip and a pint away. Slaínte and cheers, mate!