Brits experience boom in Irish pubs as folk look to enjoy ‘the craic’

A surge in openings of independently-owned Irish bars is meeting a demand for the famous pub experience found on the Emerald Isle

Britain is experiencing a boom in “authentic” Irish pubs as folk look to enjoy “the craic” closer to home, say industry experts.

A surge in openings of independently-owned Irish bars is meeting a demand for the famous pub experience found on the Emerald Isle. The trend for “genuine” Irish pubs – as opposed to Irish theme bars – comes as new Netflix series House of Guinness hits our screens.

And it follows a surge in sales of the Dublin-brewed stout that led to rationing of the black stuff in British pubs last year. Pub trade newspaper The Morning Advertiser said: “Authentic Irish pubs are growing as independent operators tap into growing demand for experiences.

“Irish pubs have been a global phenomenon, recognised for ‘the craic’, friendliness and live music. But there is a new breed of Irish pubs growing in popularity in the UK, run by independent Irish operators, looking to bring the authentic experience to customers.”

Nancy Spains had opened its third site in Manchester, while Whelan’s now had three venues in London, said the report. Lancashire-based Kennedy’s was expanding into Greater Manchester, it added, and Molly Mc’s and Mc & Sons were both a hit with drinkers in the capital.

Mc & Sons boss Johnny McElhinney said: “A lot of people do Irish pubs but they put up a couple of Guinness signs and it’s not Ireland.”

Mr McElhinney added: “It’s about us reclaiming our heritage and making it really authentic. If you go to any of our bars, you go: ‘Jesus Christ, this is like being back in Ireland!’”

Padraig Brady, who runs Mulligans bar in Manchester, said: “One of the first things that makes a real Irish pub is that it’s owned and run by Irish people.

“You know the welcome, you know the chat from the barman, you know the friendliness.”

The report cited new data from Zonal and CGA by NIQ that showed 74% of UK pub-goers wanted “elevated experiences beyond food and drink” when they went out.

New period drama House of Guinness, created by Peaky Blinders writer Steven Knight and starring James Norton, charts the famous beer family’s fortunes in 19th century Dublin.