If you’re in the mood for a taste of the Irish but don’t have the time or money to jet off to the Emerald Isle, a visit to O’Neills is sure to satisfy your cravings for Irish cheer and hospitality.

The Venue
Tucked away in a side street, just metres from some of the swankiest shops and restaurants in London, the Mayfair branch of O’Neills seems a welcoming beacon of warmth and comfort amongst the dull bustle of the city. As you peer in through the windows the dark wood furniture and dim lighting practically pulls you inside, telling you all will be well if you enter. Despite the blue exterior typical of all O’Neills, once inside you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a friendly local and maybe even a real Dublin pub - until the accents and slightly muted laughter tell you you’re most certainly still in London. With seating at the front area of the pub and some more tables hidden away in the cosy back room, you can take your pick of mingling with the other punters closer to the bar or settling in for a quieter night.

The Atmosphere
The warm interior and smiling faces that greet you from behind the bar as you enter make you glad you heeded the call of the craic. The suited city workers and tourists weighed down with shopping bags take away a little from the charm of such a cosy place, but once you take a seat and sip on your favourite tipple you’ll hardly notice the talk of tour buses and workplace politics. Service is fast and friendly and, unlike most London pubs, you feel like you can take your time at the till and maybe even chat to the bartender while they pour your pint.

The Food
This is Irish pub grub at its budget best. The extensive menu offers Celtic classics such as sausages with colcannon and Irish stew, as well as more substantial meals like burgers, pies, fish and chips, and steaks. Or, for more fickle diners, there are a range of sides and sharing platters to choose from. The generous servings arrive promptly and with a smile, and while this isn’t gastro pub or gourmet fare, it’s certainly tasty and will barely make a dent in your wallet with prices ranging from just £2-10.

The Drink
A quick scan of the drinkers at the bar reveals that Guinness really is the beverage of the Irish. But if a pint of the dark stuff isn’t your thing there are plenty of other beers and ciders on tap or available bottled. The wine list is small but offers good variety at very reasonable prices. There are the usual suspects on offer when it comes to spirits as well as a large range of Irish and Scottish whiskeys. The drinks are cheap for such a prime location, making it a popular choice for post-work drinks.

The Last Word
If you usually turn your nose up at chain pubs and bars you might be surprised by this branch of the O’Neills group of pubs. Pleasantly filled with happy punters but not packed to the brim with beer swilling revelers like some chain establishments; this is the place to go when you want to share a meal and drinks with friends in relaxed and unpretentious surroundings.

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