The Tipperary, Fleet Street, EC4

Randomness Guide to London - Tipperary entry

This rather quaint little Irish pub has been around for 400 years. Situated on Fleet Street it generally attracts local workers and appears to be overlooked by tourists in favour of Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese almost opposite. Originally called the Boares Head, the pub's main claim to fame is that it was the first Irish theme pub outside of the emerald isle and was the first pub outside of Ireland to sell Guiness. The interior is very narrow with barely room for anything but a few stools at the bar and a ledge along the wall opposite. The paneled walls are adorned with large advertising mirrors and old photos and the floor contains a fine shamrock mosaic. The old clock above the bar is a replica of one that was stolen some time ago. Being another Greene King acquisition, the beer selection is not very inspiring (IPA and Abbot) but I suppose one should really go for the Guiness here. There is an equally narrow upstairs bar – the Boares Head bar, the pub's original name. Despite a few minor shortcomings this remains one of my favourite pubs in the area.

This is a narrow, small pub with a single bar downstairs, although there was some more seating in an upstairs room that I didn't visit when I was in this pub during the week. There were some stools at the bar; a couple of tables and chairs; and a ledge on the wall opposite the bar for those standing to put their drinks on. It doesn't look as if much has changed inside this pub for many years. The bar has clearly been well-used over the years, and the walls are panelled in dark wood with superb Guinness mirrors on them. The mosaic floor is quite unusual, and really quite attractive, with its shamrock design. A sign outside says that it was the first Irish pub in London. That may be true for all I know, as it is clearly a pub with a historic pedigree. The ales they had on were Adnam's Bitter and GKIPA – plus Guinness of course. There were probably also some lagers available, although I have to admit that I did not notice them. I was in there too early for lunch, and I didn't see any menus so can't comment on food – but I did spot a rarely seen large jar of pickled eggs behind the bar. It seems to me that this is a pub that suits those who are happy to stand while drinking as it's largely standing room only. It's not the place to come if you like those pubs where you can lounge around on sofas drinking soda and lime. But it's the sort of place to which I would be happy to return.

This place is very small stand up and drink pub, although there is an upstairs bar that I didn't visit, but I got the feeling that it is more of a restaurant. Greene King IPA and Adnams were both available on my visit along with a standard draught selection and San Miguel. My Guinness was well served, but a bit on the dear side rocking in at £3.60. This place is ok for a quick pint, but I wouldn't stay all evening.