Irish in London
Mulligans of Mayfair
14 Cork Street
If there's one thing that unites the great of London's Mayfair and the trendies working in the area it's their love of Guinness, enjoyed on one of Mulligans leather sofas. Sink into one as you wait for equally comforting mains such as pork and leek sausages with champ potato for GBP10 (HK$152). Tasty though the dish is, it can't beat the oysters (served with shallot vinegar) brought in fresh daily from Carlingford Lough. Sharing them, with some champagne among dark wood panelling and timber floors, makes for a romantic date.
The Porterhouse
Covent Garden, 21 Maiden Lane
Several floors and a thriving atmosphere will never make Porterhouse a venue for an intimate date, but it's terrific for group dining. The Irish stew (GBP7.25) is deceptively large and enough to keep anyone going, thanks to the rich ale gravy and generous chunks of lamb. The staff have also mastered the art of making the chip: big and chunky to soak up the house's award-winning home-brewed beers.
O'Conor Don
88 Marylebone Lane
A few minutes from Oxford Street is a treasure so Gaelic you could be forgiven for thinking you were across the water. Family-run O'Conor Don's crimson walls and mirrors are the perfect backdrop to its rustic cooking, including an unusual main course of vegetables and potato pancake (GBP9.95) and beef, Guinness and carrot casserole (GBP10.80).
Lindsay House
21 Romilly Street
Michelin-starred chef Richard Corrigan has brought his talent and his Irish roots to Lindsay House. Cynics faced with Corrigan's blend of French technique and Irish influence will gasp. Enjoy three courses from a chef who collects awards like others collect pints of Guinness. Worth every penny of the GBP52.
