Waxy O'Connor's is a prominent Irish pub located in Soho, London. Spanning six levels, the venue features four distinct bars connected by a network of staircases and passages, creating a unique and expansive atmosphere. The pub is renowned for its live Irish music sessions, which take place four nights a week, and its extensive selection of Irish whiskeys and beers. The menu offers traditional Irish dishes, including hearty options like burgers and snacks. With multiple screens throughout the venue, Waxy O'Connor's is also a popular spot for watching major sporting events, such as Gaelic games, rugby, and football. The establishment is strictly for patrons over 18 years old and operates a 'Challenge 25' policy, requiring valid identification for entry.
What visitors single out
Liked
- Friendly and helpful staff The staff are consistently described as welcoming and accommodating, enhancing the overall experience and creating a warm and friendly environment.
- Hearty and tasty pub fare The food menu provides a diverse range of options, including traditional pub meals and snacks, with vegetarian and vegan choices available.
- Lively atmosphere with entertainment Waxy O'Connor's often features live music, including traditional Irish sessions, and screens major sporting events, contributing to a vibrant and enjoyable experience.
- Unique and stunning decor Waxy O'Connor's stands out with its multi-level, labyrinthine design featuring wooden tables, carvings, stained glass, and a large tree, creating a memorable and immersive atmosphere.
- Wide selection of drinks This establishment offers a great variety of beers, including Guinness, as well as Irish whiskeys and non-alcoholic options, ensuring there's something for every taste.
Criticised
- Bartenders may not be friendly Some reviewers experienced unfriendly bartenders and staff.
- Can be very loud The pub's popularity and lively atmosphere can make it very noisy, making conversation difficult at times.
- Inconsistent food quality Some reviewers have noted that certain food items, such as nachos and spice bags, can be disappointing, suggesting inconsistent food quality.
- Pricey drinks Some reviewers mentioned that drinks were expensive.
- Self-service can be inconvenient It operates with self-service, which may be inconvenient, particularly for those seated on upper floors who need to go downstairs to reach the WC.
The longer read
Waxy O'Connor's in London is frequently described as an iconic and unique Irish pub experience, standing out for its stunning and creative interior. Many reviewers highlight the multi-level, labyrinthine layout, adorned with extensive woodwork, stained glass, and a prominent tree feature, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a Gothic church or a Lord of the Rings setting. The decor is consistently praised as a major draw, with visitors noting the feeling of stepping into another world and discovering new details with each visit. The pub's ambiance is generally regarded as warm, lively, and full of character, making it a memorable destination. Its size allows for varied spaces that match different vibes. Many have described it as being a unique place that everyone should try at least once. The bar is known to be commonly referred to as the LotR bar due to its unique interior decor.
The selection of beers, including Guinness, is generally well-received, and several reviewers specifically praise the quality of the Guinness. While the food reviews are more mixed, some traditional pub fare options like the steak and ale pie and fish and chips receive positive mentions for freshness and quality. However, other dishes, such as the nachos and spice bag, have received criticism. The pub also offers a variety of Irish whiskies and spirits, as well as vegetarian and vegan options.
The service is generally described as quick and effective, especially at the counter. While some reviewers found the staff to be friendly and helpful, others reported less positive experiences with the bartenders. Live music, including traditional Irish sessions, is a frequent feature and enhances the vibrant atmosphere, particularly on certain nights of the week. The pub also shows major sporting events on multiple large screens. The location in the center of London is convenient, making it a good option for an after-work gathering. While some reviewers found the music volume to be too loud for conversation, many others appreciated the overall vibe and the opportunity to relax and enjoy the unique Irish hospitality. It is worth noting that the restrooms may require navigating multiple levels.
A synthesis of third-party reviews supplied by Mindtrip travel index. Not written by Breaks.
Getting there
- Phone
- +44 20 7287 0255
- Website
- waxyoconnorslondon.co.uk
| Mon | 15:00 - 0:00 |
|---|---|
| Tue | 15:00 - 0:00 |
| Wed | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Thu | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Fri | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sat | 12:00 - 0:00 |
| Sun | 12:00 - 23:00 |
Against the neighbourhood
Rated 4.5 against a median of 4.5 across the 1,957 places to eat we hold for London, where the most-reviewed is The O2.
Still deciding?
- What can I expect from the atmosphere and interior at Waxy O'Connor's London?
- What are the most popular or recommended dishes and drinks at Waxy O'Connor's London?
- Does Waxy O'Connor's London cater to families and children, and do they offer kid-friendly options?
- Does Waxy O'Connor's London feature live music or special events, and if so, when?
- Is it better to make a reservation at Waxy O'Connor's London or can I walk in without waiting long?
Where this comes from
Venue records are drawn from the Mindtrip travel index, which aggregates place data and review signals from Google Places, Tripadvisor and booking providers. Ratings are reproduced per source rather than merged into a single number. Distances to nearby venues are computed here as great-circle distances between the published coordinates, not walking or driving routes. Comparison figures are medians computed across the venues we hold for the same neighbourhood or city.
Source: Mindtrip travel index, captured 2026-08-21.
What this page cannot tell you
- Descriptions and review summaries are supplied by the source index and are reproduced as published; they are not independently verified by Breaks.
- Ratings and review counts are point-in-time snapshots and drift constantly. Check the venue's own site or the rating provider for the current figure.
- Opening hours change seasonally and at short notice. Confirm with the venue before travelling.
- Category labels come from the source index and are occasionally wrong — a venue may be filed under a type that does not match how it trades.
- Straight-line distances understate real walking distance, especially where a river or railway sits between two points.