I was searching for a place with a nice whisky menu in Soho and found the Toucan. It's a small place famous for the Guinness, which is really tasty. Good location, definitely worth a visit
The greatest pint of Guinness in London
Won an award in 2009 from the Irish post and I finally visited yesterday
High standards and consistency have continued since
Staff were incredible, service was brilliant
Will be back every time I'm in London
🚇 Tottenham Court Road
🍺 £6.00 Guinness
❤️ A shrine to all things Guinness.
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The Toucan is located on Carlisle Street just off Soho Square in the heart of Soho. The nearest tube is Tottenham Court Road.
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This building has had many uses over the years which include a Greek Restaurant, Disco, Club, Basement bar, Café and Sandwich bar. Back in the 60’s rock legend Jimi Hendrix once jammed in the basement here.
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The Toucan came to life in 1994, the owners at the time thought there was a lack of good Guinness in central London, they decided to set up a haven for Guinness enthusiasts to get a proper pint of the black stuff in Soho.
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This tiny pub/bar is set over two floors. At ground level there’s a small bar with a servery on the right. Downstairs in the basement there is another bar which has a proper Soho pub feel. Throughout both bars the walls are covered in every type of Guinness memorabilia and promotional material ever made, there are even little Guinness stools which were great.
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The beer choice is good and there is a great selection of Irish Whiskies. I was here for the main event and ordered a Guinness. As it was St Patrick’s day and the place was mobbed, the pints were being served in plastic glasses which was understandable considering the amount of punters here for the black stuff. I have to report that the Guinness was excellent, really creamy and my pint hit the spot.
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As mentioned earlier, I visited on St Patrick’s day and you could hardly move in here. I managed to find a Guinness stool in the basement and took stock of my surroundings. The atmosphere was superb and the place was in full swing. Outside was packed also with punters enjoying a lunchtime stout.
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@thetoucansoho was everything I hoped it would be. Those who remember Soho of old and the vibe that surrounded it will find a sense of that here. The Guinness was excellent and lived up to its billing. If you’re looking for somewhere to celebrate St Patrick’s day, this place has got you covered.
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ℹ️ Info correct on visiting 17.03.22
Busy ,cosy , nice bar staff, and most importantly the Guinness was good .
yep this is the bar from Last Night in Soho. awesome vibes 10/10
Bottom Line: Best Pub for a Guinness in Central London
Highs: A tiny pub that would make you feel like you're back home in Ireland, even in the depths of Soho. The Toucan looks, smells, and feels like a local Irish snug. The staff are friendly, attentive, and most importantly, quick. The Guinness is top notch for London, and they'll even give you a plastic pint if you prefer to enjoy the outdoor surroundings.
Lows: This can't be changed, but it's small, so be sure to time your visit accordingly.
Best Guinness in town. Staff were very friendly loved it.
It’s tiny and gets packed but it does a great Guinness and is friendly and welcoming to all
This was my 2nd time visiting and I just love the atmosphere in there. I came with a friend this time. Staff and owners are super lovely. I missed seeing Carol and Colin this time. I came on my own on St Patrick's day and they really looked after me. 🙂❤️. I will be back soon. xx
On the trail of the best Guinness in London we arrived here, not to be disappointed. Definitely a good pint, maybe not quite the best however, but up there as a contender.
One of the best Irish pubs in London, not to be missed if you like your Irish pub and a good Guinness. It also features in Last Night in Soho for the movie fans out there.
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