On-trade

Limerick man’s pub named best in London

Skehan’s Free House has topped hospitality guide Time Out’s list of London’s 50 best bars

Limerick man Bryan Fitzsimons outside family-owned Skehan’s Free House. Image via @skehansfreehouse Instagram

Irish pub Skehan’s Free House has topped hospitality guide Time Out’s list of London’s 50 best bars.

Owned by Limerick man Bryan Fitzsimons, Skehan’s was lauded over the 3,500 pubs in the capital.

In the write-up, Time Out described the pub as “A place of legend in Nunhead.” It added: “It’s family-run and independent, a rare thing these days in London, and attracts everyone from OAPs to local bands, chic fashion students and troupes of cheerful lads.

“There’s karaoke, folk-music nights, and terrific Thai food too. What more could you want? Perfect Guinness? Well, this is a proper Irish pub, so you’re in luck.”

Speaking to the Irish Post about the accolade, Fitzsimons attributes the pub’s popularity to its combination of Irish hospitality and matching the high standards set by pubs in Ireland.

“We don’t think we are doing anything different than any other pub back in Ireland, that’s how high the standard is back home, especially Limerick,” he told the publication.

“Skehan’s isn’t just a business, it’s our home — all we do is look after it like someone would look after their home.”


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