Looking for Irish pubs near you? If what you’re really after is a proper pint of Guinness, live Irish music, good food and the kind of welcome that makes you feel at home, Skehan’s in Nunhead is well worth discovering.
Located just a short distance from Peckham and Brockley, this independent, family-run pub has been part of the local community for more than 25 years. It’s a traditional Irish pub with a lively atmosphere, a packed programme of music, live sport, authentic Thai food and a beautiful hidden garden.
If you’ve been searching online for “Irish pubs near me”, you don’t need to travel into central London to find the atmosphere you’re looking for.
What Makes a Good Irish Pub?
Ask different people what they look for in an Irish pub and you’ll probably get a few different answers.
For some, it’s the Guinness. For others, it’s traditional music, a friendly bar, live sport or simply somewhere you can walk in and feel comfortable.
At Skehan’s, all of these things come together.
The front bar has the character you’d expect from a traditional local, complete with a pool table, darts and a wood-burning stove that makes the pub particularly cosy during the colder months.
There’s no attempt to create a manufactured Irish experience. Skehan’s is a genuine independent pub with a long family history and a community that has grown around it over many years.
A Traditional Irish Pub in South East London
Skehan’s is firmly rooted in Nunhead, making it a convenient choice for people across South East London.
The pub was originally taken over by Bill Skehan and Madam Chai, who brought their successful combination of Irish pub hospitality and Thai cooking from Islington to Nunhead.
What followed was years of hard work, renovation and building a new community around the pub.
Today, Bill’s nephew Bryan runs Skehan’s with his family, continuing a tradition that has now spanned more than two decades.
That family connection is part of what gives the pub its distinctive character.
Live Irish Music Is Part of the Experience
Music has always been an important part of Skehan’s, and Irish music remains at the heart of the weekly programme.
The Tuesday Trad Session brings musicians together for an evening of Irish and English traditional music, alternating between Irish and English folk nights.
On Sundays, the Folk Sessions offer a more relaxed acoustic experience, with traditional melodies and the possibility of an impromptu jig or two.
Alongside the traditional sessions, Skehan’s hosts jam nights, live rock’n’roll, karaoke and its big Saturday night gigs.
So if live music is an important part of your idea of a great Irish pub, there’s usually something happening during the week.
Guinness, Thai Food and Plenty of Choice
Of course, an Irish pub needs a good pint.
Skehan’s is known for its award-winning Guinness, but the drinks are only part of the reason people come through the door.
Hungry? You can enjoy authentic Thai cooking from Chai’s Garden, Madam Chai’s restaurant located behind the pub.
There’s an unusual choice here: enjoy your meal in the peaceful glasshouse restaurant or order from the same menu while sitting inside the lively pub.
It’s a combination that has become a defining part of the Skehan’s experience.
Watch the Match With Friends
For many people, an Irish pub isn’t complete without live sport.
Skehan’s has multiple screens showing a mix of major sporting events, including Premier League football, rugby, GAA, Wimbledon, darts, golf and racing.
The atmosphere changes when a big match is on, with regulars and visitors gathering together to enjoy the game.
There are also screens in the garden, so during warmer weather you can combine live sport with a pint outside.
A Hidden Garden Behind the Pub
Another reason Skehan’s feels different from many Irish bars in London is the garden hidden behind the pub.
It’s a spacious, multi-level outdoor area with sunny and shaded sections, seasonal planting, Thai huts and interesting details that reflect the history of Chai’s Garden.
There are plenty of seats for groups, along with outdoor screens for watching selected sporting events.
It’s the sort of garden where you can spend an entire afternoon without feeling as though you’re sitting in the middle of a busy city.
More Than an Irish Bar in London
You might describe Skehan’s as an Irish bar in London, but “local pub” is probably an even better description.
It’s a place where musicians meet, families spend Sunday afternoons, quiz teams gather on Thursdays, friends watch football together and regulars catch up at the bar.
New visitors are part of that mix too.
That’s perhaps the most important thing to look for when you’re searching for Irish pubs near you. The décor and drinks matter, but so does the feeling you get when you walk through the door.
At Skehan’s, the aim has always been to make people feel welcome.
Looking for Irish Pubs Near You? Come to Nunhead
If you’ve been searching “Irish pubs near me”, consider looking a little beyond the obvious central London venues.
In Nunhead, Skehan’s offers the things people love about a traditional Irish pub—Guinness, music, sport, food and friendly conversation—alongside the personality of a genuinely independent family-run local.
Whether you’re coming for the Tuesday Trad Session, a big match, a meal with friends or simply a pint at the bar, Skehan’s offers plenty of reasons to make the journey.
And once you’ve found your local, you may find you don’t need to keep searching.
FAQs
Where can I find Irish pubs near me in South East London?
Skehan’s is a traditional Irish pub in Nunhead, close to Peckham and Brockley, with live music, Guinness, Thai food, live sport and a welcoming community atmosphere.
Is Skehan’s a traditional Irish pub?
Yes. Skehan’s is an independent, family-run traditional Irish pub with more than 25 years of history in the local community.
Does Skehan’s serve Guinness?
Yes. Skehan’s serves Guinness and is known for its award-winning pint.
Does Skehan’s have Irish music?
Yes. The Tuesday Trad Session features Irish and English traditional music, while Sunday Folk Sessions offer traditional acoustic music.
Does Skehan’s serve food?
Yes. Chai’s Garden serves authentic Thai food, with the option to dine in the restaurant or enjoy the same menu inside the pub.
Can I watch live sport at Skehan’s?
Yes. Skehan’s shows a range of live sport on multiple screens, including football, rugby and GAA. Selected games can also be watched from the garden.