Waxy O'Connor's London

In the labyrinthine heart of London's West End, Waxy O'Connor's London stands as a testament to what happens when Gothic architecture has a few too many pints and decides to get cozy with traditional Irish pub charm. This isn't just another London pub – it's a mythical woodland crossed with a medieval church that somehow wandered into Soho and decided to serve perfect pints of Guinness.

Let's address the elephant – or rather, the tree – in the room. Yes, there's a 250-year-old beech tree growing through multiple floors, its ancient trunk and branches weaving through the pub like nature's own architectural statement piece. It's the kind of thing that makes first-time visitors stop dead in their tracks, pint midway to their lips, wondering if they've somehow stumbled through a portal into a Celtic fairy tale.

The magic of Waxy O'Connor's London lies in its ability to be simultaneously grand and intimate. Spread across six levels, connected by a warren of wooden staircases that would make M.C. Escher scratch his head, each floor offers its own distinct personality. There are cozy nooks carved into dark wood alcoves where you can whisper secrets over a smooth Irish whiskey, and grand halls with soaring ceilings where stained glass windows cast kaleidoscope shadows across worn wooden floors. The intricate wood carvings adorning every surface tell stories of their own – if these walls could talk, they'd probably have a thick Irish brogue and know a thousand drinking songs by heart.

As your eyes adjust to the warm, amber-lit interior, you'll notice the pub's carefully cultivated controlled chaos. The air is thick with the hoppy aroma of fresh-pulled pints mingling with the hearty scents wafting from the kitchen. The soundtrack is an ever-changing symphony of clinking glasses, burst of laughter, and the low hum of storytelling, occasionally punctuated by live traditional Irish music that makes even the most rhythm-challenged feet start tapping.

Speaking of pints, Waxy's serves more Guinness than any other pub in the UK, and they've got the perfect pour down to an art form. Watch the cascade of tiny bubbles dance through the dark liquid while you wait for your pint to settle – it's like a tiny, drinkable fireworks show. The beer selection extends well beyond the black stuff, though, with a carefully curated selection of local and international brews that won't punish your wallet too severely.

The food menu strikes that perfect balance between traditional pub fare and modern tastes. Their Irish stew could make a homesick Dubliner weep with joy, while contemporary options and vegetarian dishes ensure nobody leaves hungry. The portions are generous without being overwhelming, and the prices remain refreshingly reasonable for central London – you won't need to take out a second mortgage just to enjoy dinner and a few drinks.

During major sporting events, the atmosphere transforms entirely. Multiple screens throughout the venue broadcast everything from Premier League matches to Six Nations rugby, creating an electric atmosphere that's somehow both raucous and welcoming. It's the kind of place where strangers become friends over shared victories and commiserated defeats.

The staff deserve special mention – they navigate the complex layout with the ease of mountain goats, delivering drinks and food to seemingly impossible-to-find corners while maintaining the warm hospitality that's as much a part of Waxy's as the wooden beams. They're quick with a recommendation or a bit of banter, making even first-time visitors feel like regulars.

Here's an insider tip: arrive early evening if you want to snag one of the coveted snugs, those private little wooden booths that feel like they've been transported straight from a Dublin pub circa 1920. They're perfect for small groups or intimate conversations, though you might need to send a search party for anyone who goes to the bar.

So here's the deal – if you're in London and looking for a pub that's more than just a pub, Waxy O'Connor's is your spot. Whether you're planning a night out with friends, seeking the perfect spot for a unique date, or just want to experience one of London's most characterful drinking establishments, you'll find your perfect perch somewhere within these wooden walls. Just remember to look up – between the tree, the carvings, and the stained glass, some of the best views are above your head.