Hipster haven: New York’s latest Irish bar

An Irish bar where you can’t get a pint of Guinness sounds a bit like a McDonald’s that doesn’t serve quarter pounders, but such things exist. To be fair, the Late Late – yes, it’s called after the TV show – on Manhattan’s East Houston Street does serve the black stuff, just not in pints.

Instead it comes in 12 oz goblets, which is three-quarters of a US pint and sixth-tenths of what you’d get in your local.

The Late Late also serves Guinness cocktails, including the “Minty Fresh”, which combines the stout with créme de menthe, the green stuff that the Pope drinks.

Co-owner James Morrissey told the Wall Street Journal that they are shocked at the level of repeat orders for the cocktails. This column knows a few people who'd be shocked if you tried to get them to mix Guinness with anything other than a packet of cheese and onion.

Speaking of which, the menu features Tayto sandwiches and, for those who feel really homesick, the Late Late is decked out to look like the average 1960s Irish home, down to period fittings bought on Ebay.

Its other owner is Robert Ackroyd, lead guitarist with Florence and the Machine. He selects the music played in the bar, which is more Strawberry Fields than Strawberry Beds.

The Morrissey half of the partnership is the son of the PR man of the same name, who could probably do with a stiff drink himself these days, as one of his clients is Denis O’Brien.

His son has made it clear to various media that the bar wants to steer clear of the old formula for Irish pubs abroad.

Do say: Love what you’ve done with my mother’s old lino.

Don’t say:Tastes a bit like polo mints.