Celtic punk band The Pogues have launched their own brand of Irish whiskey at lead singer Shane McGowan’s favourite Highgate bar.

The Boogaloo in Archway Road played host to a glamorous launch party attended on Friday by the band and their celebrity friends – including former Doctor Who star Matt Smith and Cinderella actress Lily James. The bar is the first – and currently only – establishment in the world to sell the 50 per cent single malt Irish whiskey, named The Pogues Irish Whiskey.

It is a favourite haunt of lead singer Shane McGowan, and for several years he lived in a flat above the bar.

Gerry O’Boyle, owner of The Boogaloo, said: “The band are friends of mine and The Pogues have used the bar for years.

“The whiskey has been very popular, and the feedback has been amazing. There was an intoxicating vibe on Friday.”

In a statement, The Pogues said: “It’s been brilliant working with such experts to come up with a whiskey that we all think reflects our spirit and that we all like the taste of. It’s wonderful to add to the ranks of great Irish whiskeys and we hope it stands the test of time.”

London-based The Pogues shot to international acclaim in 1987 with their Christmas classic, The Fairytale of New York. The band have recorded several odes to whiskey, including Streams of Whiskey, and Whiskey In The Jar.

The whiskey is due to be sold for an RRP of £30.