Guinness had quite the rollercoaster year in 2024: with social media trends and unprecedented sales growth, to a national shortage that has resulted in pubs quite literally rationing the Black Stuff. At least one in every ten pints pulled in the capital is now a Guinness, which begs the question: how many of those Gs were successfully split?
They’d better get their supply in order though, if they want everything to go to plan for the launch of their highly-anticipated Guinness microbrewery in Covent Garden. This ambitious new opening was announced back in 2022, with all hope thrown an autumn 2023 opening. However, as so often happens with these types of things, the date has been pushed back on a couple of occasions. The most recent delay followed the news that the project’s lead contractor had fallen into administration.
All is not lost though, as promising reports suggest we should be on for a 2025 open date. A spokesman for Diageo, owner of Guinness, told The Grocer in October 2024:
“We remain very excited to open the doors of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in London next year, reaching an even broader audience for Guinness than before.”
The project, which is set to cost £73 million, will be a microbrewery and cultural hub, featuring numerous bars, community and events spaces, a merch store, and a rooftop restaurant boasting panoramic views of the city. And not forgetting its main purpose, of course: a massive microbrewery producing limited edition beers, alongside their classic stout. The venue will also offer tours with Guinness experts, much like those at the famed Guinness Storehouse in Dublin.
This won’t be the first time beer has been produced on this site, which will come as no surprise when you hear its address: Old Brewer’s Yard. Beer was made here some 300 years ago, and it’s considered an important part of London’s heritage.
We don’t have an exact opening date to share, but stay tuned for more news. Sláinte!