The iconic black stuff has found a whole new audience in recent years, and now London has its very own Guinness Experience at the Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden. We were invited along to see what all the hype was about, and, thankfully, it didn't disappoint.
Part of this revival comes down to Guinness 0.0%, which has become one of the most convincing non-alcoholic beers around, with even dedicated stout fans admitting it's surprisingly close to the real thing. Then there's the now-famous “splitting the G” trend, which saw a new generation turn the humble pint into a social media challenge. Add in the comeback of Guinness and oysters (apparently oysters and champagne are no longer the only sophisticated pairing around) and a few luxury bar activations featuring the Black Velvet – Guinness mixed with champagne – and suddenly the 'black stuff' is everywhere.
London's love affair with Guinness and the combination of all the factors above led to the fateful opening of our own home-from-home brewery: the Guinness Open Gate Brewery Experience in Covent Garden. Now, bear in mind the 50-acre Guinness mothership in Dublin can make 3 million pints of stout per day, so it doesn't need our help making any more. No Guinness is actually produced in Covent Garden, but this doesn't take away from the experience, as you still get to learn about and drink plenty of Guinness.
The brewery here is actually brewing beers that are only available to sample in the Open Gate Brewery. We donned high-vis vests and safety goggles and headed down to the basement floor. Led by an avid Guinness enthusiast, we were instructed on every stage of the brewing process, from the centuries-old yeast strains, to the 300 million bubbles that make Guinness's instantly recognisable cream-coloured head. Our guide was able to seamlessly blend descriptions of high-tech modern brewery techniques with historical anecdotes, so it felt much more like an insightful conversation than being back in the classroom.
As we climbed back up from the brewery in the basement, a series of interactive screens brought Guinness's rich and dappled history to life, including some brilliant adverts from the brand's early days. Fully initiated into the world of stout-making, we headed to the tasting room to put our newly acquired beer knowledge to the test. A flight of ales, bitters and IPAs was placed in front of us, and we worked our way through each one, sharing tasting notes and judging flavours much like you would during a wine tasting.
Finally, the bar beckoned, and we were shown how to pour the perfect pint of Guinness by the experts. The secret, it turns out, is all in the waiting game: tip the tap forward, fill your glass to the harp at a 45-degree angle, then pause while the bubbles settle before topping it up with the final third. It's so satisfying when you get the pour just right, especially when you know you've earned that first sip. Naturally, once everyone had a pint in hand, it was time to attempt our best efforts at “splitting the G” on the side of the glass.
For those wanting to make their visit extra memorable, there's also the mysteriously named “stoutie”. Essentially, it's a Guinness with your face printed on the foam, a slightly ridiculous but genuinely brilliant addition that turns your pint into a temporary piece of art (until you drink it).
Guinness may have been around for centuries, but the Covent Garden experience proves the brand still knows how to reinvent itself for a new generation. Whether you're a lifelong stout fan or someone just discovering the magic of the black stuff, it makes for a great weekend activity. And with Father's Day around the corner, it's a pretty good excuse to swap the usual pub trip for something a little different.
Sláinte!