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Guinness has been promising that ‘good things are coming’ to Covent Garden for the best part of three years now. The brand first announced that it would be launching a brewery in London back in 2022 but has kept us on tenterhooks ever since. Finally, the wait is over. It’s officially been revealed that Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard will open its gates on Thursday, December 11.
The first tickets to the huge (54,000 square foot, to be exact) new drinking haven will go for grabs in November. The tour will include an immersive experience exploring Guinness’s heritage, exclusive access to the working microbrewery (which will be pumping out 14 different limited-edition brews, not actual Guinness), a tasting session with master brewer Hollie Stephenson and an opportunity to pour a pint of the black stuff yourself.
Beyond the beverages, the venue will be home to two restaurants led by Pip Lacey of Great British Menu and Hicce fame. Gilroy’s Loft (named after the guy who created some of Guinness’s most iconic ads) will serve line-caught fish and the classic Irish combo of Guinness and oysters on the rooftop, while Porter’s Table will ‘spotlight the very best of British produce – with meat coming from trusted producers across the country and aged locally in west London, fish caught in British waters, and vegetables grown in London’s neighbouring counties’. Reservations for both will open next month.
There’ll be more casual options at the bar in Old Brewers Yard on ground level, with handmade bakes by London’s ‘king of pies’ Calum Franklin. The courtyard will also be home to arts, music and cultural pop-ups and events throughout the year.
And if you get sick of splitting the G, you can opt for something from the brewery’s range of rotating craft brews and seasonal specials. Plenty of non-stout and low-alcohol bevs will be available year-round. Guinness merch and memorabilia will be up for grabs in the Guinness Store and there’ll be exclusive collaborations in fashion, art and lifestyle available at Guinness Good Things on nearby Neal Street.
What will Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard look like?
The venue has released preview design renders of what you can expect at the brewery when it opens.
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