Explore London’s £73 Million Guinness Microbrewery Experience

A new microbrewery has opened in London, bringing the iconic Guinness brand to the heart of the West End. The £73 million facility, which spans 54,000 square feet, officially opened its doors in December 2023. This marks a significant milestone for Guinness, which has seen a resurgence in popularity, with around 2.2 million pints consumed daily across the UK.

Visitors can now take part in a guided tour of the brewery, which offers a unique twist on the traditional brewing experience. Despite its name, the microbrewery does not actually brew Guinness; instead, it focuses on producing a variety of ales and lagers. The site is notable for being only the fourth Guinness brewery globally that the public can visit, following the flagship St James’s Gate Brewery in Dublin, along with locations in Chicago and Baltimore.

What to Expect During Your Visit

Guests can participate in a 90-minute tour, priced between £30 and £40, which includes tastings of different beers. The tours kick off at 09:30, creating an opportunity for those eager to start their day with a pint. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by an array of Guinness-themed merchandise, ranging from cooking products to branded apparel.

The tour’s initial highlight is a visually striking 3D bubble wall, representing the estimated 300 million bubbles found in every pint of Guinness. However, the tour quickly reveals that no actual Guinness brewing occurs on site. Instead, the microbrewery produces a selection of lagers and ales, which confuses some visitors hoping for a glimpse into the brewing process of the famous stout.

The tasting room offers a chance to sample a variety of freshly brewed options, including porters and sours. Participants gather around a large wooden table, where an expert guides them through the tasting notes and aromas of each selection.

Self-Poured Pints and Unique Experiences

The latter part of the tour concludes at Bar 232, an exclusive area for tour participants. Here, visitors are tasked with pouring their own pint of Guinness, learning the proper technique to achieve the perfect creamy head. Staff members are available to assist, emphasizing the importance of holding the glass at a 45-degree angle and allowing the pint to rest before finishing.

For a modern twist, the brewery features a selfie booth that uses a special printing machine to etch visitors’ selfies onto the foam of their pints. While this may seem gimmicky, it adds an engaging element to the experience, especially for those seeking a memorable photo opportunity.

For those who prefer to skip the tour, the brewery includes an outdoor bar area. This space allows patrons to enjoy a pint without the full tour involvement. Currently, there are plans to open two VIP rooms for private events, but guests can only access outdoor seating for the time being.

Pricing at the microbrewery reflects its prime London location. A pint costs around £7.20, while food options, such as pies priced at approximately £15, can feel steep compared to nearby establishments. Dining options include two restaurants within the brewery: Porter’s House, offering meals ranging from £17 to £40, and Gilroy’s Loft, which specializes in seafood dishes, including a half lobster priced at £48.

In summary, while the new Guinness microbrewery in London delivers an entertaining experience with its modern take on brewing culture, some visitors may find the absence of actual Guinness production disappointing. Nonetheless, for £30, it provides a unique day out, allowing guests to savor the familiar flavors of Guinness in a beautifully designed setting.