Guinness is set to open a microbrewery in London

Virgin Radio

1 Feb 2022, 10:31

A new £73 million microbrewery is coming to Covent Garden, and will sit on a site used to brew beer 300 years ago.

The microbrewery, called Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard, aims to be a culture hub in the capital’s West End, with an event space, store and restaurant with a 360-degree glass rooftop, a covered courtyard, and plenty more inside a 50,000 square foot venue.

Following the success of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard will open in autumn 2023, and will welcome visitors on a tour where they will learn about the history of the famous stout, and discover how it is made. Visitors will also sample new products, some of which will only be available on that site. 

Drinks multinational Diageo, which owns Guinness, has also pledged to ensure the new microbrewery is carbon neutral by 2030. The venue will create up to 150 jobs and train up to 100 bartenders every year to pour the perfect pint of Guinness.

Dayalan Nayager, managing director of Diageo Great Britain, said: “We’re excited to create a new home for Guinness in the heart of London. Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard will strengthen London’s hospitality community and be a must-visit destination for thousands of visitors to enjoy.”

Meanwhile, Rob Abernethy, chief executive of the Mercers’ Company which owns Old Brewer’s Yard, said: “We are delighted to welcome Guinness to our Covent Garden estate. 

“We have worked closely with Diageo to develop proposals which will restore Old Brewer’s Yard’s historic origins in a contemporary context.”

He added: “The significant level of investment is a major boost to London’s recovering economy and will provide a one-of-a-kind immersive experience, shining the spotlight on Covent Garden as a global visitor destination.”

London does seem to be the perfect place for the new microbrewery. Not only is it a huge tourist destination, but one in every 10 pints bought in the nation’s capital is a pint of the black stuff!