Guinness maker Diageo is building a £73m Guinness microbrewery and culture hub in London’s Covent Garden, with ‘Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard’ due to open in autumn 2023.
The new development follows the success of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin, Ireland’s most popular tourist attraction, and the 2021 launch of Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh.
“We’re excited to create a new home for Guinness in the heart of London,” said Dayalan Nayager, managing director for Diageo Great Britain. “Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard will strengthen London’s hospitality community and be a must-visit destination for thousands of visitors to enjoy.”
Spread across 50,000 square feet, Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard will feature a microbrewery offering tours with Guinness specialists, event spaces, and a Guinness store. Visitors will get the chance to try new and exclusive brews, and there will be a restaurant and rooftop space.
Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard
“Government support over the last two years has been vital for pubs and bars,” Nayager added. “Coming out of the pandemic, the long-term vitality of the trade will be significantly helped by the alcohol duty review and continued freezes in duty.”
In addition, the venue will be carbon neutral by 2030. Old Brewer’s Yard is owned by the Mercers’ Company, with chief executive Rob Abernethy saying: “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.”
“Old Brewer’s Yard will provide a wonderful platform for the Mercers’ Company to continue its philanthropic work, helping to create positive change so that everyone has the chance to lead a fulfilling life.”
Images: Diageo
