Updated 29/10/25 with the opening date, bar and restaurant details
It's been on the cards for a very long time, but the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden is finally opening. Following in the footsteps of Dublin and Edinburgh, London is the latest capital city to get its own huge city-centre brewery/distillery. And it's a big project; Guinness has apparently spent £73 million on the building Old Brewer’s Yard over the past four years.
The arrival of a brewery on this particular spot sees history coming full circle, as the space was once home to a brewery way back in the day.
It's not all about the drink, though, as they've recruited two interesting chefs to be in charge of the food here. Up at the top of the building is Gilroy's Loft. Here, chef Pip Lacey (previously Hicce) will be in charge. Gilroy's Loft will focus on seafood - Guinness goes very well with oysters after all - and promises some great views over London. Lacey is also in charge of another dining space, The Porter's Table, which is all about the best of British produce. Full menus on those are still to come.
Down on the ground floor is Old Brewer's Yard and the main bar. That's a walk-in only space which will be serving up piemaster Calum Franklin's pies alongside what should be some of the best pints of Guinness in town (you'd hope).
They will also have a private dining room, so if you have any Guinness fanatics you want to impress, this is the place.
On the drinks side, they're promising some limited-edition craft brews and seasonal specials as well as various interactive experiences. There will be a 330-degree experience about Guinness in Covent Garden, a guided tour of the working brewery as well as tasting sessions, and they'll be hosting "pour your own pint" sessions in the 232 Bar (although apparently that's invite only).
And, of course, there will be memorabilia from not one but two shops, with the whole brewery handily opening just before Christmas.
Given London's seemingly endless obsessions with Guinness, expect this to be pretty popular.
More about Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Where is it? Shelton Street, London, WC2H 9PU
When? 11 December 2025, tour tickets and restaurant bookings open in November
Find out more: Visit the website and follow them on Instagram @guinnessbreweryldn
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