Excited and optimistic, Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor announced £73 million Guinness Microbrewery event space, store and restaurant in Covent Garden, and urged people “ to support the capital’s bounce back and make the most of what it has to offer”. The 50, 000 sq ft Guinness Microbrewery complex at old Brewer’s Yard – just over 300 years ago after it first started brewing beer in 1722 – near Neal Street is due to open in Autumn 2023, and investment, was a “crucial vote of confidence” in the capital that would help drive forward London’s economy as we leave Covid19 behind”, and will create 150 jobs.
Diageo the FTSE 100 drinks giant, which owns Guinness, Tanqueray gin, Johnnie Walker Scotch and Captain Morgan’s rum said “the investment demonstrates its confidence in London and the UK as a go-to destination for tourists and its commitment to the hospitality sector, which employs almost 2 million people in the UK”.
Dayalan Nayager, managing director, 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. Government support over the last two years has been vital for pubs and bars. Coming out of pandemic, the long-term vitality of the trade will be significantly helped by the alcohol duty review and continued freezes on duty”.
Guinness sales in Great Britain have grown by over 32 per cent in the last six months and one in every 10 pints sold in London is now a Guinness.
The new site will offer tours with Guinness beer specialists: event spaces and central covered courtyard, a Guinness store selling rare items and a open-fire kitchen, restaurant and 360º glass rooftop space.
Old Brewer’s Yard is owned by the Mercers’ Company, whose CEO Rob Abernethy said: “ We have worked closely with Diageo to develop proposals which will restore heritage of Old Brewer’s Yard’s historic origins in a contemporary context”.