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First Through the Doors: Touring the Guinness Brewery, Covent Garden
Thursday 11th December
Being part of the very first group to tour the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden felt genuinely special — one of those rare London moments where history, atmosphere, and anticipation all collide.
From the moment we stepped inside on Thursday 11th December, there was a real buzz in the air. The space itself is stunning: a clever balance of Guinness heritage and modern design, tucked into a site that has been linked to brewing for centuries. Knowing we were among the first ever visitors made every detail feel heightened — the smell of malt, the shine of new copper, the quiet pride of the staff as they welcomed us in.
The tour was informative without being stuffy, and what really stood out was the storytelling. This wasn’t just about beer — it was about Guinness returning to London, reclaiming its place in the city, and doing so with confidence and creativity. The brewers clearly love what they do, and that passion came through in every explanation and tasting.
Sampling beers brewed on site — beers that almost no one else had tasted yet — was a highlight. Each one felt intentional, experimental, and respectful of the Guinness name without leaning on it too heavily. And yes, finishing with a perfectly poured pint in such a setting was hard to beat.
There was a sense throughout the tour that we weren’t just guests, but witnesses to the beginning of something new. Being in that first group felt like a privilege — like having a front-row seat to the opening chapter of what will undoubtedly become a Covent Garden landmark.
A brilliant experience, a proud moment, and one I’ll remember every time I see a pint of Guinness from now on