London’s Chancellor Rishi Sunak is supporting the major investment by Guinness in the heart of the West End. The £73 million move to create a Guinness microbrewery, event space, store and restaurant in Covent Garden was a “crucial vote of confidence” in the capital that would help “drive forward London’s economy as we leave Covid behind”.

Mr Sunak said he was “excited and optimistic” about London’s future 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 complex will hold a significant historical background as Old Brewer’s Yard is where beer was first made 300 years ago. The complex is set to open in Autumn 2023 and will create 150 jobs.

“This multi-million-pound investment is a crucial vote of confidence in our capital,” said Sunak. “Three hundred years after brewing the first beer in Old Brewers Yard, it’s fantastic to see Guinness breathing life into our hospitality and tourism industries and creating more jobs and training opportunities in central London.”

Guinness’s owner Diageo, 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”.

“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,” said Dayalan Nayager, managing director, Diageo Great Britain.

“Government support over the last two years has been vital for pubs and bars. 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.”

Guinness sales in Great Britain have grown by over 30 percent in the last six months and one in every 10 pints sold in London is now a Guinness.

The new site will be called Guinness at Old Brewer’s Yard and will include a microbrewery producing limited edition beers and offering tours with Guinness beer specialists; event spaces and central covered courtyard; a Guinness store selling rare items, and a open-fire kitchen, restaurant and 360 degrees glass rooftop space.

“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,”said chief executive Rob Abernethy.

Photo courtesy of Diageo