His Majesty King Charles Brings Festive Warmth and Joy to the Inauguration of Guinness Open Gate Brewery London
The King has formally inaugurated the Guinness Open Gate Brewery London, marking the occasion by sampling beers brewed exclusively on site, engaging with Diageo’s Learning for Life hospitality graduates, and taking part in a lively celebration alongside local businesses and community groups in Old Brewer’s Yard.
Representing a £73 million investment, the Guinness Open Gate Brewery London brings together a working microbrewery, immersive visitor experiences, restaurants, retail spaces, and a dedicated events venue. The site will also become the southern UK base for Diageo’s acclaimed Learning for Life programme, supporting education, skills training, and career pathways within the hospitality sector.
London becomes the fourth Guinness Open Gate Brewery location worldwide. The concept builds on the global success of the original Guinness Storehouse at St James’ Gate in Dublin, which marked its 25th anniversary this year and has welcomed over 25 million visitors since opening. Alongside Dublin, the Open Gate Brewery sites in Baltimore and Chicago blend centuries of Irish brewing heritage with modern American beer innovation and creativity.
Upon arrival, His Majesty was welcomed by Diageo Chairman Sir John Manzoni before embarking on a guided visit through the microbrewery. During the tour, The King met the brewing team responsible for developing small-batch Guinness beers crafted exclusively for the Covent Garden location.
Under the guidance of Master Brewer Hollie Stephenson, His Majesty was introduced to a selection of limited-edition and seasonal beers. The visit concluded with a tasting of the brewery’s signature creations, including the Old Brewer’s Yard Porter, a Winter Warmer, and a distinctive Apricot Sour, each reflecting the experimental spirit of the London site.
Guinness Open Gate Brewery London rises from ground steeped in brewing history. The site was once home to Combe & Co., an 18th-century giant of Covent Garden’s thriving brewing quarter, a district transformed by the explosive popularity of porter beer. That moment of innovation helped reshape brewing on both sides of the Irish Sea and became a vital chapter in the Guinness story itself, linking London’s industrial energy with Ireland’s brewing ambition.
From there, The King ascended to the 232 Bar, a space named for the exact temperature that unlocks Guinness’s distinctive roasted character. Here, His Majesty met graduates of Diageo’s Learning for Life programme alongside participants from The King’s Foundation ‘Introduction to Hospitality’ course, celebrating the power of skills, opportunity, and shared craft within the hospitality world.
Learning for Life is Diageo’s award-winning initiative that provides free training and pathways into hospitality for those seeking to build meaningful careers. The King’s support for the programme stretches back to his time as Duke of Rothesay, when he visited the Learning for Life Academy in 2021 to officially open The Johnnie Walker Experience on Edinburgh’s Princes Street. That moment also marked the beginning of a partnership with The King’s Foundation, strengthening hospitality education across Scotland.
Within the warm, social atmosphere of the 232 Bar, The King was invited to pour a pint of Guinness under the guidance of the brewery team, experiencing first-hand the precision and pride behind the ritual. He was also introduced to innovative pint-printing technology, which uses natural inks derived from barley, carrot, and beetroot to create images on the creamy head of a Guinness, blending tradition with modern creativity.
The story of Guinness itself is inseparable from London. Arthur Guinness initially planned to brew ales, but the rise of London porter captured his imagination as it travelled across to Dublin. Inspired, he began refining his own porter at St James’s Gate, experimenting tirelessly until he created the recipe that would become synonymous with Guinness worldwide. By 1796, Guinness was being imported back to London, served alongside the very porters who had inspired it. The connection came full circle in 1901, when Guinness Extra Stout was bottled on this very site under Combe, Watney and Reid.
The visit concluded at Old Brewer’s Yard, where His Majesty joined a joyful celebration with local community groups and neighbouring businesses whose lives and livelihoods are closely woven into the brewery. He also met artist Mason London, whose striking mural in the courtyard reflects the shared heritage, creativity, and community spirit that continue to define this historic place.
The King’s visit to the Guinness Brewery in London was a joyful celebration of heritage, people, and place, shaped by his warmth, good humour, and unmistakable festive spirit. Throughout the visit, His Majesty’s easy manner and genuine curiosity were met with smiles and enthusiasm, as he engaged with brewers, trainees, artists, and—at Old Brewer’s Yard—local community groups and businesses whose stories are closely woven into the life of the brewery. His kindness and attentiveness created a relaxed, uplifting atmosphere, making the occasion feel both special and deeply personal for all involved.
That sense of connection extended beyond the courtyard and into the surrounding streets. Crowds gathered and waited with anticipation, eager to welcome The King as he emerged. They were greeted with smiles, waves, and moments of warm exchange that reflected a shared sense of pride and celebration. The mutual goodwill between His Majesty and the public turned the visit into a memorable communal moment, one defined by togetherness, tradition, and the enduring power of human connection.
