The brewery will serve as the southern hub of Diageo’s learning for Life hospitality training programme King Charles III received a warm “Céad Míle Fáilte” meaning a hundred thousand welcomes,…

The brewery will serve as the southern hub of Diageo’s learning for Life hospitality training programme

King Charles III received a warm “Céad Míle Fáilte” meaning a hundred thousand welcomes, as he officially opened the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in London, Covent Garden.

Accompanied by Jason Thorndycraft, Managing Director of Guinness Open Gate Brewery London, the King toured the facility with Master Brewer Hollie Stephenson. During the visit, His Majesty sampled several brews, including Old Brewer’s Yard Porter, Winter Warmer, the first in Stephenson’s seasonal limited-edition craft beer series, and an Apricot Sour.

At the 232° Bar, named after the temperature at which Guinness barley is roasted, the King was guided through the art of pouring the perfect pint by tour guide Leo Ravina, before adding a festive “Merry Christmas” message to the foam.

The brewery will serve as the southern hub of Diageo’s Learning for Life hospitality training programme. During his visit, the King met recent programme graduates now working in the hospitality sector, as well as Ruadh Thomson, a graduate of The King’s Foundation Introduction to Hospitality programme, who currently works at The Johnnie Walker Experience in Edinburgh.

Festive celebrations continued at Old Brewer’s Yard, where His Majesty met London-based artist Mason London, creator of a 30-foot mural depicting Covent Garden’s brewing heritage and the people who have shaped the area over centuries. The King also met representatives from local businesses and community organisations, including Pineapple Dance Studios, the Covent Garden Area Trust and Dragon Hall Trust, while the Covent Garden Chorus performed Christmas carols.

Pip Lacey, Executive Chef at Guinness Open Gate Brewery London, showcased food and local suppliers featured across the brewery’s restaurants, including oysters from Gilroy’s Loft, handmade pies by Chef Calum Franklin, and Guinness cake from The Porter’s Table.

The visit concluded with Diageo Chairman Sir John Manzoni and interim Chief Executive Nik Jhangiani inviting the King to unveil a commemorative plaque marking the official opening. Grainne Wafer, Global Head of Guinness, presented His Majesty with a folio of historic Guinness advertisements and prints of the brewery artwork by Mason London before his departure.

Commenting on the occasion, Nik Jhangiani said: “We’re honoured to have His Majesty The King officially open our Guinness Open Gate Brewery London today. Pubs and restaurants are the heartbeat of the hospitality sector and this visit is a meaningful show of support for the industry.”