Guinness names 35 UK spots that pour ‘perfect serve’ in new Harp Guide

There’s something about a good pint that turns casual drinkers into die-hards: beyond the actual tasty liquid in the glass, to also appreciating surroundings, the people at the bar, the rhythm of service and the quiet confidence of a pour done properly.

In recent years, Guinness has found itself at the centre of that conversation again, with drinkers debating where the best pints can be found, arguing over domes, dwell times and whether the glass was rinsed just right.

Across the UK, pubs have leaned into that obsession. Lines are cleaner, staff are better trained, and the idea of a ‘perfect serve’ has become something closer to a badge of honour than a marketing phrase.

Social media has only fuelled it further, turning the humble pint into something worth travelling for, photographed, reviewed and ranked. That growing culture has now been given an official stamp.

Guinness’s new guide highlights pubs where atmosphere matters as much as technique (Daniel Leal/Getty Images)

Guinness has unveiled its first-ever Harp Guide, naming 35 pubs across the UK that the brand says consistently pour an exceptional pint. Already being dubbed the ‘Michelin guide for Guinness’, the list spans London, the North West, Scotland and the rest of England and Wales, spotlighting venues that combine technical excellence with atmosphere and community.

According to Guinness, pubs were selected based on five criteria: quality pours, welcoming atmosphere, strong community, great service, and a genuine love of Guinness. Those chosen will receive a brass harp plaque to display on their premises, marking them out as trusted spots for stout fans.

Reported by The Standard, Nicholas Payman, head of Guinness at owners Diageo GB, said: “As a brand rooted in the quality and craft behind every pint, we’re proud to introduce the very first Guinness Harp Guide.” Payman added: “By shining a light on these exceptional venues, we want to recognise pubs and help to drive footfall throughout the year, as well as giving our drinkers advice on where they can find a perfect pint.”

The perfect serve is now a marker of quality across Britain’s best pubs (Jewel Samad/Getty Images)

Nine London pubs made the cut, including The Devonshire, The Audley Public House, The Auld Shillelagh and The Toucan, while the wider list stretches from Manchester and Liverpool to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Norwich. Each venue reflects a slightly different take on what makes a great Guinness pub, but all share a commitment to consistency and care behind the bar.

London

• The Devonshire
• The Coach & Horses
• Bricklayers Arms
• The Auld Shillelagh
• Skehans Freehouse
• The Audley Public House
• The Toucan
• Mc & Sons
• The Fox & Pheasant

North West

• Mulligans, Manchester
• Kennedy’s, Didsbury
• The Station, Didsbury
• Pogue Mahone, Liverpool
• The Monro, Liverpool
• Shenanigans, Liverpool

Scotland

• Malones, Edinburgh
• Kitty O’Sheas, Glasgow
• Jinty McGuintys, Glasgow

Rest of England and Wales

• The Beckford Arms, Salisbury
• The Star, Bristol
• Queens Vaults, Cardiff
• Free Press, Cambridge
• The Fat Cat, Norwich
• The Boot, St Albans
• The Centurion, Newcastle
• Barluga, Newcastle
• Sheepfolds, Sunderland
• The Fiddlers Elbow, Brighton
• The Lion & Lobster, Brighton
• Whitelocks Ale House, Leeds
• Dog & Partridge, Sheffield
• The Grapes, Sheffield
• Hearsall Inn, Coventry
• The Guinness Arms, Bury St Edmunds
• Elvenden Inn, Thetford

The guide lands at a time when Guinness’s popularity in Britain continues to climb. The stout became the UK’s best-selling draught beer by value in 2023, overtaking long-time favourite Carling, while hospitality analysts have previously reported that pubs sell millions of pints of Guinness every week nationwide. That includes the official Guinness milkshake we found out about during the summer.

Guinness has also confirmed that the Harp Guide will evolve, with future editions set to expand and customer recommendations playing a role in shaping what comes next.