On a rainy December afternoon in London, King Charles III found himself behind the bar at the newly opened Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden, pulling what would soon be hailed as the "perfect" pint of Guinness. The moment, marked by laughter, tradition, and a festive spirit, was more than just a royal photo opportunity—it was a celebration of hospitality, community, and, perhaps, a nod to the monarch's own journey through a challenging year.
The King's visit on December 18, 2025, officially opened the £73 million Guinness Open Gate Brewery, a major investment designed not only as a working brewery but as a visitor attraction complete with a microbrewery, restaurant, shops, and event spaces. According to BBC, this was Charles's first public engagement since he delivered a video message sharing the "good news" that his cancer treatment was being scaled back in the new year, thanks to early diagnosis and positive progress.
Guided by Guinness experience ambassador Leo Ravina, the King approached the bar with a mixture of curiosity and good humor. Ravina instructed him to hold the glass at a "45 degree angle—very important—it’s not 46 or 44, precisely 45," as reported by The Independent. Charles, aged 77, followed the ritual to the letter, pulling the pump towards him and stopping when the glass was three-quarters full to let the Irish dry stout settle. The process, which took just under two minutes, is steeped in Guinness tradition—allowing, as Ravina explained, "300 million bubbles to rise inside the glass."
"That’s a perfect pint of Guinness," Ravina declared at the end of the demonstration. Charles, ever modest, responded with a smile, "If you say so." The finished pint was then decorated by a machine that used edible dyes made from barley, carrot, and beetroot to print "Merry Christmas" and a sprig of holly on the creamy head. The King marveled, calling the result "amazing" and "just fantastic." After taking a dainty sip, he was left with a classic Guinness moustache and joked with onlookers, "So you want me to ruin that now do you?" before wishing everyone a "very happy Christmas."
The festivities didn’t end with the perfect pour. Charles sampled a range of beers brewed by Hollie Stephenson, master brewer at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery. Among the offerings were a robust porter, a festively spiced "Winter Warmer" featuring ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and an apricot sour that the King quipped "did not taste like a beer." He described the samples as "fantastic," and particularly praised the combination of flavors in the Winter Warmer. The tasting took place in the 232 Bar, named after the precise temperature—232 degrees Celsius—at which Guinness barley is roasted to achieve its signature flavor.
The King’s tour extended beyond the bar. He received a behind-the-scenes look at the brewery’s inner workings, led by Master Brewer Stephenson, and met with the team responsible for creating the site’s unique brews. Charles also engaged with graduates from Diageo’s Learning for Life program and The King’s Foundation’s Introduction to Hospitality course, both initiatives offering free training for those aspiring to build careers in the hospitality sector. Diageo’s interim chief executive, Nik Jhangiani, emphasized the significance of the visit, stating, "Pubs and restaurants are the heartbeat of the hospitality sector and this is a wonderful show of support for the industry at this time."
Despite the persistent London drizzle, the King was determined to greet the public. He ventured outside, umbrella in hand, surprising shoppers in Covent Garden with festive greetings and impromptu handshakes. Onlookers, some caught off guard by the royal presence, quickly raised their phones to capture the moment. Charles chatted with a couple about keeping their baby warm in the rain and joined a Christmas-themed food market, sampling Guinness-inspired treats and remarking that a large Guinness cake was "seriously dangerous."
The royal walkabout continued into Old Brewer’s Yard, where the King joined a Christmas celebration with local community groups and businesses closely tied to the brewery. Among those present were Debbie Moore, owner of Pineapple Dance Studios; artist Mason London, who created a Guinness-inspired mural for the courtyard; and cast members from the new holiday film Christmas Karma. Charles expressed interest in the film, which director Gurinder Chadha described as carrying a message of compassion and multiculturalism. The King requested a copy to watch at Sandringham over the holidays.
Throughout the day, Charles’s jovial spirit was evident. He joked with the Covent Garden Chorus, who were performing Christmas carols, asking if they were "moonlighting from the Royal Opera House." The chorus later described the King as "very friendly and always cracking a joke." He even teased members of the press, gesturing towards the bar and quipping, "They are all longing to have a go!"
The opening of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery comes at a notable time for the beverage industry. As reported by The Independent, a potential shortage of Guinness 0.0—the non-alcoholic version—loomed over the holiday season due to an ongoing pay dispute at Diageo’s Belfast packaging plant. Around 90 workers had voted to strike, but the company insisted there would be no impact on supply. The King’s visit, meanwhile, spotlighted the resilience and importance of the hospitality sector amid such challenges.
This event was also set against the backdrop of a turbulent year for the Royal Family. In October, Charles made the difficult decision to strip his brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, of his remaining titles following controversy over Andrew’s links to the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Yet, the mood in Covent Garden was decidedly upbeat, with the King’s engagement serving as a reminder of the monarchy’s enduring role in British public life—one that balances tradition with a willingness to embrace new experiences and support vital industries.
As the day drew to a close, the King’s Guinness moustache, festive banter, and warm interactions with the public left a lasting impression. The opening of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery was not just about a perfect pint, but about community, resilience, and the simple joys that bring people together—even, or especially, in the rain.
