King Charles Pours ‘Perfect Pint’ at Guinness Brewery Opening

King Charles showcased his skills in pouring a pint during the opening of the new €83 million Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Covent Garden, London. Onlookers described his pour as an “absolutely perfect” pint of Guinness, and after taking a sip, the monarch humorously sported a distinctive “Guinness moustache.”

The event highlighted the King’s visit to the brewery, where he expressed his enjoyment of the famous stout. “It is great stuff,” he remarked after sampling his creation. His visit comes as he continues to receive treatment for cancer, yet he appeared in high spirits throughout the proceedings.

Prior to pouring his own pint, Leo Ravina, a 23-year-old staff member, demonstrated the precise technique required to achieve the perfect pour. When Charles took his turn, Ravina complimented his technique, saying, “You’ve done this before, I see.” The King responded with modesty, stating, “If you say so!”

Innovative Brewing Techniques

Following the initial pouring, Charles learned about a unique process involving an imprint of holly leaves and the words “Happy Christmas” on the head of a pint. This innovative technique employs a machine using ink made from barley, carrot, and beetroot. The King described the process as “just fantastic” as he stamped a pint himself.

Charles then toured the microbrewery with Hollie Stephenson, the master brewer, and met the team responsible for creating exclusive Guinness brews specific to the Covent Garden location. During the tasting session, the King expressed particular enjoyment of an apricot-flavored beer and noted that the combination of ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg in another brew was a “very good combination.”

At the site’s 232 Bar—named for the precise roasting temperature in Celsius for the barley used in Guinness—Charles interacted with hospitality workers who are recent graduates of an Introduction to Hospitality course run by The King’s Foundation. This educational charity, established by Charles in 1990, aims to support young people in their career pursuits.

These graduates had also benefited from a program offered by Diageo, the owner of Guinness, which provides free hospitality training for individuals looking to enter the industry. The King’s engagement with the staff underscored his commitment to supporting education and career development in hospitality.

Through this lively event, King Charles not only celebrated the opening of a significant brewery but also reinforced his dedication to fostering skills in the workforce, all while enjoying a classic pint of Guinness.