You really can’t beat a pint of the black stuff, which is why Carlos and Rich went looking for the best one in the Big Smoke. If it's good for Catherine, Princess of Wales and Colonel of the Irish Guards, its good for us.

The ritual that slows the world down

Guinness and London. On paper, it doesn’t seem that obvious a match. One was born in Dublin in 1759, when Arthur Guinness signed that famous 9,000-year lease at St James’s Gate. The other is a city built on constant change, reinvention and reinvigoration. And yet, somehow, the two feel inseparable.

Put simply, a properly poured pint of Guinness in a London pub just works. The weight of the glass, the slow cascade, the patient waiting for it to settle, the first creamy sip: all of these combine to create absolute heaven. Whether you’re in a quiet inn or shoulder-to-shoulder in Soho, Guinness feels as much a part of London life as theatre posters, Tube strikes and faster-than-light Deliveroo cyclists.

So, Carlos and Rich set out to settle a debate that many Guinness drinkers will recognise: where’s the best pint of Guinness in London? To do this, they visited four venues and enjoyed four very different experiences. But before we find out which London venue won the battle of the stout, let’s first look at why Guinness remains so popular.

Why does Guinness feel so Londonesque?

Although Guinness is proudly Irish, its London story runs deep. In the early 19th century, London was the biggest beer market in the world. Dark ales such as porters and stouts were already popular, particularly in working-class boozers near the docks. Irish labourers brought Guinness with them, and the stout quickly found favour among London drinkers who appreciated its richness, consistency and depth of flavour.

By the late 1800s century, Guinness had grown into one of the biggest breweries on the planet. By the 20th century, it had become THE stout; not just one option among many, but the benchmark. For around 300 years, Guinness has quietly cemented its place in London’s pub culture.

And then, of course, there’s the ritual. Guinness isn’t rushed. It demands patience. The pour, the pause, the settle: it’s almost meditative. In a city that rarely slows down, Guinness offers a moment of stillness. That, more than anything, might explain why it feels so at home here.

Is Guinness's popularity on the rise?

We’d certainly say so, and for very good reason. Guinness has undergone a cultural resurgence, particularly with younger drinkers who value authenticity, ritual and shared experience. Social media has played a huge role in this, turning the pint itself into a moment worth documenting. 

One trend in particular has captured attention: Split the G. The challenge is simple, as you just need to drink your Guinness down to the horizontal line of the ‘G’ in the logo in one smooth pull. It’s playful, competitive and oddly satisfying. More importantly, it’s helped to turn Guinness into a social talking point again, especially among people discovering it for the first time.

What’s interesting is that this popularity isn’t about novelty flavours or reinvention. Guinness hasn’t changed; people have simply rediscovered it. In a world of endless choice, the appeal of something timeless is powerful.

Guinness on the telly

And then we have ‘House of Guinness’, the historical drama series that was released on Netflix in late 2025. Written by Steven Knight, the mind behind ‘Peaky Blinders’, it treats the Guinness story with the same weight and respect, adding another layer to the brand’s mystique.

For many viewers, it has reinforced what makes Guinness special, as it’s as much about the people, ambition and history as it is about the drink itself. With so much chatter about Guinness, it’s no coincidence that interest in a pint of black stuff feels particularly strong right now.

1) Guinness Open Gate Brewery

We began our journey of discovery at the Guinness Open Gate Brewery London, which recently opened in Covent Garden. Part brewery, part experience, it offers Guinness lovers a chance to properly understand how the stout is made, from flawless ingredients through to the perfect pour. Though smaller than the original in Dublin, it really is an essential destination the next time you’re in the area, as it’s immersive, educational and genuinely enjoyable.

Carlos and Rich both agreed that pouring their own pint at the end was more than a novelty. It sharpens your appreciation for what goes into a great Guinness, from the angle of the glass to the timing and the discipline of waiting. When you finally sit back with your own perfectly poured pint, it feels earned, although Rich did concede that Carlos was the victor.

2) The Coach & Horses: A classic London pub serving expertly poured pints

Next up was The Coach & Horses at 29 Greek Street. This is a proper London pub that offers a warm, lively and unpretentious atmosphere. The pints here were excellent too: balanced, creamy, and poured with confidence by staff who clearly care about what they serve. 

A friendly local boozer that’s a bit run down in a good way, there’s something reassuring about drinking Guinness in a place that feels unapologetically like a pub, especially when it does a cracking pint and classic bar snacks. Carlos initially declared this the pint to beat, and for a while, it held that title.

3) The Toucan: A pocket of Dublin in the heart of Soho

If Guinness has a spiritual home in London, The Toucan might be it. Small, dark and steeped in character, this charming pub at 19 Carlisle Street feels like a little slice of Dublin dropped into the West End.

Named after the iconic Guinness mascot, the walls are filled with memorabilia and not-so-quiet reverence for the stout. There’s no fuss here and the people come for one reason, which is a proper pint of Guinness. Well, perhaps two reasons, as there’s also great craic.

The Toucan really delivers, with each pour presenting a creamy head, deep colour and that unmistakable roasted finish. Drinking Guinness here is about atmosphere as much as flavour, as you get the sense that you’re part of a long-standing tradition in an intimate and authentic setting. Rich particularly enjoyed his pint here, as it reminded him of happy times in the pubs of the bustling yet brilliant Temple Bar.

4) The Devonshire: Our winner, and for very good reason

By the time Carlos and Rich arrived at The Devonshire, it was packed, loud and buzzing. And that alone tells you something.

Located at 17 Denman Street, this pub has gained a reputation for serving one of the best pints of Guinness in London, and it certainly lives up to the hype. The pour was immaculate, the temperature spot-on, the balance between creaminess and bitterness exceptional.

Carlos admitted that though The Coach & Horses had taken his top spot earlier, The Devonshire changed his mind. Sometimes volume matters, as a busy pub means constant turnover, fresh lines and staff who pour Guinness all day, every day. The result is undeniable excellence. Rich agreed with him, as this was an exceptional pint to finish off the day. We have a winner!

Where can you smoke and have a Guinness in London?

For cigar lovers, London does require a little planning. Indoor smoking in pubs, bars and restaurants is of course banned, but there are still cigar-friendly terraces and sampling lounges where a great drink can accompany a great smoke. The Coach & Horses has a small outdoor seating area, plus there's plenty of space outside The Devonshire if the weather allows

If you’re specifically looking for somewhere that serves Guinness and welcomes cigar smokers, we suggest The Porterhouse at 21-22 Maiden Lane in Covent Garden, the Hope & Anchor at 123 Acre Lane in Brixton, or perhaps The Magic Garden at 231 Battersea Park Road. However, London is a city designed for exploration, so we highly recommend having a wander and finding your new favourite haunt.

Pairing Guinness with the Charatan Maduro

And of course, Carlos and Rich made sure to each take a Charatan Half Churchill Maduro, which paired beautifully with a pint of Guinness. Whilst the stout’s roasted barley notes echo the cigar’s natural chocolate and coffee character, the creamy mouthfeel softens the smoke and refreshes the palate between draws.

It’s a pairing that feels effortless, unpretentious and deeply satisfying. Whether enjoyed after a long lunch or as the evening winds down, Guinness and a Charatan Maduro complement each other in a way that feels entirely natural.

But then there are times when you sadly don’t have time to enjoy a full cigar with your pint. If that’s ever the case, make sure to take a pack of Charatan Mini Cigars, which offer our traditional, refined smoking experience without interrupting your busy schedule.  

Cheers to Guinness!

After four venues, a few pints and plenty of discussion, the verdict was clear: for Carlos and Rich, The Devonshire takes the crown. But it was also clear that London doesn’t just serve Guinness; it understands and celebrates it. From historic Soho pubs to modern brewery experiences, the city treats the stout with the respect it deserves. 

So, the next time you find yourself in the enviable position of popping out for a pint or two, be sure to slow down, let it settle, and enjoy it the way Arthur intended. Sláinte!