Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Happy St Patrick’s Day! I’ve been to 1,000 pubs to find the best pint of Guinness. Here’s the definitive, meticulously researched guide to the top 50 pints across the country

As a lover of pubs and a connoisseur of good beer, I have always been on the hunt for the perfect pint. And after living in Dublin for ten years, I can confidently say that the Irish have mastered the art of brewing the perfect pint of Guinness. Yes, you read that right, the perfect pint of Guinness. While many may argue that the British have their own share of great pubs and beers, the Irish have a special place in my heart when it comes to this dark, rich and creamy stout.

For those who may not be familiar, Guinness is a dry stout that originated in the brewery of Arthur Guinness in Dublin, Ireland in the late 1700s. It has become a symbol of Irish culture and is enjoyed by people all over the world. But there is something about drinking a pint of Guinness in its birthplace that just can’t be replicated anywhere else.

During my time in Dublin, I have visited countless pubs and tasted numerous pints of Guinness. And through my extensive research (or should I say, drinking), I have come up with a list of the best pints of Guinness in Britain. So sit back, grab a pint (of Guinness, of course), and let me take you on a journey to the best pubs for this beloved Irish stout.

1. The Stag’s Head, Dublin
Let’s start with where it all began, Dublin. And there’s no better place to start than at The Stag’s Head. This pub has been around since the late 1800s and has maintained its traditional Irish charm. The Guinness here is served at the perfect temperature, with a thick creamy head and a smooth finish. The atmosphere of the pub is cozy and inviting, making it the perfect place to enjoy a pint with friends.

2. The Crown Liquor Saloon, Belfast
Moving on to Northern Ireland, The Crown Liquor Saloon in Belfast is a must-visit for any Guinness lover. This Victorian-style pub is a feast for the eyes with its ornate interior and stained glass windows. But the real treat here is the Guinness. Served in a traditional tulip-shaped glass, the pint is perfectly poured and has a rich and velvety texture that will have you wanting more.

3. The Porterhouse, London
Now, let’s head across the Irish Sea to London. The Porterhouse in Covent Garden is not your typical British pub. It’s a multi-level bar with a wide selection of beers, including their own brewed stouts. But the real star here is their Guinness. It’s served in a unique glass with a wide rim, allowing you to fully experience the aroma and flavor of the stout. And trust me, it’s worth the trip to London just for this pint.

4. The Balmoral, Edinburgh
Next up, we have Scotland’s best pint of Guinness at The Balmoral in Edinburgh. This pub has a warm and welcoming atmosphere, with a cozy fireplace and traditional wooden furnishings. But the real magic happens when you order a pint of Guinness. The bartenders here are experts at pouring the perfect pint, and the result is a creamy, smooth and full-bodied stout that will leave you wanting more.

5. The Crown, Belfast
Back to Belfast, we have another gem for Guinness lovers – The Crown. This pub has a rich history and has been serving pints of Guinness since the early 1900s. The atmosphere here is lively and bustling, making it the perfect place to enjoy a pint with friends. And the Guinness? Well, let’s just say it’s the stuff of dreams – creamy, flavorful and simply perfect.

6. The Blackfriar, London
Last but certainly not least, we have The Blackfriar in London. This pub is a work of art, quite literally. Its exterior and interior are adorned with stunning Art Nouveau designs, making it a must-visit for any art lover. But the real masterpiece here is their Guinness. Served in a traditional pint glass, it has a perfect balance of bitterness and creaminess that will have you coming back for more.

And there you have it, my list of Britain’s best pints of Guinness. Each of these pubs has its own unique charm and atmosphere, but they all have one thing in common – a perfectly poured pint of Guinness. So next time you’re in any of these cities, make sure to stop by and experience the magic of the

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