King Charles Pours a "Perfect Pint" at New Guinness Brewery in Covent Garden
King Charles has officially opened the new Guinness Open Gate Brewery in London's Covent Garden – and yes, he pulled his own pint.
The visit marked the King's first public engagement since releasing a video message earlier this week sharing "good news" about the positive progress of his cancer treatment. And by all accounts, he was in excellent spirits.
The Perfect Pour
The King received a masterclass in the art of pouring Guinness, learning to tilt the glass to 45 degrees and then wait 60 to 70 seconds for the beer to settle – apparently allowing 300 million bubbles to rise. (Who counted them remains unclear.)
His instructor, Leo Ravina, declared it a "perfect pint."
"If you say so," replied the King, before wiping away a foamy Guinness moustache.
He seemed less convinced by a demonstration of technology that prints images onto the surface of a pint using beetroot or carrot juice. Some innovations, perhaps, are a step too far.
The King also sampled some of the brewery's more unusual offerings, including an apricot-flavored beer, during a tasting session in the 232 Bar – named after the temperature at which barley is roasted to achieve Guinness's distinctive flavor.
Festive Walkabout in the Rain
Despite the drizzle, King Charles ventured outside for an impromptu walkabout, surprising shoppers and wishing them a Merry Christmas. He chatted with a couple about keeping their baby warm in the downpour and shook hands with passersby who seemed genuinely taken aback to encounter the monarch on a rainy London afternoon.
He also joked with carol singers that they must be "moonlighting from the Royal Opera House" and teased reporters that they wouldn't be sampling any of the drinks on display.
A Major Investment in London
The Guinness Open Gate Brewery represents a £73 million investment and will serve as both a working microbrewery and a new London visitor attraction. The King was given a tour of the beer-making facilities and visited a Christmas-themed food market on site.
Among the guests was director Gurinder Chadha, known for Bend It Like Beckham, who has just released a modern take on A Christmas Carol called Christmas Karma. She said the King asked for a copy to watch at Sandringham over Christmas.
The King also met young people being trained for careers in the hospitality industry – a sector that pubs and breweries like this one hope to support.
Good Health, Good Spirits
The timing of this visit felt significant. Just days after sharing positive news about his cancer treatment, the King appeared relaxed, engaged, and clearly enjoying himself. If the occasion called for raising a glass to good health, he had the perfect pint to do it with.
The royal family will gather at Sandringham for Christmas, where one assumes the Guinness won't be in short supply.
