A new app is giving drinkers the power to rate, review and discover the finest (and worst) pints of Guinness across the UK.
The Black Map, launched by a group of Guinness enthusiasts, is a crowd-sourced guide dedicated entirely to the quality of pints served in pubs, bars and restaurants nationwide. Think of it as a Michelin guide for fans of the black stuff, except the inspectors are everyday drinkers.
The app is simple: search for a pub, check its Guinness rating, and add your own review — complete with photos if you want to document a particularly silky or disappointingly flat pint.
Pubs appear as pins on a map, coloured according to their average score. High performers glow proudly gold, while subpar results sit in less flattering shades of grey.
The Black Map app
Its launch has inevitably attracted attention online and has drawn comparisons to Letterboxd, the popular film-logging platform — suggesting that stout lovers now have their own dedicated space to “review” their pints much like cinephiles rate movies. The Black Map shares the same mix of community-driven ratings, personal logging and niche obsession that helped Letterboxd explode in popularity.
While the app is undeniably playful, it is also tapping into a genuine cultural passion. Guinness sales in the UK have surged in recent years, becoming the most-ordered pint in many pubs and a staple at festivals and sporting events. And for many fans, the quality varies wildly from venue to venue, depending on everything from staff training to line cleanliness.
Predictably, landlords have taken notice. Some see The Black Map as a challenge — and an opportunity. Positive reviews can draw in new customers, while a harsh critique might prompt a publican to take a closer look at their cellar.
Whether it becomes a national obsession or simply a fun novelty remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: with The Black Map, Britain’s love affair with Guinness just found a new way to pour itself into the spotlight.
How to use The Black Map app
- Download the App – Available for iOS and Android, users can install it free from the App Store or Google Play.
- Explore the Map – Zoom in on your town, city or a location you plan to visit. Pins indicate pubs serving Guinness, colour-coded by average rating.
- Read Reviews – Tap on any pub to see user reviews, ratings, and photos of previous pints.
- Add Your Own Rating – If you’ve had a pint at a venue, tap “Add Review,” rate the Guinness on pour, appearance, and taste, and leave optional comments or photos.
- Save Favourites – Keep track of your preferred pubs and create a personalised guide for future visits.
- Share with Friends – Reviews and ratings can be shared via social media or messaging, helping friends find the best pints wherever they are.
