Guinness has published its inaugural Harp Guide, a list of pubs in the UK that the brewer says pour the best pint.
In the 2026 edition, already dubbed the “Michelin guide for Guinness” by some, are 35 pubs, nine of which are found in London.
The brewer said venues were selected based on five criteria: quality pours, welcoming atmosphere, strong community, great service, and a genuine love of Guinness.
Pubs included in the guide will receive a brass harp plaque to display on the premises.
“As a brand rooted in the quality and craft behind every pint, we’re proud to introduce the very first Guinness Harp Guide,” said Nicholas Payman, head of Guinness at owners Diageo GB.
“By shining a light on these exceptional venues, we want to recognise pubs and help to drive footfall throughout the year, as well as giving our drinkers advice on where they can find a perfect pint.”
Florence Pugh pours pints at London’s The Devonshire pub with singer Yungblud (Outside Organisation/PA)
The move comes as Guinness continues to rise in popularity in Britain. It became the best-selling draught beer by value in 2023, overtaking Carling, while social media was awash with trends such as “splitting the G”.
The London inclusions are
- The Devonshire
- The Coach & Horses
- Bricklayers Arms
- The Auld Shillelagh
- Skehans Freehouse
- The Audley Public House
- The Toucan
- Mc & Sons
- The Fox & Pheasant
While the guide is new and the 2027 edition will incorporate more — Guinness will take customer recommendations for subsequent inclusions — we think a few London pubs have been missed from the initial list, ones that are already well known and which pour an exceptional pint.
Guinness (PA)
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There aren’t as many pubs like this around these days, which is a shame. Those that remain are worth their weight in gold. Here is a proper East London boozer, shabby chic, full of old wood and lively chatter, not to mention a stunning carpet. The crowd today is a blend of old timers and new-to-towners. For whatever reason it works. Probably because it’s a good pub, even if its fame has lessened in recent years and the free roast potatoes have gone. As for the Guinness, it’s still poured expertly and by staff who’ve been behind the bar forever. Enough travels through the lines to keep pints crisp and smooth and with a superb flavour. Sometimes they can be a little heavy on the head but that’s a marginal criticism.
This glorious Victorian local is down between Catford and Forest Hill but is worth the journey. It’s a traditional corner pub with a roaring fire, circular tables, low stalls and dark blue banquettes, as well as a solid pint of Guinness. Though long-time landlord Con Riordan, a Limerick man, retired last year (after setting up in ‘74), as much credence is paid to the Irish stout today. Visit when there’s live music and be sure to try a sourdough pizza from Van Dough on your way home
This Irish pub is found in Wandsworth, not the posh side, and makes for an ideal location to enjoy a Guinness or two in the south west of London, not an area usually associated with boozers. It’s a classic bolthole of a place with live music, sports, and warm hospitality. There’s a decent beer garden too. The Guinness is treated well and while it sometimes varies, is never disappointingly poured.
Those who are able to tolerate Camden may wish to visit Sheephaven Bay, a local’s favourite and as unassuming as pubs come. The pints here are creamy, with a strong dome, and are best enjoyed in one of the open boots. This is the sort of boozer you could spend hours in. When the place is quiet, staff will bring your Guinness to the table, just like in Dublin. A cracking pub.
Beneath Richard Corrigan’s more casual restaurant Daffodil Mulligan — Daffy’s to regulars — is a basement bar named for the famed Irish landlord Tony Gibney. For many years it was run by Cormac, who’s since left for New York, but the pints are still superb. The Guinness comes out of fine brass taps and is poured with care. Each pint is silky, smooth and rich. This also happens to be one of the few places doing Beamish in London now (there are about 12 now; expect many more).
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One of Guinness’ true aficionados in London, Cork man Ian Ryan (he also loves Murphy’s and Beamish, obviously) has often cited the Twelve Pins for its quality pints. It’s found on Seven Sisters Road and so, together with the Faltering Fullback, Finsbury Park is a good part of town for fans. It’s a cosy boozer, often packed out and particularly when Arsenal are playing, but whenever you’re in, the Guinness is worth your while.
This is a quite bonkers British boozer. The first iteration of a pub on the site dates back to the 1680s, when it was a traditional coaching inn, and it was for centuries owned and operated by long-standing East London families. Today, it’s always lively with rock music, darts, rugby and regulars who are often up for a shot or two. And the Guinness? It does a handsome job. This place is definitely as much about the atmosphere and history, but the Irish stout is given due care and attention. A considered pint.
Is this Marylebone’s best pub? There’s no question. Some might call it an “old man’s pub”, cloyingly. The point is, it’s a proper boozer in a flash part of town, with velvet-capped bar stools, wood paneling, quiz nights and jukebox-inspired tunes. The Guinness makes for a fine pint and is most notable given it’s found in a part of town relatively devoid of decent ones.
This pub made the front page of this newspaper earlier in 2025 because it’s become a hot hit with the fashion set. It wasn’t always this way — before any bright young things found it, it was always there serving top Guinness to a fun and interesting crowd. Travel to Tottenham and find a true north London pub, complete with a pool table and real Irish hospitality.
