London has solidified its reputation as a haven for stout lovers, with the capital's pubs claiming a significant portion of the top spots in the first official guide to the best pints of Guinness in Britain.
The Michelin Guide for Guinness
On Friday 5 December 2025, the iconic Irish brewer published its inaugural Harp Guide, a curated list of 35 establishments across the UK deemed to serve an exemplary pint. The guide, likened to a Michelin guide for the 'black stuff', assesses pubs not only on the quality of the pour but also on service, atmosphere, and dedication to mastering the craft of serving the perfect stout.
Each pub selected for this honour will receive a distinctive brass harp plaque to display, marking it as a destination for discerning drinkers.
London's Stout Supremacy
In a triumph for the capital's pub scene, nine of the 35 listed venues are located in London, meaning almost a third of the nation's best pints of Guinness can be found within the city. This inaugural annual list confirms that the drink, long a staple of London's social fabric, is being served at its absolute peak in numerous local boozers.
The London pubs celebrated in the Harp Guide span the city, from trendy central hotspots to beloved local institutions. The list includes the fashionable Soho gastropub The Devonshire, the legendary Soho institution The Coach & Horses, and the iconic Irish bar The Toucan on Carlisle Street.
Further afield, south London is represented by the Irish haven Skehans Freehouse and the pub Mc & Sons. North London's entry is the famed Stoke Newington icon The Auld Shillelagh. Also making the cut were The Audley Public House, The Fox & Pheasant, and the Bricklayers Arms.
A Benchmark for Quality
The creation of the Harp Guide establishes a new benchmark for quality in serving draft Guinness across the UK. It moves beyond mere taste to recognise the holistic experience a pub provides, from the skill of the staff to the ambiance of the setting.
For stout connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike, the guide offers a definitive roadmap to finding a flawless pint. It underscores that while Guinness's popularity in London is undeniable, these specific pubs have been officially recognised for executing the perfect serve, ensuring every element from temperature to texture is precisely right.
The full list of London pubs in the Guinness Harp Guide is: The Devonshire, The Coach & Horses, Bricklayers Arms, The Auld Shillelagh, Skehans Freehouse, The Audley Public House, The Toucan, Mc & Sons, and The Fox & Pheasant.
