Landlords fear running out with millions having looking to down the black stuff at Cheltenham and St Patrick’s Day next month, and the Six Nations
Guinness is rushing 125 million pints to pubs as bars face a shortage driven by the Cheltenham Festival, revellers and rugby. Pubs are complaining of a lack of the stout and missed deliveries.
Landlords fear running out with millions having resumed boozing after dry January, Cheltenham and St Patrick’s Day next month, and the Six Nations. Guinness is the top-selling beer in UK, accounting for almost one in five pints sold in pubs — but the amount sold soars even higher around rugby and racing events.
More than 125 million pints of the black stuff are due to be drunk in pubs in the UK across February and March, consumption figures based on British Beer and Pub Association data shows. The New Inn, Clifton upon Teme, Worcs, wrote on Facebook: “We’re afraid Guinness is doing it again and creating a national shortage while they stockpile for the Six Nations, Paddy’s Day, and Cheltenham.
“Greene King, Coors and LW, one of the largest UK suppliers, have no stock, and Diageo have been no help either.” St Patricks Social Club, Leamington Spa, Warks, wrote: “There is a problem in the UK regarding the supply of Guinness.
“We are trying our utmost to purchase from several suppliers to make sure we have enough. If we run out, please do not blame our staff.”
Other pub chains reported delays in Guinness keg deliveries in January. Guinness brewer Diageo said: “Demand for Guinness continues to grow. We are working with our customers to manage distribution after peak periods to efficiently replenish stock.
“We had an extremely busy Christmas period where Guinness in Great Britain was once again in high demand.” Cheltenham hotel prices have rocketed by an eye-watering 289% due to an outbreak of racing fever – triggered by a price cut on Guinness.
Accommodation costs have gone through the roof with armies of fans set to descend on the revamped horse racing fest. Some punters are forking out hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds to make sure that they have a spot to stay during the busy race week.
An average five-night stay is now £3,772 and it will cost £8,812 to rent a three-bed townhouse for the four-day bash, which starts on March 10. Organisers have brought in a raft of changes to make this year’s festival more fun — and affordable.
Accommodation chiefs say it has had a massive impact in luring in crowds, which has ironically sent stopover prices rocketing. One change by organisers will see the cost of a pint of Guinness slashed from £7.80 to £7.50 — a price last seen at the meeting in 2022.
Meanwhile, Guinness is continuing to hike prices, particularly after the opening of its latest brewery in Covent Garden in London last year. The price of the pint may be clocking in at just shy of £7, but many customers were not happy with the way the brewery was designed to push the black stuff’s merchandise.
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