Guinness demand surges as pubs run dry by 10pm

The significant demand for Guinness has led to a steep increase in sales, surpassing draught beers and leaving many pubs in the UK struggling to keep the drink available. Data released by analysts at Oxford Partnership indicated that during the week ending November 30, the surge in Guinness consumption marked a revival for the pub industry, which has faced years of decline. Factors contributing to this unexpected rise include social media influencers and celebrity endorsements that enticed drinkers to favor the Irish stout. However, many establishments have reported an alarming shortage, with taps running dry and rationing measures in place. In central London, for example, Poli Bar's manager, Phil Inzani, highlighted the predicament he faces amidst a dwindling supply, stating that he had no Guinness to serve on a busy Saturday night. Other pubs, like The Old Ivy House in Clerkenwell, have admitted to running out of their limited stock earlier than anticipated, resulting in disappointed patrons. The landlady of The Old Ivy House, Kate Davidson, noted she had to reduce her usual order to four barrels instead of the usual seven, causing concern during the peak pre-Christmas season. Across multiple venues, the narrative is similar, with Guinness drinkers expressing their frustration over the lack of availability and settling for alternatives that do not satisfy their cravings. Key players in the industry are questioning Guinness's management processes since they should have predicted the demand surge based on previous sales trends. Although the company has acknowledged the shortages and mentioned plans to resolve the issues, pubs are left to navigate through customer complaints and dwindling options for popular beer choices. The shortage has raised questions about the impact of consumer behavior on availability and the operational capabilities of breweries. Many establishments are trying to procure alternatives but recognize that they fall short of the loyal Guinness drinkers' preference. As the holiday season approaches and demand peaks, the timing of this shortage could lead to significant repercussions for both the brewery and pubs concentrated on this vital offering. Without timely deliveries and better communication, the frustration amongst patrons is likely to continue, putting additional pressure on these establishments already struggling to emerge from previous economic downturns.