London welcomes a significant new destination with the unveiling of the Guinness Open Gate Brewery, and at its heart, **Gilroy’s Loft Guinness** presents a truly captivating culinary experience. Located in Covent Garden on the historic Old Brewer’s Yard, this marks Guinness’s first experimental brewery outside Ireland, a £73 million investment designed as a vibrant hub for beer, food, and community. Ascending to the top of this impressive venue reveals **Gilroy’s Loft**, a restaurant where exquisite seafood meets classic Guinness pairings, solidifying its status as a trending spot for discerning food lovers and adding a fresh dimension to the London food experience.
At **Gilroy’s Loft Guinness**, Executive Chef Pip Lacey, a highly acclaimed talent formerly of Hicce and Michelin-starred Murano, leads the kitchen. Her celebrated presence, previously gracing BBC’s Great British Menu, underscores a commitment to modern British cuisine that emphasizes quality, seasonality, and sustainability. Lacey’s expertise shines through in her creative menus, which beautifully highlight exceptional produce, with her vegetable dishes earning particular praise for their ability to complement the outstanding seafood offerings at **Gilroy’s Loft**.
A Taste of the British and Irish Coast at Gilroy’s Loft
The menu at **Gilroy’s Loft Guinness** is a masterful celebration of coastal flavors, featuring responsibly sourced, line-caught fish primarily supplied by Wright Brothers. A true highlight is the selection of native oysters, sourced from small growers across the British and Irish Isles, including renowned varieties from Jersey, Achill Island, and Kelly’s Galway. These oysters are shucked fresh to order and can be savored raw or grilled. For a more substantial indulgence, diners can opt for the magnificent Fruits de Mer platter, a lavish ensemble of mussels, clams, king prawns, and sea bream, or the grilled half lobster. Complementing these oceanic delights are smaller plates such as beer and potato bread, and a rich Guinness-rarebit chicory dish, showcasing the thoughtful culinary approach at **Gilroy’s Loft**.
The Perfect Pint and Plate Pairing: Gilroy’s Loft Guinness
A cornerstone of the dining experience at **Gilroy’s Loft Guinness** is the artful integration of food and Guinness pairing. The rich, dark stout proves to be a surprisingly natural and delightful companion to the fresh seafood on offer. Master Brewer Hollie Stephenson has crafted special beers exclusively for the brewery, including The Brewer’s Lager and Piazza Pale Ale, specifically designed to enhance the menu’s flavors. Alongside these innovative brews, authentic Guinness from Dublin is, of course, readily available. This thoughtful approach ensures that every dish at **Gilroy’s Loft** can be expertly matched with a suitable pint, creating a truly memorable brewery food pairing and a standout London food experience.
Honoring Heritage and Innovation at Gilroy’s Loft
The restaurant, **Gilroy’s Loft Guinness**, is thoughtfully named in tribute to John Gilroy, the iconic artist behind Guinness’s legendary advertising campaigns. His vibrant illustrations, featuring the famous toucan and other beloved animals, defined the brand for decades. Echoing this rich heritage, the restaurant showcases original artwork by his grandson, Jim Gilroy. The interiors themselves are a sophisticated blend of natural materials and vintage design elements, subtly referencing Guinness heritage. While **Gilroy’s Loft** offers captivating city views, the true ambiance is cultivated through this elegant homage to the past, creating a unique setting for enjoying **Gilroy’s Loft Guinness**.
A Wider Brewery Experience Beyond Gilroy’s Loft
While **Gilroy’s Loft Guinness** offers a distinct and elevated dining experience, it is part of the broader Guinness Open Gate Brewery complex. This expansive site features other noteworthy culinary destinations, including The Porter’s Table, which presents a feasting-style menu centered on the finest British produce. For a more relaxed atmosphere, Porter’s Yard, a charming courtyard space, offers delicious pies crafted by the celebrated ‘London’s King of Pies,’ Calum Franklin. These diverse offerings ensure that the Guinness Open Gate Brewery provides a comprehensive and appealing London food experience for every visitor, complementing the exceptional seafood and Guinness pairing found at **Gilroy’s Loft**.
This exciting new chapter in London food news, centered around **Gilroy’s Loft Guinness**, presents a trending concept that masterfully marries the freshness of seafood with the world-renowned appeal of Guinness. This compelling combination is poised to establish **Gilroy’s Loft** as a highly sought-after dining destination. Visitors can anticipate an exceptional culinary journey marked by quality food, excellent service, and a unique brewery food pairing experience, further cementing London’s reputation for innovative and diverse gastronomic offerings, making **Gilroy’s Loft Guinness** a must-visit location.
