A "traditional yet stylish" pub in Wilshire has been named one of the best in the UK...for a pint of Guinness.
Guinness has seen a major spike in popularity recently, so much so that its owners, Diageo, couldn't produce enough to keep up with demand, leading to a UK shortage late last year/early 2025.
Things have calmed down since then, but people are still obsessed with the stout.
With this in mind, Guinness has revealed the inaugural Harp Guide, which outlines the best pubs in the UK for a pint of the popular alcoholic beverage.
The best pubs in the UK (for a pint of Guinness)
The best pubs in the UK for a pint of Guinness, according to the Guinness Harp Guide (via Time Out), are:
London
- The Devonshire
- The Coach & Horses
- Bricklayers Arms
- The Auld Shillelagh
- Skehans Freehouse
- The Audley Public House
- The Toucan
- Mc & Sons
- The Fox & Pheasant
North west
- Mulligans (Manchester)
- Kennedy’s (Didsbury)
- The Station (Didsbury)
- Pogue Mahone (Liverpool)
- The Monro (Liverpool)
- Shenanigans (Liverpool)
Scotland
- Malones (Edinburgh)
- Kitty O’Sheas (Glasgow)
- Jinty McGuintys (Glasgow)
Rest of England and Wales
- The Beckford Arms (Salisbury)
- The Star (Bristol)
- Free Press (Cambridge)
- The Fat Cat (Norwich)
- The Boot (St Albans)
- The Centurion (Newcastle)
- Barluga (Newcastle)
- Sheepfolds (Sunderland)
- The Fiddlers Elbow (Brighton)
- The Lion & Lobster (Brighton)
- Whitelocks Ale House (Leeds)
- Dog & Partridge (Sheffield)
- The Grapes (Sheffield)
- Hearsall Inn (Coventry)
- The Guinness Arms (Bury St Edmunds)
- Elvenden Inn (Thetford)
Why the Beckford Arms is one of the best pubs in the UK
The Beckford Arms, which dates back to 1740, is described as a "traditional yet stylish" country inn, located on the edge of "the stunning" parkland of the Fonthill Estate in Wiltshire.
It offers traditional local ales, world-class wines, and classic cocktails, as well as one of the best pints of Guinness in the UK.
As for the food, the pub has a menu that "changes as frequently as the surrounding landscape".
And with everything from fish from the Cornwall coast to wood-fired pizzas, there is something to suit everyone's tastes.
You can also stay and unwind at the Beckford Arms, with eight rooms, set within the pub, and two luxurious lodges, a short stroll away, available.
It comes highly recommended by visitors, with the Salisbury-based pub boasting a near-perfect 4.6 (out of 5) rating on Tripadvisor from 775 reviews (at the time of writing).
One person, describing their experience as "perfect", said: "A return visit to The Beckford Arms for a pre Christmas lunch. This place never disappoints.
"Beautiful setting, wonderful food and excellent service from the friendly staff.
"We had a lovely table in the bar area and were fortunate to have the Chef’s dog, the venerable Frank, overseeing operations and making sure everyone was happy.
"A perfect way to start the festivities."
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Another visitor to the Beckford Arms commented: "Faultless! Fab to find an atmospheric pub that serves first class food!
"Excellent and varied menu which made it more difficult to choose. Every course was a culinary delight. Helpful and attentive staff.
"One of the most enjoyable and tasty meals I’ve had in a long time - yet still a proper English pub. Highly recommend and will definitely be back!"
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