Pubs RUN OUT of Guinness just before Christmas as consumption rises by 20% compared to last year

Britain’s pubs have run out of Guinness during the busiest time of the year, as surging demand has left landlords struggling to keep the iconic stout flowing.

The crisis has now reached breaking point with many establishments completely running dry of “the black stuff” just days before Christmas.

Since last year, consumption of Guinness has risen by more than 20 per cent across the nation.

Pubs throughout the UK have been forced to implement rationing measures, whilst others have simply had to tell disappointed customers they have completely run out.

In central London, the Polo bar’s taps ran completely dry on Saturday evening, with owner Phil Inzani desperately awaiting fresh deliveries.

“When you fancy a Guinness, you fancy a Guinness,” Inzani told reporters. “It’s creating an awkward situation for us.”

The Old Ivy House in Clerkenwell has had to resort to strict rationing measures, issuing cards to customers allowing a pint of Guinness only after purchasing two other drinks.

Landlady Katie Davidson explained her weekly allocation has been slashed, saying: “I normally make sure I have seven barrels per week. But I was restricted to only four [by our brewery].”

By Friday night, they had completely run out.

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The situation appears even more dire in Liverpool, where pub operator Fiona Hornsby has reported that one of her venues ran dry on Sunday.

Despite promises of Monday deliveries, she’s being restricted to just four kegs, which at current consumption rates will only last until Wednesday.

Unlike their London counterparts, Liverpool’s Guinness drinkers have shown less patience with the shortage.

“We’re making sure we’ve a dark craft beer and cask beer as an alternative but most Guinness drinkers won’t drink them and will leave for a pub that can supply them,” Hornsby said.

She expressed frustration at the lack of communication from Guinness, noting that they have only said “they hope to resolve the issue soon”.

The surge in Guinness’s popularity has been driven by celebrity endorsements and social media trends. Kim Kardashian was photographed enjoying a pint in a London pub last year, while the Prince and Princess of Wales have been spotted multiple times with the iconic drink.

Diageo has said that they have seen “exceptional consumer demand for Guinness in Great Britain” and are working to maximise supply.

Nick Newman, who manages eight pubs for Croeso Pubs and chairs Cardiff Licensees Forum, reports having only three to four days’ supply remaining.

“We’re counting on deliveries coming in [this week] to see us through. Fingers crossed,” Newman said.