All Wetherspoon pubs across the UK are set to introduce a 'Guinness dupe'. Murphy's Irish Stout, a competitor to Guinness known for its sweeter taste, will be stocked across all branches of the chain. The company will be rolling out the drink in its pubs over a six-week period, starting today, with all pubs offering it by the end of June. The average price of a pint will be £2.99.
Guinness Still Available
Fans of the original Black Stuff need not worry, as Guinness will still be available in all Wetherspoons. Wetherspoon founder and chairman Tim Martin said: 'We aim to offer our customers the best possible choice of drinks at all times. I am sure they will welcome the arrival of Murphy's Irish Stout in the pubs.'
Perfect Pint Accreditation
This announcement comes after Wetherspoon pubs were judged to have a perfect record when it comes to serving the perfect pint of Guinness. Every eligible Wetherspoon pub has achieved the highly coveted Guinness accreditation of a 100 per cent pass rate for its pint-pulling. Diageo, the supplier of Guinness to Wetherspoons, has been working with the pubs' teams for nine years, ensuring that staff have everything they need to provide the perfect pint of its product.
The Guinness accreditation is an annual assessment, which includes unannounced visits from a Diageo assessor. For the first time since being introduced, the accreditation has this year been achieved by all Wetherspoon pubs in England, Scotland and Wales (the accreditation does not include Northern Ireland or Ireland).
Commitment to Quality
Wetherspoon's reputation and commitment to serving the perfect pint of beer are second to none. The partnership with Diageo continues to ensure that the dedication for perfection is rigorously tested, to serve customers a great pint of 'the black stuff'. Observing the six-step guidelines for a perfect pour, it takes 119.5 seconds to pour and serve draught Guinness.
Wetherspoon's head of retail audit, Mark Latham, said: 'We are proud to have achieved a 100-per-cent pass rate, with every pub gaining its accreditation. It's a fantastic collective achievement.' He continued: 'Before the annual accreditation, Wetherspoon issues all bar employees with training, including a video on how to pour the perfect pint. This is followed by a knowledge quiz, where staff need to gain 100 per cent to pass this annual (as well as new-starter) training.'
'The training is not just to get the accreditation, yet helps to ensure that customers are served a perfect pint of Guinness, in a branded glass, every time.' Mark added: 'The Guinness accreditation initiative is a welcome addition to our own regular high-standard quality checks. We have a team of auditors visiting every Wetherspoon pub's cellar, at least once a month, to ensure that standard operating procedures are being adhered to and that high standards of quality and hygiene are being achieved and maintained.'
