Bennett Construction has successfully completed the Open Gate Brewery at Old Brewer's Yard, Covent Garden, London, for Diageo.

The facility officially opened to the public last week, establishing a significant new Guinness destination in central London.

This project forms a central part of Diageo's substantial £73 million investment in 'Guinness at Old Brewer's Yard', a concept that aims to replicate and build upon the global success of the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and Johnnie Walker Princes Street in Edinburgh.

The extensive 50,000 sq. ft. development involved the substantial remodelling and integration of several historic buildings situated across Neal Street, Mercers Lane, and Shelton Street. The completed scheme masterfully combines a fully operational Guinness microbrewery with a cultural and visitor experience. The facility includes various event spaces distributed across the buildings, all linked by a central covered courtyard that serves as the focal point of the entire destination.

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Delivering this highly complex project within the densely constrained environment of Covent Garden demanded meticulous planning and close coordination. Significant challenges throughout the build included complex logistics, limited access, and the sensitive refurbishment of protected historic structures.

These obstacles were successfully navigated through effective and close collaboration between Bennett Construction, Diageo, and the wider design and stakeholder teams.

The successful completion and public opening of the Open Gate Brewery showcases the Irish firm's ability to deliver a high-profile, technically complex project in one of London's most prominent and challenging urban locations.