It's a good day for Guinness as the Irish stout becomes best-selling beer in pubs for first time 

Guinness has proved that good things really do come to those who wait – by becoming the best-selling beer in British pubs for the first time.

The Irish stout pipped Carling lager as the number one pint this winter, owner Diageo said.

Sales were boosted by the World Cup while the upcoming Six Nations rugby championship is likely to give Guinness, founded in 1759, a further lift.

Price increases on pints have also pushed up revenues. 

However, rival Carling pointed out that while Guinness was ahead of its lager in terms of value of sales, a greater volume of Carling – the best-selling beer since 2017 – was sold over the four-week period to December 3.

Sales of Guinness were driven by consumers flocking back to pubs in Ireland and Great Britain as life returned to normal post-Covid.

Drinkers across the globe were opting for pricier tipples despite a cost of living crunch causing consumers to feel the pinch this winter, said Diageo boss Ivan Ivan Menezes.

Covid lockdowns inspired drinkers to try out more expensive options while pubs and bars were shut, industry voices said.