RELIEVED pubs near Prestbury Park have told thirsty racegoers they are “guaranteed” Guinness for the Cheltenham festival.
It comes after worried bar bosses told The Irish Sun about their shortage concerns.
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Brewers Diageo were forced to restrict UK supply of the stout amid huge demand at British pubs.
Worried bars near Cheltenham racecourse told us earlier this month how they struggling with shortages — and warned of “a disaster” scenario of running out of the Black Stuff for race week.
Anxious chiefs at The Royal Oak, the closest pub to the course, were among the pubs panicking over stocks ahead of the festival, which kicks off on March 11.
But last night bar bosses near Prestbury Park told punters they were back on track — good news for Guinness-loving horses like Shark Hanlon’s superstar Hewick, who famously loves a scoop.
Royal Oak manager Matt Beeson told us: “I’m now guaranteed my Guinness for Cheltenham. Things are fine now, the situation has improved, it is now very good.”
Breweries supplying pubs close to the track moved to stockpile kegs after concerned bar bosses raised the alarm about grappling with Guinness rationing supplies.
Mr Beeson explained: “My head office has set the Guinness I need aside for me, so I’ve not got a problem anymore which is good.
“I usually go through about 45 to 50 kegs during race week. I had been very concerned about supplies but thankfully things have changed.
“I’m happier now. It is 100 per cent, it is guaranteed, it is all good. We’re all ready for Cheltenham now. It is a huge event, the biggest week of the year, we’re delighted.”
Other bars close to the course confirmed they have received a “big boost” in supplies after being hit by the Guinness shortage.
‘LOOKING A LOT MORE POSITIVE’
King’s Arms deputy manager Andreia Marques said: “We have actually been finally getting stock in. I should be set for race week. Things are looking a lot more positive than they were.”
Diageo had vowed to ramp up Guinness production after demand in the UK outstripped even the busiest St Patrick’s Day period.
The brewery giant said it was “working around the clock” to increase supplies after a “sell-out” festive period led to UK shortages.
Key stakeholders, such as the Cheltenham’s Guinness Village, will always get supply.
‘WE CAN’T WAIT’
But nearby bars feared taps running dry, with the assistant manager of Tailors, Tom Bird, warning The Irish Sun earlier this month: “It is not going to be pretty.”
However, he said supply is now improved.
Mr Bird said: “Someone important must have seen the article online about the shortage. They realised the issue and got on top of it. We’re ready to go, we can’t wait.”
A Diageo spokesperson told the Irish Sun: “Demand continues to grow at unprecedented levels but we have made good progress in replenishing stock levels in GB.
“We have a strong plan in place to supply our customers and consumers, not only for February and March, but also as we move into the summer.”
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