Guinness stout for the British market will come from the historic St James's Gate brewery in Dublin after Diageo closes London's Park Royal brewery in summer 2005, with the loss of 90 jobs.
However, the company said that it would not be using the "now brewed in Ireland" angle to help market Guinness in the UK.
Paul Flanagan, PR manager for Diageo GB, acknowledged that there was a long running debate among Guinness drinkers about the way it tastes in the 50 different markets in which it is brewed.
But he said wherever Diageo brews Guinness it aims for the same high standards. "From a quality point of view, Guinness is the same all around the world."
Diageo said that the decision had been made because of excess brewing capacity. The drinks giant added that the move to Ireland would also to get the business into the best shape to support the long-term growth of the brand.
Gerry O'Hagan, supply director at Diageo UK & Ireland, said: "We know that it will take only a limited additional investment to build the already substantial capacity of St James's Gate to the level where it can supply the GB market with the draught Guinness currently supplied from Park Royal."
Diageo will maintain its Park Royal site, which is home to 1,000 people in sales and marketing as well as other staff from Diageo GB and related Diageo businesses.
Guinness has been brewed at the St James's Gate site since 1759.
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