Hygiene Warning for Guinness & Stella Drinkers at London Pubs
If you’re a fan of enjoying a pint of Guinness or Stella Artois at your local pub, you might want to pay closer attention to the cleanliness of your glass before taking a sip. A recent hygiene study conducted by Glass Balustrades UK, in partnership with 15 pubs across the UK and Ireland, has uncovered some alarming findings regarding the hygiene of pub glasses.
The study involved inspectors visiting 15 different pubs and testing 5 glasses of each brand at each location, totaling 75 glasses per brand. The results were concerning, particularly for drinkers of Guinness and Stella Artois, as these beverages were found to be more likely to be served in unclean, bacteria-laden glasses compared to others.
Unclean Glasses: A Closer Look
Upon testing 75 glasses of each drink across the 15 pubs, the study revealed the following concerning findings:
– Guinness: 62% of tested glasses contained yeast build-up, biofilm, and lipstick marks, often attributed to improper rinsing and the interaction between nitrogen-based beers and glass surfaces.
– Stella Artois: 58% of glasses exhibited a high presence of bacteria, mainly due to the design of branded glasses that require thorough cleaning but often only receive a quick rinse.
– Cask Ales (e.g., Doom Bar, London Pride): 54% of glasses showed stubborn residue, likely due to lower carbonation levels that do not effectively clean the glass during pouring.
– Espresso Martinis: 51% of glasses had sugar and dairy residue, which can harbor bacteria if not adequately scrubbed after each use.
– Red Wine: 48% of wine glasses displayed lipstick marks and tannin stains, often caused by inadequate hand-washing techniques.
The study highlighted that certain drinks have a tendency to cling to the glass, making them more challenging to clean thoroughly. Guinness and cask ales, with their lower carbonation levels, may not effectively clean the glass during pouring. Stella Artois and other lagers, often served in branded glasses, require special care that is sometimes overlooked in favor of a quick rinse. Cocktails containing dairy or sugar can leave behind a film that traps bacteria if not properly scrubbed. Red wine glasses frequently undergo only a brief rinse, leaving behind residues from previous customers.
The Glasswashing Issue
One of the primary concerns identified in the study was the prevalence of quick rinsing instead of proper glasswashing in pubs. Some establishments rely on outdated glasswashers that do not reach the necessary heat levels to kill off bacteria effectively. Shockingly, 7 out of 15 pubs had glasswashers operating below 60°C, well below the recommended 70°C+ for full sanitation. This inadequate temperature means that bacteria and yeast can survive and multiply, leading to dirty glasses that may appear clean at first glance.
Before taking a sip from your glass, Glass Balustrades UK recommends checking for warning signs of an unclean glass:
– The Bubble Test: If your lager or Guinness shows a ring of tiny bubbles clinging to the inside of the glass, it indicates an improperly cleaned surface.
– Lipstick or Smudges: Any visible marks on the rim of the glass should raise a red flag.
– Flat or Foamy Beer: If your beer loses its head quickly, residue from previous drinks might be affecting the foam retention.
“A lot of pub-goers assume their glasses are spotless, but our study proves otherwise,” shares a spokesperson from Glass Balustrades UK. “If you regularly enjoy Guinness, Stella, or cask ales, it might be wise to inspect your glass before every sip.”
So, the next time you order your favorite drink at the pub, take a moment to examine your glass—because what you can’t see might be more concerning than you realize.
