A long-running Irish stout debate has officially landed back in British pubs after Wetherspoons confirmed the return of Murphy’s Irish Stout across its venues nationwide.
The Cork-brewed stout, often seen as Guinness’ biggest Irish rival, is being rolled out across Wetherspoons pubs for the first time in more than a decade — and some drinkers are already claiming they prefer it to the black stuff.
Originally founded in Cork in the 1800s, Murphy’s has built a loyal following thanks to its smoother, creamier taste and lighter finish compared to Guinness. While Guinness remains the dominant stout in pubs across Britain and Ireland, Murphy’s has always had a passionate fan base who argue it delivers a sweeter and easier-drinking pint.
The return of the stout to Wetherspoons is also turning heads because of the price.
Murphy’s is expected to sell for around £2.99 to £3.49 a pint in many Wetherspoons pubs, making it noticeably cheaper than Guinness in some locations. With drink prices continuing to rise across the UK pub trade, cheaper stout alternatives are becoming increasingly attractive to pubgoers looking to save money on nights out.
Some pub drinkers describe Murphy’s as:
- smoother
- creamier
- sweeter
- less bitter
- lighter to drink
The stout has also gained popularity among younger drinkers and students looking for cheaper alternatives without sacrificing the traditional Irish stout experience.
Managers at some Wetherspoons venues have already reported strong early demand following the rollout, with hundreds of pints sold within days of arriving behind the bar.
The return of Murphy’s is likely to reignite one of Ireland’s favourite pub arguments:
Which is actually better — Guinness or Murphy’s?
For many stout drinkers, the answer depends entirely on where the pint is poured.
