THE old Irish gripe about a pint never tasting as good abroad as it does at home may soon be a thing of the past. Guinness Brewing Worldwide is to take a giant mobile bar and cellar around continental Europe as part of a quality drive to ensure that drinkers of the black stuff enjoy pints of the highest quality.

The converted articulated lorry, which, over the next few years, will travel to every European country where Guinness is sold, is part of the brewer's aim to educate publicans on how to serve the perfect pint.

This year alone, the lorry is expected to cover 40,000 miles. The giant mobile bar, staffed by technical experts and Guinness managers, starts its European tour in France.

Guinness Europe director, Malcolm Wych, said: "It's not rocket science. If you provide a drinker with a perfect pint of Guinness, they are much more likely to order another." And another. And another.