Golf fans descending on Portrush for The Open are paying £8 for a pint of Guinness in one bar – thought to be the most expensive pint of stout in Northern Ireland.

The Harbour bar in the picturesque seaside town is a well-known spot for locals and tourists alike and the scene of Darren Clarke celebrations in 2011 after he brought the Claret Jug home from St George’s in England.

It’s believed to be the most expensive pint in the north – higher than the bar at Belfast International Airport or five-star hotels, the Merchant in Belfast and Culloden Estate in Co Down.

The Galgorm Estate in Ballymena charges £7.90 for a pint of Guinness, according to its website.

The Harbour Bar is owned by the McAlpin family, who also own the Ramore restaurant venues in the town.

The Ramore generated controversy in recent days by hiking prices ahead of The Open.

Golfers Justin Rose and Darren Clarke enjoy a pint at The Harbour Bar in 2019Golfers Justin Rose and Darren Clarke enjoy a pint at The Harbour Bar in 2019

At the Ramore Wine Bar, the price of a chicken and bacon burger increased from £7.95 to £17.95 while a bowl of chilli chicken pasta that cost £14.95 earlier this month, rose to £27.95.

In a statement following the controversy the group said: “We’re aware of recent conversations around pricing during The Open – we’ve heard your feedback and, effective today, we’ve revised and adjusted pricing across all of our menus.

“As a family-run business proud to be part of the Portrush community, our goal throughout this week is to deliver the best possible experience and ensure safety for those visiting.

“In anticipation of the large influx of guests, we’ve employed over 30+ agency staff to support our kitchens and front-of-house teams, 30+ security personnel operating around the clock to ensure everyone’s safety, and more than 20 entertainers performing across our six venues seven days a week. We’ve also made investments to align with crowd safety policies including barriers and additional toilet facilities etc.

“We have simply been investing more as a business for our customers to ensure enjoyment and safety. Which of course creates additional business bills. We would also like to remind people that there is a family behind this business. A family who are involved everyday, trying their very best, and reading every single comment. Everyone can make mistakes, however nobody deserves slander and hatred.”

Not all bars in the north coast town are charging such a hefty premium for a pint.

Metal railings were placed outside the Harbour Bar in Portrush during The Open golf championship last year Crowds at the Harbour Bar in Portrush during the 2019 Open Championship

The Quays bar, also in Portrush, is charging punters £5.80 for a pint of the black stuff.

The next cheapest pints found in the town by The Irish News were at two of Portrush’s popular eateries.

The Tides restaurant on Ballyreagh Road is charging £6, while the town’s Urban Restaurant on Dunluce Ave is charging the same price for a pint.

Kelly’s Complex, which once hosted the famous Lush night club is charging golf fans £6.10 for a pint.

The Portrush Yacht Club, just seconds away from The Harbour bar – has the town’s cheapest pint at £4.20, however, this low price is only available to members of the club and non-members are expected to cough up a comparatively pricey £7.

The Harbour Bar could not be reached for comment.