Gua Sha, '90s Dance Anthems, and a Few Pints—Niamh McCormack of House of Guinness Shares Her Insights Inside the...

      Picturehouse Central, a renowned cinema located in London's Piccadilly Circus, often hosts premieres. However, on Tuesday evening, it was completely reimagined as a honky-tonk distillery for the official UK screening of House of Guinness, Netflix's much-anticipated historical drama set to debut on September 25, 2025. The series follows the four heirs of the Guinness brewery as they strive to secure the future of the country’s most famous stout after the patriarch’s death. This struggle for succession unfolds against a backdrop of rising rebellion, as working-class fighters seek Ireland's republican status during a time of political upheaval. Created by Peaky Blinders' Steven Knight, the eight-part series is set in the late 1800s in Dublin, making it appropriate that the premiere venue's typically luxurious red decor and neon candy bar were obscured by faux oak barrels and industrial chains. Niamh McCormack, the breakout star, attended the event with Who What Wear UK. At just 24, the Irish actress plays a "determined" insurgent named Ellen Cochrane, and it can be said that the release party was almost as thrilling as the actual events that inspired the series.

      While House of Guinness costumes have McCormack dressed in mud-streaked, coarse-fabric petticoats, her attire for the press events is strikingly different. McCormack has embraced a concept of “method dressing,” where she pays tribute to her character through her fashion choices during the press tour. Previously, she wore a Victorian style outfit from Shanghai-based brand Shushu/Tong, but she concluded her press appearances in a stunning gathered Loewe minidress. This gorgeous attire, featuring a ruffled Flamenco hem and adorned with exquisite Cartier jewelry, pays homage to the creativity and talent of Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson. McCormack stated, "It is important to acknowledge new and emerging designers as well as established fashion houses," viewing it as "a dialogue between past and future." Personally, I cannot think of a more fitting fashion connection to a series that tells the story of one of Europe's most prosperous dynasties. Ahead of House of Guinness' premiere, we spoke with McCormack to discuss her glam routines and the best spot in town for a pint of the black stuff, as fans affectionately refer to it. (A tip: It’s not The Devonshire in Soho, where the cast celebrated later with a Guinness-pouring contest.) Read on for our full conversation.

      Congratulations on the show! How excited are you for the London premiere of House of Guinness tonight? "I am beyond excited for tonight! It feels like the show isn’t just our little secret anymore. We’ve put in our work on our characters and performances, so now it’s up to the audience to enjoy!" You’ve already shown the series in Ireland. What was the audience's response there, and how do you think viewers will react tonight? "We received a wonderful response at the Dublin premiere, and I can’t wait to hear what people think tonight! I’m sure they’ll be surprised by how quickly they get immersed in the world and grow to care about the characters created by Steven Knight. It feels particularly special, especially as I’m from Dublin myself." What look are you going for tonight? Was there a certain aesthetic that inspired you? "We aimed for divine femininity. Think of The Birth of Venus by Sandro Botticelli, which is one of my favorite paintings. I’m also a huge Loewe fan, and I feel so lucky to be wearing this beautiful dress tonight."

      What do you love most about the outfit? "I love how elegant it made me feel. It felt like a blend of Old Hollywood glamour and ethereal elements." You’re quite a distance from the gritty streets of 19th-century Dublin. How are you honoring your character, Ellen Cochrane, through your outfit? "I paid homage to Ellen with themes of birth and transformation referenced in the painting. Ellen undergoes many transformations and births ideas throughout the series, embodying an independent and divinely feminine woman who controls her own destiny." What do you think Ellen would say about your outfit? "I think Ellen would adore this look, but she wouldn’t be able to wear it as is. She’d need a pair of boots and a rifle! Within minutes of wearing it, she'd have it dirty." How does your red-carpet style differ from your everyday fashion? "I see red carpets as a chance to dress up. It’s not every day you get the opportunity to wear such beautiful clothes, and I love to express the role or project through my outfit."

      Tell me about your getting-ready rituals. Do you have any specific customs or superstitions that help you through the process? "My getting-ready rituals include icing my face, which helps so much! I also use Gua Sha, nice body lotion, and a sheet mask!