- The 254 Report
- Posts
- When Football Met Flavor: Guinness and RPM Unleash a Bold Vibe at Bar Next Door
When Football Met Flavor: Guinness and RPM Unleash a Bold Vibe at Bar Next Door

Simon Evans, Creative Director at RPM
Nairobi, Kenya (Week of October 26-27, 2025)
Bar Next Door along Kiambu Road, 
Tastemakers gathered for an evening of culture, sport, and creativity. Guinness transformed the venue into a cultural moment by making the Premier League trophy the main event. The evening delivered a mix of energy, innovation, and storytelling as attendees sampled the not-yet-released Guinness Smooth Bold Berry Burst, a variant that signals the brand's next chapter: youthful, bold, and distinctly African in attitude.
Innovation in Motion
The creative direction came from Simon Evans, Creative Director at London-based experiential agency RPM. His global team has helped shape Guinness Matchday across Africa, creating immersive experiences where football passion meets creative culture.
"We've had a few things up our sleeves...we're going to surprise some people, not only with the trophy, but with a legend of the game. Someone who's touched the trophy!"
Simon has built moments that merge community spirit with brand storytelling, celebrating how creativity connects people on and off the pitch.
A Taste of What's Next

The Guinness Smooth Bold Berry Burst isn't yet commercially available.
- The Look: A medium-bodied stout (4.5% ABV) served in a 300ml bottle, glowing with purple and pink hues. 
- The Taste: Velvety smooth with notes of roasted malt and coffee, balanced by a "burst" of sweet and tart dark berries for a layered finish. 
The choice of Bar Next Door was deliberate. The venue, a heartbeat of Kiambu's nightlife: vibrant, unapologetic, and always ready to vibe. As guests celebrated football, culture, and creativity, Guinness reminded everyone that it's more than a drink. It's an experience: bold, connected, and alive in every pour.

Reply