In an extraordinary display of determination and pub-hopping prowess, 69-year-old David Clarkson, a retired British man who has called Australia home for over four decades, has smashed the record for the most pubs visited in 24 hours by an individual, with a staggering tally of 120.
The record-breaking feat, which took place in Sydney, Australia, saw Clarkson surpassing the previous record of 99 pubs, held jointly by Harry Kooros and Jake Loiterton, both from Australia.
Originally hailing from Lancashire and boasting a penchant for humorously referring to himself as a Lord, Clarkson’s life motto seems to revolve around “travel, drinking, and spreadsheets.” His background as a retired accountant came in handy for meticulously planning out his record-breaking route, employing a mix of licensing data, pivot tables, and Google Maps to chart his course through Sydney’s vibrant pub scene.
Clarkson’s decision to attempt the record was fueled by his “experience” in the field and the allure of Sydney’s diverse and intriguing array of pubs, promising a memorable and enjoyable adventure.
The official attempt commenced on Thursday, April 11, at midday, with Clarkson raising his first glass at the Captain Cook Hotel. From there, he embarked on an epic pub crawl, walking to each of the 120 establishments on his meticulously planned route.
Each pub visit required a paid transaction for a beverage, whether alcoholic or non-alcoholic, along with a minimum consumption of 125 ml of liquid. Over the course of 24 hours, Clarkson consumed a staggering 20 liters of liquid, predominantly soft drinks and juices, to stay hydrated during his marathon endeavor.
To ensure the integrity of his record attempt, Clarkson enlisted the support of a select group of friends to act as witnesses, accompanying him to every pub, while staff at each establishment signed his logbook to verify his visit.
Guinness World Records Adjudicator Pete Fairbairn joined Clarkson for the first four and final four hours of his marathon, witnessing firsthand the retiree’s relentless determination and brisk pace. Clarkson even managed to outpace Fairbairn at times, marking his 100th pub, the Fix Wine Bar, with triumphant fanfare.
Throughout his epic journey, Clarkson engaged with fellow pub-goers, eager to share his remarkable endeavor with anyone willing to listen. His favorite pubs, he revealed, were the speakeasy bars nestled along Clarence Street, adding an extra layer of charm to his already unforgettable experience.
Finally, on Friday, just before midday, Clarkson arrived at his 120th and final destination, the Sussex Garden Bar, less than a kilometer from where he had begun. There, under Fairbairn’s watchful eye, he presented his evidence, cementing his place in the Guinness World Records hall of fame.
With the record secured, Clarkson wasted no time in treating himself to a well-deserved pint of beer, marking the triumphant conclusion of his remarkable journey.
Congratulations, David Clarkson, on your extraordinary achievement! You’ve truly earned that pint.
