Guinness adds a rich, warming flavour that makes this cottage pie the ultimate comforting dinner. For a veggie version, see ...

Preheat the oven to 160C/140C Fan/Gas 3. For the pie filling, heat the oil in a large ovenproof casserole over a high heat. Season the beef and sear the steak in batches, until evenly browned.

The 48-hour Guinness-glazed beef short rib at The William IV's newly opened upstairs dining room is a thing of beauty.