He may be betraying his own name, but nobody would argue the point with Guinness when it’s time for the one-tonne shire horse to delve into his bucket of Harveys beer.

Jim, 12, and Guinness, 10, have been a cart-pulling double-act for a few years and now the handsome horses have been selected to represent the iconic brewer for its dray tours; delivering barrels of beer around all their pubs in Lewes every Tuesday.

As a reward, the pair are presented with a bucket of Harveys’ finest beer each, which they guzzle down.

Stabled at White Horse Farm, Harvel, Stephen Smith, 29, is their qualified driver and they are groomed to shiny perfection by Nathan Cuthbert, 22.

While Harveys is best known for its bitter, there’s nothing but sweetness with these two gentle giants, who love a bit of fuss.

Business owner Emma Nuttall, 47, said: “Harveys contacted us about taking on the contract.

“They came to look around, loved the horses and the way we run things and treat them.

“Harveys is one of the oldest independent breweries in the country so this is a prestigious contract. Shire horses are brilliant for this work; as well as their strength, they are so calm.

“Jim and Guinness really enjoy going round the pubs and getting back to a nice bucket of beer.

“It’s good for them, too.”

Beer is a common treat for horses and it is traditional for thoroughbreds to drink after a successful race.

Emma has been in the carriage business for 20 years and has had White Horse Farm Carriages for four.

The stoic duo are just a pair out of a number of carriage horses at the yard. Emma also owns another set of bay shires, two extremely rare white shires, and four black Friesians, typically used for funerals.

Their large white mare, Beauty, is popular for Asian weddings.

Emma said: “The groom typically arrives on a white female horse and Beauty is one of the biggest in the country.

“She’s got a calm temperament, perfect for these events, which can be incredibly loud and busy. We often go to Gravesend’s Gurdwara for those celebrations.”

The business has 28 carriages from mainstream to the unusual, including a Cinderella pumpkin, and a pink hearse, one of only two in the country.

The horses are used to working, and are regulars at Rochester’s Dickens festivals, have done jobs for the likes of Tiffany & Co, appeared in London’s Olympic opening ceremony, and can frequently be spotted on TV shows as well as a previous Lloyds TSB advert.