Sift the flour and cut in the butter. Add the fruit, spice, peel, etc. Beat eggs. Heat Guinness or other stout and pour it over the bicarbonate of soda. Pour stout and eggs over dry ingredients. Mix well and beat for 15 minutes. Bake in a well-greased pan in a moderate oven, 180ºC , for 2.5 3 hours. Keep for a week before cutting.