Guinness Stew

1.5 lb good quality stewing beef, cut into chunks

1 beef OXO cube crushed

4 tbsp olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

25 g butter

4-5 carrots, peeled and cut into large chunks

1 large onion, cut into large chunks

4 garlic cloves, crushed

1 tbsp plain or self-raising flour

100 ml Guinness

1 pint beef stock

1 tbsp tomato purée

1 bay leaf

1 tbsp fresh thyme finely chopped

1 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped plus a little extra to garnish