Brighton: New bar with three floors and board games opens

Mad Dog Brewery, a microbrewery from Cardiff, opened its first English taproom in Brighton’s Duke Street this week.

Tim Waters, who bought the original brewery and taproom in May 2021, said Brighton was his first choice when it came to expanding because of the city’s "great vibe and brilliant culture".

For the first week, from the opening day on Friday, July 19, until Thursday, July 25, pints will cost £5.

Each floor of the refurbished building at 24 Duke Street, formerly Sicilian restaurant Monjibello, has been decorated to represent their brews.

The second floor (Image: The Argus)

The first and second floors are spacious with tables and benches to play board games on - from classics like Scrabble to Cards Against Humanity. 

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Mad Dog’s craft beers, brewed with water fresh from the Brecon Beacons, are all vegan, gluten-free and made without preservatives.

The first floor of Mad Dog Brewery (Image: The Argus)

The new taproom also serves selected guest beers, including an alcohol-free craft beer, as well as a full range of wines, spirits and soft drinks.

There are also cocktails mixed with some of their brews, such as the Lagerita, dubbed "a lighter twist on the classic".

Made with Blanco tequila, triple sec, lime and sugar and topped with a pilsner called Born Slippy, it packs a punch.

The Lagerita packs a punch (Image: The Argus)

Customers can also get snacks including empanadas and made-to-order pinsas, which are light and crispy pizza appetizers with different toppings.

Tim was a novice brewer when he bought Mad Dog Brewery in 2021. Now he’s delighted to be taking the brewery into new territory.

He said: “Brighton is a city that knows its beer, so I’m confident it’s the right place for Mad Dog. 

“We’re adding another choice to the already high quality of brilliant Brighton breweries currently selling their craft brew - it’s a high standard that I hope to match to build on the city’s great range of craft brew on offer."