Brains Brewery has announced a new partnership with Welsh pub operator Breaking Brands to launch an immersive beer and sports-led destination in Cardiff’s historic brewery quarter.
Named The Old Brewery, the venue will be located at the former home of Brains Brewery on St Mary’s Street and will bring together brewing heritage, interactive entertainment and community-focused hospitality in a unique new concept.
The project is a collaboration between Brains Brewery, Heineken and Breaking Brands director Steve Lewis, with the aim of creating a destination that honours Cardiff’s brewing history while embracing the future of the industry.
Brains Brewery operated from the site between 1882 and 1999 before relocating and the area was subsequently redeveloped into a leisure complex.
The new venue will occupy the former Ballie Ballerson site and will offer visitors a multi-sensory journey through Cardiff’s brewing past, present and future. Through interactive experiences, storytelling spaces and heritage displays, The Old Brewery will celebrate more than 140 years of brewing tradition while reflecting the culture and sporting identity of Wales.
A key feature of the venue will be a range of interactive sports experiences powered by motion-tracking and smart-net technology. Inspired by iconic Welsh sporting moments, visitors will be able to test their skills through football and rugby challenges designed to recreate the excitement of matchday competition.
Alongside its entertainment offer, The Old Brewery will feature Welsh-inspired food menus showcasing local suppliers and ingredients, sensory beer experiences, guided tastings and exhibitions of archival photography and brewing memorabilia connected to the history of Brains Brewery and Cardiff.
The venue will also include a dedicated event and community space available for local organisations and groups to hire.
Nick Payne, Managing Director of Brains Brewery, said: “This collaboration feels really special to us at Brains as it feels like we’re coming home. When Steve approached us with the idea for this venue, we jumped at the chance.
“We are very proud of our Cardiff roots, our heritage and how we are still brewing in the city, more than 140 years later.”
He added: “I can’t wait to have my first pint of SA pulled from the pumps at The Old Brewery and immerse myself in the art and artefacts we have gathered to celebrate our brewery and our city.”
Steve Lewis of Breaking Brands said: “This site has meant something to Cardiff for decades. Bringing Brains back to the heart of the city just feels right.
“We believe that Cardiff needs a venue like this, a place with history, energy and purpose, and we are very excited to be the ones bringing it to life.”
Associated News
The Union Arms Reopens Following £416,000 Community-Focused Transformation
Highlights how operators are investing in venues that strengthen community engagement and create new social experiences for local customers.
England’s Opening Game Sparks Record Matchday Bookings for Greene King
Demonstrates the strong connection between sport and hospitality, showing how venues are using sporting experiences to attract customers and drive footfall.
Heartwood Inns Launches Matchday Food and Drink Offers for Summer Football Tournament
Provides further evidence of how hospitality businesses are enhancing customer experiences through sport-led initiatives and themed venue offerings.
