Abyss Brewing to open ‘truly independent’ Brighton venue
Sussex-based Abyss Brewing has plans to create a central Brighton destination “built for fresh pours, seriously good food and welcoming vibes”. db finds out more.
The venue, which will be located on Trafalgar Street, in Brighton’s North Laine, has been described by the brewer as a “truly independent food and drink space”. It has also been positioned as a place that will bring together “a mix of independent standout food concepts, alongside a wide-ranging drinks offer”.
A community space
The product mix will include “Abyss beers and collaborative brews to local wines and low- and no-alcohol options – supported by a programme of events and creative activity that keeps the space evolving,” said Abyss Brewing co-founder Andy Bridge.
Bridge explained that the venue will be “designed to balance scale with intimacy – a space with energy, but still room to find your corner”
Abyss Brewing was founded by Andrew Mellor and Andy Bridge in 2016 when the duo began brewing in the basement of The Pelham Arms pub on Lewes High Street. Mellor and Bridge then began experimenting with a range of beers that quickly gained a following and the pair have continued to shape the Abyss core range.
In 2023, Abyss began an investment drive, which saw the Super Pale and Gonzo beer maker open its first site in early 2024 and offered potential investors 15% of the business with a pre-money valuation of £3.3 million.
Since its early days, the award-winning brewery has grown into a recognised name within Sussex’s independent beer and hospitality scene, with an Abyss taproom already in Lewes, a summer pop-up in Newhaven and a reputation for bold, expressive brews and distinctive, art-led design.
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‘Events, collaborations, and creative projects’
Bridge explained that “alongside beer, a shared passion for food has always been central to Abyss – shaped by travel, discovery, and a constant search for new ideas”.
The new venue, which will be named Abyss Brighton, is set to create a space that “brings this together for the first time as a full expression of that approach”.
He revealed: “Events, collaborations, and creative projects will shape the experience, with the space also opening up for private hire”.
Abyss Brighton is due to be “opening in Autumn 2026” in the space that Beak Brewery had previously planned to open a Brighton venue in 2024.
‘Inclusive’
Bridge noted that “all plans are subject to planning approval as of May 2026”. But also explained that “the Brighton project is something we’ve wanted to bring forward for a long time, and subject to planning approval, we’re hopeful it can become a welcoming new food and drink space within the city”.
He added: “Our aim is to create something that complements Brighton’s existing independent hospitality scene – bringing together great beer, collaborative food concepts, events and creative activity in a space designed to feel both energetic and inclusive.”
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