Vagabond wine bar brings self-pour experience to The Lanes this autumn
Innovative self-serve wine bar Vagabond is opening its first high street venue outside London on Duke Street, offering over 100 wines by the glass.
Brighton is about to get a whole lot more interesting for wine lovers, as innovative self-serve wine bar Vagabond prepares to open its doors in one of The Lanes' most prominent locations.
The exciting new venue will occupy part of the former Browns Brasserie site on Duke Street – the much-loved establishment that sadly closed in May 2025 after 52 years of serving the community. The opening marks Vagabond's first high street location outside London in five years, and the team behind the brand are clearly thrilled about bringing their unique wine experience to Brighton.
A new way to explore wine
Vagabond's signature offering is its self-serve wine machines, which allow guests to explore more than 100 wines by the glass at their own pace. Rather than feeling intimidated by traditional wine bar formality, visitors can try new varieties in a relaxed, interactive setting without pressure.
The wine selection will be particularly special for local supporters, featuring a range of English wines produced at Vagabond's Urban Winery in Canada Water, London. Many of these wines are crafted using grapes from vineyards across Sussex and the South East – bringing a taste of local terroir to the heart of Brighton.
What to expect
The 2,980 square foot venue will feature Vagabond's distinctive stainless steel bar, inspired by the tanks used in the company's wine production process. It will also include a private dining room for group events and tastings, making it perfect for celebrations or wine-focused gatherings.
Graham Hall, interim managing director at Vagabond Wines, expressed his enthusiasm about the location: "Brighton has always been a city that marches to its own beat – it's fun, vibrant, and fiercely independent, all of which make it a dream location for Vagabond."
Part of a bigger picture
The Brighton opening marks Vagabond's third venue in 2026, following recent launches in London's Soho and Canary Wharf. The company, which currently operates 14 venues, has ambitious plans to expand to 25 locations over the next five years.
Vagabond was acquired by Majestic Wine in 2024 as part of a strategic expansion into experiential hospitality. John Colley, executive chairman and CEO of Majestic Wine Group, said: "We've been looking for opportunities to extend Vagabond's reach outside of London ever since we welcomed the business into the Majestic family two years ago."
With extensive refurbishment currently underway, Vagabond Brighton is expected to launch in late autumn, promising to inject fresh energy into The Lanes and give local wine enthusiasts a genuinely new way to enjoy their favourite tipple.
Source: Self-pour wine bar with more than 100 options to open in prime spot in The Lanes