Advert: I was invited to Brân‘s prelaunch event; some drink and food were included.

Yesterday I had the pleasure of checking out the newest board game kid on the Cardiff block, Brân, which officially opens TODAY!  This board game bar, a collaboration between Rules of Play and Nighthawks Wine Bar, sits opposite Cardiff Castle and specialises in Belgian beer, bangin’ hot dogs & good times (based on last night’s experience!).

The ambience was cracking. Brân has designed the upstairs space (where the bar is) with walk-in-only booths and it’s here where the lighter, more casual games live. But down past a goblin-filled staircase is “the dungeon”, with bookable tables – including a couple of ‘proper’ gaming table tables – and amazing wall art, with inspiration taken from the Mabinogi and other Welsh myths (and of course, Frank & Mimi the cats!). This is where you’ll find most of the games, and there was a great selection to choose from (as you’d expect from Rules of Play). The intention is that this space is for more ‘serious’ gaming sessions. There’s even an alcove that can be closed off by heavy curtains, perfect for a private D&D session.

This is the first time I’ve come across this divide-and-conquer layout, and if Brân does this successfully I can see it being a big draw for many board gamers. I know I’m not the only one who struggles with background noise sensitivity, and it can be overwhelming trying to learn a new board game in a busy environment when the big group next to you is playing a party game (and they have every right to be enjoying themselves!). Having dedicated spaces for both sounds like a win to me.

Even though beer is their speciality, they do have a range of other bevs, from wine & cocktails to milkshakes & hot drinks! I’m not a big beer drinker, but I have to admit I did enjoy the Vedett Pilsner when I first arrived – but after that I was on a lush cider that I can’t remember the name of! (maybe I had one too many!). The food on offer is a selection of hot dogs, fries and waffles. I tried the chilli loaded dog, which was delish but I was a bit nervous eating it near the games. I managed to not make toooooo much of a mess.

As for what was played last night, I actually started with a game my friend Ian (@br1cks_n_boards) brought with him! It was Cat Between Us (Op Games), which I’d never heard of but really enjoyed, even if I lost. After munching down our hot dogs, we joined forces with my good insta-friends Alex (@pink_meeple) and Hannah (@han_playsgames) for Faraway (Catch Up Games), and I didn’t come last but I didn’t win either… Then finally, Ian and I made our way upstairs for a fun game of Duck & Cover with the lovely Lisa & Phil from Fun with Boxes – this was another new-to-me game and I won! FINALLY! They are the loveliest people, do go check them out on YouTube.

You can book a table in the dungeon for 3 hours for a £10 deposit per person, which is redeemable off the food and drinks bill (booking form is available on Brân’s Instagram). This sounds incredibly reasonable to me! I know I’ll be back soon, with Matt to show him how awesome it is. And I’ll be trying those waffles next time. Da iawn, Brân!