BEER sensation Brewdog is poised to open a branch in Brighton.

The craft beer maker which is popular with a younger drinking crowd is hoping to snap up the old Blind Tiger Club site, on Grand Parade.

Contracts are expected to be signed off within the next few weeks.

The lease of the 250-capacity venue was advertised for £150,000 with the brewer to take over the ground floor.

The previous leaseholder ran it as a popular music venue were handed a noise abatement order after complaints from neighbours.

Brewdog will not run it as a music venue.

The area has suffered from neglect in recent years with the likes of The Freebutt and Ocean Rooms closing.

But with the regeneration of London Road and the Circus Street development it is hoped the arrival of Brewdog will mark the start of a revival.

Lee Standen, deputy manager of nearby pub The Great Eastern, on Trafalgar Street, said: “We need more large pubs run by independent brewers especially in this area of town.

“There are a few companies that own a lot of identikit clones so anything a bit different is to be welcomed.

“New pubs are given a soul by the owner so you never know how they are going to turn out until it opens.

“Anything new and fresh will be a shot in the arm for rivals.

“At the moment the North Laine pub has virtually no competition at all.

“A lot of the old clubs and bars have closed down, it’s become really decrepit, so an injection of business is really needed.

“The whole area is being transformed. I don’t think they will be the last bar to open.”

Nick Mosley, executive director of the Brighton and Hove Food and Drink Festival, said: “Brighton’s growing reputation as one of the UK’s leading food and drink destinations continues to attract new businesses.

“Its brilliant to see the likes of Brewdog joining our quality, unique and cutting-edge hospitality offering, and they’ll be a great addition to our bar scene.”

Brewdog has 22 bars across Scotland and England, and is also expanding abroad.

Favourites like Punk IPA have taken the beer world by storm while staying ahead of the craft beer boom.