A railway engineer and self-proclaimed “weird dad” has packed in his 37-year career to brew and sell his own real ales from a taproom in Newport. Lee Dunning, 55, wound down his time travelling around the UK’s railways after realising his passion for home brewing when he bought a make-your-own kit from Wilkos for a beer-making festival with his friends.
His skills with the hops have gone from strength to strength ever since - so much so he opened the little taproom and brewery at Caerleon Road and quit his job this year. “It’s more of a passion than a business really,” Lee said while sifting through his mass of locally-produced ales behind his little bar with a beaming grin. “If I’m growing a business while doing it then that’s great.”
The Weird Dad name comes from his time coaching Llanyrafon Football Club’s youth team, where his son played as a teen. “He turned around one day and told me I was the weirdest dad there,” Lee laughed. “When I stopped and reflected on it, I think most kids think their dad is weird don’t they? I am into Dungeons and Dragons, and have been for 30 years. We’re actually having a Dungeons and Dragons night here soon. Is it weird? I think it’s not weird if that’s what you’re interested in. Maybe some people might think this is all a bit weird. We all have our quirks, and I like that. I thought the name was catchy and might resonate with people.”
