Liverpool’s dry bar The Brink has welcomed a new café manager following its reopening.
Lucy McLachlan joins the Parr Street venue following 15 years within the city’s hospitality industry, as well as assisting in theatre set designs across Europe and art departments of BBC dramas.
In her new role, she will now oversee the day to day running of the much-loved café, which closed its doors in 2020 due to the financial impact of Covid-19.
She said: “It’s the first time in my career that I’ve been this excited to tell people about my job. Working at The Brink is so rewarding – I absolutely love seeing people transform and everyone that comes into the space is just so grateful that we exist.
“It’s so fun working with our volunteers, and I think just sharing skills and experiences with them is really valuable. People have made some life-changing achievements through The Brink, and everyone is so happy that it didn’t close forever. It’s such a great feeling being part of the reopening and providing that safe space for those who need it.”
Now in the hands of national charity The Forward Trust and with a brand-new look, The Brink serves an imaginative array of non-alcoholic beverages, as well as locally sourced fresh food in its popular menu, opening each day between 10am and 3pm, with the hope that it will be able to host its renowned calendar of events and activities in the near future.
All of the profits generated from food and drink sales are given back to the Merseyside recovery community with The Brink providing vital support for those in recovery from all forms of addiction in a safe, stigma-free environment.
Lucy, who moved to the city to go to Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) in 2004 before graduating three years later with a degree in Theatre & Performance Design, added:
“The Brink just seemed like a natural progression for me, combining all the work I’ve done over the past fifteen years and for a really great cause. It expands beyond the limits of just being a food and drink venue; we are a safe hub which hold events and creative projects.
“I can’t wait to host events again as I’ve had enquiries for all kinds of exciting projects but I’m aware that we can’t rush in too soon. Events at The Brink bring people together because they’re hosted in a safe space that allows people to socialise without the pressure of drinking alcohol, whether it’s an art workshop, a comedy night, a live music set or even watching football on the TV, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
“The next few months really do look exciting for us with lots planned in the pipeline – watch this space!”
