The Brink Liverpool is to close
Liverpool’s Brink cafe and dry bar is to close, Getintothis’ Peter Guy on another venue closure due to COVID-19.
Liverpool’s dry bar and cafe The Brink is to close due to the financial impact of COVID-19.
The Brink has been a firm city favourite since opening in 2011 operating as Liverpool’s first official dry bar while offering a range of therapeutic addiction services for individuals and families.
Reports began to circulate yesterday on social media that The Brink was due to close, and in a statement via the venue’s website, fears have now been confirmed.
The Brink, on Parr Street, opened in 2011 offering non-alcoholic drinks and a fresh food while also offering daily social activities as well as regularly putting on gigs and live events.
The innumerable community related enterprises The Brink offered also included dedicated work with people recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.
Formerly a garage housing a rusting, dilapidated classic car, The Brink breathed new life into the building as well as into the local community.
Getintothis spoke to David Humphreys from Action on Addiction for comment.
The company statement, said: “Due to the financial impact of Covid-19 The Brink Café, Liverpool, will not re-open but our full range of therapeutic addiction services for individuals and families in Liverpool will continue.
“These services, which are funded by Liverpool City Council and other trusts and foundations, are unaffected by the decision to close The Brink Café and we thank them for their continued support.
“We are very sorry to announce that as a result of the financial impact of COVID-19, The Brink Café in Parr Street, Liverpool, will not reopen when the government’s restrictions ease.
“Like many people and organisations, Action on Addiction, which has continued to support The Brink Café since its inception in 2011, has been adversely affected by Covid-19.
“We have had to introduce numerous measures to address the financial implications of the pandemic to safeguard Action on Addiction’s future, thereby ensuring the continued delivery of our frontline treatment services in Liverpool and elsewhere.
“This is, however, a very sad moment for Action on Addiction. We are humbled by the strength of feeling that exists in relation to The Brink Café and would like to thank everyone for their heartfelt messages of support.
“We are immensely proud of the achievements of our staff and volunteers and thank them for all their hard work and dedication – it is a truly inspirational team.”
The Brink was crowned Bar of the Year at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards in 2015, for its uniqueness and revolutionary approach.
And was famously visited by the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton, when she visited the city.
The Brink then launched their own cocktail paying tribute to the Action for Addiction patron, with The Duchess cocktail.
The statement went on to say: “For the last 10 years it has existed not only as a vibrant social space for people from all walks of life but as the beating heart of the recovery community in Liverpool.
“As an innovative social enterprise – the UK’s first dry bar – the café has provided many work and volunteering opportunities for people in recovery from addiction and other mental health issues.
“Prior to COVID-19, Action on Addiction, as the café’s main funder, was committed to keeping the café open and to working with partners, donors and supporters to ensure it was sustainable in the long term. With continuing losses brought about by sustained closure and in the absence of very significant, long term and sustainable third-party investment these plans are no longer viable.
“In taking forward the regrettable but necessary decision to close The Brink Café, we wish to make clear that we will continue to offer the full range of therapeutic addiction services that are currently available for individuals and families at The Brink.
“These therapeutic services, which are funded by Liverpool City Council and other trusts and foundations, are unaffected by the decision to close The Brink Café and we thank them for their continued support.
“Action on Addiction remains steadfast in our commitment to helping individuals and families in Liverpool and challenging the stigma that is associated with addiction.
“We will continue to fundraise so that we can help more people in Liverpool achieve long-term, stable, abstinence-based recovery from addiction, and also protect children and support families affected by this life-stopping condition.”
If you need to talk to somebody about any of the issues raised here, please use the links below:
Mind, the mental health charity (Call 0300 123 3393). We won’t give up until everyone experienceing a mental health problem gets both support and respect.
The Samaritans (Call 116 123). We’re waiting for your call. Whatever you’re going through, a Samaritan will face it with you. We’re here 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Childline (Call 0800 1111). Help and advice about a wide range of issues, call , talk to a counsellor online, send an email or post on the message boards.
Papyrus (Call 0800 068 41 41). An organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Students Against Depression provides you with a calm environment and the resources to help you find a way forward – a website offering advice, information and guidance to those affected by low mood, depression and suicidal thinking.
Hub of Hope: A national mental health database which brings together organisations and charities, large and small, from across the country who offer mental health advice and support, together in one place.
