Q&A with Laurie MacDonald of The Archives: Next level low and no alcohol drinking

Laurie MacDonald of The Archives in Brighton

Brighton’s bar scene is booming, writes Nick Mosley. He catches up with Laurie MacDonald about to find out more about his latest café and cocktails concept in North Laine, The Archives.

Tell us a bit about yourself…

I started working in the hospitality industry in 2011 to put myself through university where I studied classics and then journalism. I caught the hospitality bug from working behind the bar. After a brief stint working in local journalism, I decided to go back to hospitality full time. My first full time bar job was at Bohemia in Meeting House Lane where I learnt 90% of what I know today in an intense six months of shifts. I’ve built a career from there via London, then Edinburgh and eventually back to my home town of Brighton.

What led you to live and work in Brighton? What makes the bar and wider hospitality scene in Brighton special for you?

Brighton’s my home town and many of my friends and family are here. It’s got a vibrant bar scene, where you can be a bit more experimental. Hospitality here is a small tight knit community with great support. I’ve known people in the Brighton Bartenders Facebook group for longer than most of my friends now, and its great to see them at the top of their game running their own venues, representing brands and distilling their own spirits.

What is the idea behind The Archives?

The concept behind The Archives has been percolating in my mind for many years. I’ve always wanted to make a nice environment that transitioned from daytime to evening. Something that felt a bit more continental than a pub or cocktail bar.

Then the book idea came to me when I saw a café that had the entire walls lined with second hand books and I thought if that works in a café, why not in a bar?

Tell us about your journey from concept to opening

After dreaming up the idea for many years, back in March 2020, I almost signed a lease for a venue in Edinburgh. I was due to sign the very day that lockdown was announced and it was a lucky escape that I hadn’t done it sooner and been stuck with a venue and no way of opening.

After Covid I moved back down to Brighton and my thoughts returned to The Archives. Last year, I was getting to the point where I was thinking I’ll be ready to do this soon and an estate agent emailed me this venue. Even though I wasn’t quite ready to take the plunge, the spot was perfect – right location, good natural lighting – it felt like the spot I’d been waiting for so I had to go for it.

After about six months negotiating the lease, I dragged everyone I knew into helping me build it from the ground up. It was a complete building site when we came in and as budgets were tight, we did everything – tiling, plumbing, joinery – ourselves in just six weeks.

The Archives in Brighton's North Laine

You have an interesting concept with your cocktails where guests can also choose full, low or no versions of the same drink.

Lots of my friends don’t drink for various reasons but still enjoy being in a cocktail environment and I’m quite a mindful drinker, preferring lower ABV drinks. But I also believe no one should be shamed for choosing a classic strength cocktail. Low and no is a growing trend but it still often seems like a bit of an after-thought on the menu, with just a handful of mocktails featuring right at the back.

I wanted to make low and no a focus here without taking away from how great classic cocktails are too. This seemed really obvious to me as a great way to structure a menu to cater to everyone and offer everyone the same experience regardless of their approach to alcohol.

What are the specific challenges of making three versions of the same drink and keeping a similar flavour profile?

We spent hours and hours workshopping every drink to get the flavour profiles the same regardless of strength. There were some incredible lightbulb moments, like using lapsang tea to give a smoky flavour as a whisky or mezcal substitute. Fortunately the drinks industry has come a long way in the last few years and there are some incredible non-alcoholic spirits out there now, making our job a lot easier. We’ve had excellent feedback with people saying our cocktails are the best adult non-alcoholic drinks they’ve ever had.

Any events coming up soon?

We’ve a great space downstairs with a bar that’s perfect for anyone looking to host events. We have monthly comedy nights, writers’ circles, film socials and book clubs.

We offer Happy Hour deals on cocktails, beer and wine all day Monday to Thursday and often do collaborations with brands. Keep an eye on our socials for upcoming deals.

Where do you enjoy eating and drinking elsewhere in Brighton?

I love Clementine & Co in Duke Street for excellent cocktails and nibbles. For a pint I like to go to the Rook of the Independent. I’m always blown away by the affordability and quality offered at Shuffle. I love the charcuterie board at the Wine Cellar.

– Anything else you’d like to add?

Support truly local independent places in Brighton.

The Archives, 103 North Road, Brighton BN1 1YW

01273 786 583 • www.thearchivesbrighton.com