About Us

A bar built for stories, not stereotypes

The Archives is a neighbourhood café-bar for inclusive drinks, creative connection, and thoughtful escape. Made for Brighton’s thinkers, readers, and anyone looking for a calm and comfortable place to read, recharge, or get some work done.

Our Story

Laurie opened The Archives to create the kind of space he and his friends used to dream about – part café, part bar, part bookshop. A place that felt more like a home than a venue. Not flashy. Not frantic. Just a welcoming, well-made space for people to be themselves.

The Archives is what was missing when Laurie was growing up: a bar where no one feels out of place. Where the drinks are excellent but unpretentious, the lights are soft, the music isn’t competing with your voice, and you never feel pressure to act a certain way. It’s a place for connection without expectation, whether you're catching up with friends, lost in a novel, or working away in the corner.

The name is a nod to the kind of spaces Laurie has always loved – libraries, bookshops, quirky cafés – places that invite curiosity and calm. Books are central to the atmosphere, with shelves lined with second-hand finds and vintage novels, everything from political non-fiction and sci-fi to drinks writing and the work of queer and local authors. Visitors are welcome to browse or swap, creating a living collection that reflects the community it serves. But you don’t have to be reading to feel at home here. You’re just as welcome working on your laptop, joining a creative workshop, or simply sitting back with a drink and taking it all in.

Laurie credits books with opening up the world to him – as much as school ever did – and wanted to share that sense of discovery with the Brighton community. That’s why The Archives is more than just a bar. It’s a contribution to the city he grew up in: a community hub, a home away from home, a space where everyone can feel like they belong.

Frequently asked questions

What is The Archives?

The Archives is a calm, welcoming neighbourhood café-bar in North Laine, Brighton. We're made for inclusive drinks, creative connection, and thoughtful escape. Whether you’re looking for a place to read, work, catch up with friends or simply unwind, The Archives is for Brighton’s thinkers, readers, and creatives.

Where is The Archives located?

We’re located in the heart of Brighton’s vibrant North Laine. You’ll find us at: 103 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YW

What are your opening hours?

We’re open seven days a week:

Sunday to Thursday: 11:00am – 9:00pm

Friday to Saturday: 11:00am – Midnight

Do I need to book a table at The Archives?

We welcome walk-ins, but if you want to guarantee a spot, book via [here] or call us on 01273 786583.

Can I host a private event or party at The Archives?

Yes! We have a downstairs events space with an optional separate entrance that’s perfect for private parties and events. It’s free to hire with a minimum bar spend on weekends. Email info@thearchivesbrighton.com for details. (Please note: the space is not wheelchair accessible.)

Are you available for venue hire?

Yes, our downstairs events space is available for private hire. It can hold up to 30 people and includes a separate entrance. Contact us at info@thearchivesbrighton.com for availability. (Access is via stairs only.)

How do I contact The Archives?

Email: info@thearchivesbrighton.com

Call: 01273 786583

Instagram: @the.archives.btn

Food & Drink

What kind of drinks do you serve?

We serve a wide variety of drinks - hot, cold, alcoholic, and alcohol-free. Our drinks are carefully curated and mostly sourced from local Brighton and Sussex suppliers. This includes:

Specialty loose-leaf teas from Bird & Blend
Organic, Fairtrade coffee from Black Rock Coffee
Local beers and ciders from Big Hug Brewery, Hand Brew Co., Only With Love, Ascension and more
A full cocktail menu available in classic-strength, low alcohol, or alcohol free versions
Vegan, organic, low-intervention and biodynamic wines

See our full menu here.

Do you serve alcohol-free or low-alcohol cocktails?

Yes! Every cocktail is available classic-strength, low alcohol, or alcohol-free. We’re also happy to make off-menu classics - just ask.

Are your wines vegan?

All of our wines are vegan - and they’re also organic, low-intervention, or biodynamic.

Do you have local beers on tap?

We serve a rotating selection of local craft beers on tap, alongside bottled and canned options. Local favourites include Big Hug Brewery, Hand Brew Co., Only With Love, and Ascension.

Do you serve food?

We currently serve fresh pastries and cakes from Real Patisserie, crisps from Sussex Crisp Co., and a selection of nuts and olives. Keep an eye out for new food offerings soon.

Can I just come in for a tea or coffee?

Absolutely. We pride ourselves on our tea and coffee selection served all day. All our teas are from Bird & Blend (a Brighton-based B Corp), and our organic Fiori Arabica coffee is roasted locally by Black Rock Coffee. Pop in for a brew, with or without a book.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Yes, we offer clearly labelled vegan and vegetarian options, and all our wines are vegan.

Is The Archives LGBTQ+ friendly?

Yes. We’re proud to be one of Brighton’s LGBTQ+ friendly bars, with a strong focus on creating inclusive, welcoming space in the heart of the North Laine. As a queer-owned business, we work hard to make The Archives a welcoming and affirming space for LGBTQ+ people, with inclusive events, queer authors on the shelves, and staff who reflect our community.

Is The Archives neurodivergent-friendly?

Yes. The Archives is a neurodivergent-friendly bar in Brighton’s North Laine, designed to support a calm, low-sensory environment.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, our ground floor (including bar, seating, and toilet) is wheelchair accessible.

Our downstairs events space is not accessible by wheelchair (access is via stairs).

Do you have gender-neutral toilets?

Yes, all our toilets are gender-neutral.

Are dogs allowed at The Archives?

Yes! Dogs are always welcome. We’ll make sure they’re watered and they might even get a treat.

Why is it called The Archives?

The name is a quiet nod to libraries, spaces full of stories, curiosity, and calm. We’ve filled our walls with second-hand books that reflect the creative and thoughtful atmosphere of the space.

What’s the deal with all the books?

The books aren’t just decoration, they are a core part of The Archives experience. Browse while you sip or bring us something interesting to swap. We’ve curated a diverse collection including fiction, non-fiction, local and queer authors, drinks writing, fantasy and sci-fi.

Can I buy or swap books at The Archives?

Most books are second-hand and available to swap. Bring a book you love and trade it for something new.

Can I run an event or workshop at The Archives?

We’d love to hear from you. Our downstairs space is available for creative and community events. Get in touch at info@thearchivesbrighton.com or 01273 786583.

What’s the atmosphere like at The Archives?

Calm, warm, and welcoming. Think ambient music, gentle lighting, and shelves full of books. A relaxed space where you can have a drink, read, or catch up without the noise of a typical bar.

Is it quiet enough to read or work?

Yes. We are a calm, welcoming bar in Brighton’s North Laine where you can read, work or relax without loud music or distractions. The Archives is designed for focus and ease. Our background music is kept at a low volume, and you’re always welcome to settle in with a book or laptop. We provide superfast wifi and power sockets on every table.

Do you accept card?

Yes, we accept all major credit and debit cards. Unfortunately we can’t accept cash payments.

Do you offer takeaway drinks?

Yes. We offer all teas, coffees, and soft drinks to takeaway.

Is there Wi-Fi available?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available to all guests.

Are you open on bank holidays?

Yes, we’re open seven days a week, including bank holidays.

Do you offer any special deals or promotions?

Yes! Monday-Thursday 4pm-7pm is happy hour

2 classic-strength cocktails for £16
2 low-alcohol cocktails for £14
2 alcohol-free cocktails for £12
Pints of beer and cider for £5