I need to see this space in context to the room it is in . That brick IMO needs to be covered in drywall it was not probably ever meant to be exposed . Is it part of a chimney? We need a bit more info for sure and also the measurements of the space .I renovated a 1905 house and honestly the brick in it was never meant to be a decor item since the pointing was horrible. Sorry I do not think all these old elemnets need to be embraced we are living in the 21 st century .

A piece of clear unbreakable plexiglass could be fitted over the brick, like they do for cave paintings at archeological sites. Add LED rope lighting down the sides. Or you could cover it with drywall. As @Patricia Colwell Consulting brings up, some brick wasn't meant to be exposed.

I have to agree, covering and making everything fresh and clean sounds best for an area where you will be serving up drinks or coffee. You could try and do a smear type paint on the bricks if you just want texture.