Italian pasta aficionados will soon have a new destination to savor their love for Italian cuisine and drinks.
Lina Stores, a renowned Italian pasta group, is set to open a captivating “hidden” aperitivo bar beneath its iconic Soho deli.
The anticipated opening is scheduled for autumn, with September being the likely timeframe.
Entering Through History
Stepping into Bar Lina is like entering a portal to the heart of Italian flavors.
Guests will pass through the deli’s original entrance, surrounded by shelves stocked with an array of Italian essentials like pastas, olives, and cured meats.
The journey continues as visitors descend a lush green staircase that leads to the hidden gem below.
A Transformative Space
The space beneath the pasta kitchen and shop, which boasts a history dating back to 1944, has undergone a remarkable transformation.
It has been reimagined as an intimate aperitivo bar, illuminated by the soft glow of candles.
The interior exudes a Sixties Italian style, characterized by a monochrome color scheme with accents of dark red.
Atmosphere and Offerings
Bar Lina promises a mood-lit ambiance, complete with luxurious velvet banquettes, setting the stage for an exquisite drinking experience.
The drink menu is a creative twist on classics, featuring delights like the Syracuse martini with a Sicilian tomato twist, basil gimlets, Negronis, and an extensive list of spritz variations.
The wine selection takes center stage, celebrating Italian producers and showcasing independent, low intervention growers from lesser-explored regions.
Culinary Delights
Complementing the drinks is a carefully curated food menu.
It offers a concise selection, including a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and antipasti.
Additionally, small plates like beef crudo, truffle crostini, and fried gnudi promise to tantalize the taste buds.
Evolution of the Deli
As the evening unfolds, the upstairs deli, traditionally open only during the day and lunch hours, will undergo a metamorphosis.
It will be reborn as a cozy 12-cover wine bar, ensuring that patrons can continue to enjoy its offerings late into the evening.
A Reflection of Italian Joie de Vivre
Masha Rener, the head chef of Lina Stores, expressed her excitement about Bar Lina.
She noted that the bar captures the essence of Italy’s vibrant bar scene and the lively spirit of Soho.
It’s a place where memories of late-night Negronis and heartfelt conversations over wine with both old and new friends come to life.
Breathing new life into the original delicatessen while keeping the legacy of Lina Stores alive is a source of immense pride for the team.
The opening of Bar Lina is eagerly anticipated, with September being the anticipated timeframe.
While the exact date is yet to be confirmed, the address at 18 Brewer St, London W1F 0SG, will soon become a hub for those seeking an authentic Italian aperitivo experience.
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