It seems more and more London restaurants are looking to expand up north, with Manchester being one of the most desired locations, because why not? Next to open in Manchester is the notorious pastel green Italian restaurant, delicatessen and bar, Lina Stores, which will join renowned London dining spots that have launched in the city such as Flat Iron, Caravan and Blacklock.
Celebrating 80 years since the original and much-loved Italian delicatessen opened its doors on Soho’s Brewer Street, the Manchester opening will be its first regional opening outside of London. Set to open in Spring 2025, the Manchester spot will continue to celebrate the very best Italian produce combined with the authentic dining experience Lina Stores is known for.
Located on Quay Street, in the heart of the city, Lina Stores will occupy the ground floor of the recently refurbished Quoin building, situated right opposite the Opera House. Hosting 150 covers for all-day dining, the restaurant will serve an Italian-inspired breakfast menu, fresh, handmade pasta, antipasti, secondi and dolci from lunch through to dinner. The delicatessen will stock salads, sandwiches, cakes and strong Italian coffee for eat-in or takeaway while the adjacent Bar Lina will pair classic and modern twists on Italian cocktails for aperitivo hour to late into the night.
Lina Stores Manchester will begin the day with a selection of sweet and savoury breakfast options including Truffle Scrambled Eggs with Toasted Sourdough, Greek Yoghurt with Italian Macedonia Fruit Salad and a selection of breakfast panini, served alongside traditional Italian espresso and freshly squeezed juices. Moving into lunch and dinner, the menu will include a selection of antipasti such as Ricotta & Herb Gnudi Fritti with Calabrian Chilli Marmellata and Tuna Crudo with Capers, Pink Peppercorn and Salsa Verde.
These are then followed by Lina Stores’ beloved pasta dishes including 30-Egg Yolk Tagliolini with Black Truffle and Parmigiano Reggiano DOP and Pappardelle with Lamb Sausage Ragù, Seasonal Greens and Pecorino Romano with new options on the menu including Lemon Sole & Potato Ravioli, Samphire, Aleppo Chilli. Heartier secondi dishes will include Luganega Fennel Sausage with Escarole and Chilli and Chicken Milanese with Amalfi Lemon whilst dolci will conclude the menu with Lina Stores’ guest favourites Sicilian Cannolo filled with Ricotta, Pistachio and Chocolate and classic Tiramisù. Adjacent to the open-theatre kitchen, will be a coffee and cocktail bar which will serve a versatile wine list consisting of organic and biodynamic wines from all corners of Italy, including the Lina Stores Collection range of wines.
The open-plan delicatessen will be perfect for anyone wanting a quick snack or lunch on the move or at the sharing tables, and will offer salads such as Fusilli with Artichoke, Mushroom and Semi-secchi tomatoes, and Borlotti Bean with Kale and Tropea Onion. Freshly made panini will be available for breakfast and for lunch, as will baked goods, pasticcini and dolci, including Lemon & Limoncello Meringue Cake, and Torta Opéra with Pistachio, Raspberry and Chocolate. The signature timber shelving in the windows will be stocked with the very best Lina Stores Collection pantry essentials including Sicilian extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar from Modena and traditional biscotti from regional Italy.
Found between Manchester’s bustling creative and business districts, Lina Stores Manchester will feature Lina Stores’ signature colour palette of pastel green hues, warm timber woods, and terrazzo and timber flooring. The interiors will pay homage to Lina Stores’ storied history with bespoke marble tables, original vintage Bentwood chairs, dark green booth seating and opaline globe lighting inspired by the original Brewer Street delicatessen.
As the sun sets, Bar Lina is set to come alive and will bring the Italian tradition of aperitivo to the city. Inspired by Italian design from late 1960s to 1970s, Bar Lina will feature a monochrome dark red colour scheme, velvet banquettes and chrome accents.
The bar has been designed in collaboration with Behind Bars and will offer the opportunity for private hire for all occasions. Signature Bar Lina cocktails will make an appearance on the extensive cocktail menu, including favourites like the Bloody Martini with Sicilian Tomato, Rinomato Americano Vermouth and Vodka, and the Basilico with Gin, Rinomato Bianco Vermouth, Basil and Lemon.
Masha Rener, Head Chef of Lina Stores, said: “We’re extremely excited to be opening in Manchester this spring. The city feels like a natural home for us considering the area’s rich history, vibrant culinary scene and lively nightlife, and look forward to sharing our passion of great Italian food and produce with the Manchester community. Quay Street is the perfect location for us to do so, sitting right in the trifecta of Spinningfields, St John Street and St Peter’s Square.”
Lina Stores Manchester opens spring 2025 at 17 Quay Street, Manchester, M3 3HN.