We love it when something distinctly European reveals itself in our neck of the woods, mainly because it means we don’t necessarily have to board a plane to often tourist-filled, yet gorgeous, corners of the continent. Now, one sliver of Manchester has gained a particularly Tuscan accent, and it’s the perfect spot to hit up on a warm day.
An inconspicuous, small wooden hatch has opened on the brick exterior of The Pearl in Prestwich, allowing customers to order wine directly from the pavement by ringing a small brass handbell. The newly installed wine window, the style of which is commonplace in parts of Italy, offers an unusual street-side service, where staff hand stemmed glasses of wine through a narrow opening straight to waiting patrons.
How does it work?
Set into the restaurant’s bright blue façade and exposed brickwork, the window features a green-painted interior and a yellow-tiled ledge. To place an order, customers ring the bell resting on the tiles. A staff member then opens the hinged wooden door to take the order and pass the drinks through to the street.
A small chalkboard attached to the outside of the window door displays the available drinks. The menu features two distinct options: a white Fiano and a red Beaujolais. Inside, staff uncork the bottles and pour the selected wines at a white countertop before bringing the filled glasses to the window.
Enjoy your vino al fresco
Directly beneath the hatch, the venue has installed a long, padded red bench built into the exterior wall. Customers can collect their drinks from the window and take a seat outside against the brickwork to drink their wine.
The Pearl wine window really is a great option if you don’t want to venture into the city centre, offering a touch of European style at great prices, with an amazing vibe – especially in the peak of summer.
📍 You can find The Pearl at 425 Bury New Rd, Prestwich, Manchester M25 1AF.
