Lina Stores, renowned for its Italian delicacies since 1944, opens a new restaurant in Shoreditch, blending historical charm with modern elegance in a former NatWest bank.
Lina Stores, a name synonymous with Italian cuisine since its establishment in 1944, has made a significant expansion into London’s trendy Shoreditch area. As of Saturday, 19 October, food enthusiasts can indulge in a culinary journey at the new restaurant located at 180-182 Shoreditch High Street. Set in a former NatWest bank, the restaurant combines historical charm with contemporary elegance, creating a unique dining experience that honours both its past and present.
The structure of the restaurant is itself a testament to history, occupying a ground-floor space within the former bank, built between 1865 and 1880. Its Italianate architectural style sets the perfect backdrop for an Italian dining venue. The establishment comfortably seats 87 patrons, offering a menu that features both beloved Lina Stores staples and innovative new dishes. Meanwhile, in the basement, a reincarnation of Lina Stores’ aperitivo bar, Bar Lina, adds an atmospheric edge with room for up to 52 guests in a space that once functioned as the bank’s back office.
Paying homage to its architectural heritage, the restaurant has preserved much of the building’s original Victorian features. The original timber and mosaic flooring have been carefully restored, and untouched walls reveal layers of history. These antique elements balance the modern interiors, which include marble-top tables and banquette seating in the brand’s distinctive pistachio green. An open formica and oak bar allows diners to observe the chefs crafting their handmade pasta and other delicacies. For more exclusive gatherings, a private dining room beneath the original skylight can accommodate 12 guests.
Bar Lina, with its separate entrance, features a marble bar, dark red decor, exposed brickwork, and retro lighting, nodding to the stylistic elements of 1970s Italy. The bar enhances Shoreditch’s nightlife with an eclectic music selection spanning Lina Stores’ diverse historical tastes, offering everything from Italo to 1960s and 70s funk. Its unique feature, a semi-private lounge seated within the original vault, underscores the seamless blend of history and modernity.
The culinary offerings at Lina Stores Shoreditch are bound to excite the palate with antipasti selections like sea bream crudo paired with fennel, lemon, and basil, and anchovies served alongside grilled bruschetta. Notable pasta dishes include the spinach and ricotta tre latte gnudi and spaghetti alla chitarra, with menu additions such as truffle taglioni and pappardelle with lamb sausage ragù. New items include luganega sausage with seasonal greens, while dessert options boast the classic Lina Stores tiramisu and a variety of homemade ice creams and sorbets. The wine list is thoughtfully curated, featuring organic and biodynamic selections from across Italy.
The opening of Lina Stores in Shoreditch reflects the cultural tapestry of the East End, an area historically enriched by Italian immigrants. Head chef Masha Rener expressed excitement about the location’s rich culinary heritage, highlighting how the combination of Shoreditch’s diverse food scene and the building’s remarkable architecture affirmed their choice of location. The new establishment joins a growing family of Lina Stores outlets, which includes three delis and six restaurants across London, marking a new chapter for the iconic brand in one of the city’s most dynamic districts.
Source: Noah Wire Services