Bar Lina Manchester

It’s all happening on Quay Street. Formerly something of a no-man’s land between Manchester city centre and Salford, it’s now home to stylish venues like Side Street and Fenix, with many more incoming. And the Lina-led corner of Byrom Street – opposite the Opera House, appropriately – is a hub of all things Italiano. 

Restaurant and deli Lina Stores is the showcase name, coming up from Soho to take part in Manchester’s renaissance era, but tucked away round the corner – with minimal signage, be forewarned – is Bar Lina. 

The vibe is aperitivo bar, and for those of you who chose GCSE German instead, that means it’s all about post-work drinks and laid-back cocktails late into the night. The plush seating and mirrored walls give it a low-lit speakeasy feel, aided by an impeccable 80s Italo Disco soundtrack. 

The whole space has a gimmick-free feel, more about timeless style than flighty fashion. Same goes for the drinks menu. It’s all geared around classic ideas and time-honoured recipes but with a flourish, rather than flashy. 

To put it another way, you won’t find a sparkler in your Piña colada, but each and every herbal syrup is carefully crafted in-house. 

Favourites? The Alchimia – which translates to alchemy, believe it or not – is a phenomenal take on a beer spritz, more precisely balanced than an atomic clock. For something sweeter, The Clover Club is a perfectly executed citrus-focused concoction that you could drink over and over. 

As well as talented drink-makers, the Bar Lina team are experts in the art of bartending. This means being looked after without ever feeling managed, and countless other fine details that we riffraff take for granted. In short, these guys are good. 

Naturally, there are the classic bar snacks, designed to complement the drinks rather than overpower. There aren’t many to choose from – simply plump olives and some crunchy, salty snack mix – but as with everything else at Bar Lina, they’re tasteful and they work well. 

Manchester’s cocktail scene has sharpened in recent years, with standouts like Stray and Speak In Code leading the charge. Bar Lina slots effortlessly into that top tier.