A Cosy Catch Up at Bar Lina Shoreditch
Italian bar culture, gorgeous cocktails and the perfect stop after a gallery visit
I ended the week with a long overdue catch up with a friend at Bar Lina Shoreditch, and it was the loveliest way to ease into the weekend. What I love about this spot is how seamlessly you can make a whole evening out of it. We started with dinner at Lina Stores Shoreditch upstairs and ended with cocktails downstairs at Bar Lina, all in the same warm and stylish space.
Dinner was genuinely delicious. The pasta was cooked perfectly al dente, exactly as it should be. We shared the Carpaccio di Manzo e Tartufo, a beautifully delicate truffle beef carpaccio, followed by two gorgeous pasta dishes. The Linguine con Granchio e Limone was bright and fresh with just the right amount of citrus, and the Tagliolini al Tartufo was every bit as rich and fragrant as our waiter promised.
I finished with the Panna Cotta con Panettone e Clementine, which was the perfect dessert for me. Fruity, citrusy and light, not overly sweet, and the kind of finish that meant I could still enjoy cocktails downstairs without feeling weighed down.
Downstairs, the cocktails are crafted by Head Bartender Matteo Pesce, who blends traditional Italian serves with clever, contemporary twists. Standouts include the Bloody Martini made with tomato infused water and vermouth, the Basilico with basil infused gin but of course I had to try the negroni. There is also a playful list of miniature reimagined Italian classics capturing the essence of Bar Lina in just a few sips.
What makes the Shoreditch location particularly great is its convenience. It is close to some of the neighbourhood’s best galleries and exhibition spaces, which means you can easily make Bar Lina part of a pre or post gallery opening ritual or a relaxed stop after exploring a new show. It fits perfectly into the cultural days out I often share on The Ellie Project.
Rooted in Italy’s renowned bar culture, Bar Lina takes its inspiration from 1960s to 1980s Italy, and you can feel it the moment you step inside. The monochromatic dark red interiors, glossy accents and intimate lighting make it warm, stylish and instantly inviting. With locations in Shoreditch, Manchester, Soho and Canary Wharf, each bar carries that same nostalgic Italian mood while feeling modern and elevated.
If you are looking for a stylish but unpretentious spot for a catch up, a date night or a moment to unwind after a gallery visit, Bar Lina brings all the warmth and charm of Italian bar culture right into the heart of London.
Bar Lina, Shoreditch
180 Shoreditch High St, London E1 6HY
The Ellie Project 