The Italian deli that's a hit in London making the move to Manchester

A much-loved Italian deli is making the move north to Manchester - setting up shop in one of the city’s top locations.

Lina Stores, which started in 1944 on Brewer Street in Soho, has seven cafes across the capital in Marylebone, The City, Kensington, and Clapham. Best known for pasta dishes and selling cured meats and cheeses in its deli shops, Lina has grown to also sell produce online.

Now, it’s expanding with a first deli outside London. A new planning application has revealed the business is set to take over an empty building floor on Quay Street.

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It already has planning permission for one of its two units, but is hoping to take over the second and hold an entire floor of the Quoin building, opposite business hub Spinningfields.

“The proposals present an opportunity to introduce a complementary use to the local area providing for a small intimate bar use,” a planning statement said. “[It] will ensure the long-term future of the premises and provide the flexibility required to continue operating in this area, which is characterised by its mix of takeaway, bar and restaurant uses.
“The proposals will secure the viable and sustainable use of the existing building and will make provision for a high-quality entertainment use.”

The bid says the cafe will be open from 7am to 2am from Monday to Saturday, and from 7am to midnight on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

You can view the plans online here or by searching for ‘140164/FO/2024’ on Manchester council’s planning portal. A public consultation is open until August 21.

Lina Stores has been contacted for comment.