This autumn, Lina Stores will arrive in King’s Cross, marking 75 years since the iconic Italian delicatessen first opened in Soho.
Housed within a Victorian transit shed behind Granary Square, the new location will build on the Soho success with deli and restaurant now under one roof for the first time.
The deli at Lina Stores King’s Cross will feature the iconic Lina green and white stripes and will be stocked with the very best Italian pantry essentials. Salumi, cheeses, antipasti and fresh pasta will all be available to eat in or take away.
Diners and shoppers can watch as fresh pasta is made by hand while enjoying an espresso, freshly made-to-order sandwich, or an after-work aperitivo.
Housed within one of King’s Cross’ last remaining heritage buildings, the 100-cover site designed in collaboration with Red Deer architects will combine Lina Stores’ inimitable style with the instantly recognisable Lina green and white stripes.
Diners can enjoy the theatre of the open counter kitchen while they wait for their dishes to arrive. Sunken booths and long banquette seating will be illuminated by the glow of the same opaline globe lights which first lit the deli at Lina Stores 75 years ago.
The simple and traditional menu will focus on fresh pasta and include signature dishes from the Brewer and Greek Street sites, alongside exciting new dishes. Antipasti will be a celebration of all of Lina Stores’ finest deli ingredients.
The pasta will once again take centre stage with new dishes such as Osso bucco ravioli with bone marrow butter and duck egg yolk Tagliolini with parmesan and fresh truffles. A pared back selection of secondi will include overnight beef cheeks in Barolo as well as seasonal fish, seafood and vegetarian options.
A traditional Italian dessert trolley will feature crowd pleasing classics: Rum baba, Torta Genoese, Monte Bianco, Crostata di frutta, Tiramisù, Cannoli, Torta Caprese as well as home-made gelato.
The wine list will boast organic and biodynamic bottles ranging from the masters of Northern Italy; Piedmont, Tuscany and Veneto, to the lesser known greats of the South; Verdicchio, Negroamaro and Primitivo.
The intimate aperitivo bar will be available for pre/post dinner drinks with Lina Stores’ full range of Italian vermouths, organic wines and classic house made cocktails alongside reinvented classics such as the Italicus Sour, Limoncello Spritz and Pomelo Martini. Homemade shrubs will include Amarena Cherry & vincotto and Sicilian Lemon & Beetroot.
Marina Dentamaro, who has managed the deli at 18 Brewer Street for a decade, said, “Lina Stores has always welcomed Italians seeking a taste of home, people travelling to visit from across the UK and Londoners who return again and again to stock up on quality Italian ingredients.
'We can’t wait to have a restaurant and deli all under one roof in King’s Cross. It is an honour to be part of the history and tradition of Lina Stores.'
Lina Stores Head Chef, Masha Rener (pictured) added, “Over the course of its 75-year history, Lina Stores has become a beacon for Italian culinary culture in London and I’m so proud to be a part of it. It’s been a really exciting year opening our restaurant on Greek Street, uncovering traditional recipes found across Italy, as well as celebrating Lina’s age-old recipes and my own family’s.
'We’ll be adding even more to our menu in King’s Cross and I can’t wait to open our doors later this year.”
