Lina Stores

HOSPITALITY PARTIES IN JANUARY Calling all our hospitality friends! While you’ve been busy making everyone else's Christmas really special, January is your time to celebrate. Whether it’s an Italian feast at Lina Stores or a party with live DJ at Bar Lina until late, we’ve got the perfect spot for your well-deserved Christmas party. We have a variety of event spaces available for group bookings and can bring your event to life no matter the size or the budget. Here’s what you can expect: - Exclusive discounted party packages to meet all budgets with delicious sharing menus. - Complimentary welcome drinks. - Multiple bookable event spaces for groups of up to 60 people. - Complimentary resident DJs on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays until late. - Bespoke wine tastings, perfect for team-building or adding a unique touch to your event. - Meeting spaces with AV equipment and screens for all your 2025 planning sessions. Get in touch today via events@linastores.co.uk for more information and to secure your January party. We’ll take care of all the details while you and your team enjoy a well-deserved celebration!

In need of some last-minute treats for your team and clients? From festive cakes like Panettone and Pandoro to Italian confectionery classics like Amaretti and Torrone and a large collection of beautifully packed Lina Stores gift hampers, it’s easier than ever to find the perfect gift! Available for delivery nationwide.

A couple of weeks ago our team came together for a workshop focused on improving our Steps of Service across the group.    It was an incredible opportunity to brainstorm, collaborate, and refine how we deliver the best dining experiences to our guests.   Whilst we refine our service, it is key that we ensure every team member’s unique personality shines through to create memorable, authentic moments which keep our guests coming back.  

For the last post in our series highlighting our fantastic team and their stories, we’re shining a light on Nicola, our Head of Wine, and his inspiring journey. What inspired you to move to London, and how has this city influenced your career and personal growth?  "After living in Australia, London seemed like the natural next step. Living in one of the world's most creative and fascinating cities has had a huge impact on my hospitality career. For a wine enthusiast, London’s strong wine culture is a dream, offering access to a vast variety of wines from around the world and countless opportunities to taste and explore." How does working at Lina Stores align with the dreams and goals you had when you decided to move to London?   "I'd say Hugely! Working at Lina Stores over the past two years feels like a natural progression from my previous roles in London. I thrive on taking on new challenges while doing what I love—a true luxury. Lina Stores’ commitment to excellence, hospitality, and now its growing wine program makes it such a unique place in London." Can you share a memorable experience or learning moment at Lina Stores that has shaped your career or outlook on life?   "I’ve learned the importance of working with different stakeholders and communicating vision and strategy effectively. The art of compromise, adapting to different situations, and tailoring messages to the audience is just as critical as the ideas themselves." What advice would you give to others considering moving to a new city for better opportunities? "Be prepared to make sacrifices at the start and have a clear vision of your goals. It will help you stay focused and avoid distractions that might delay your progress." Nicola’s enthusiasm for wine is genuinely inspiring! Recently, he hosted an intimate wine tasting at our King’s Cross restaurant, sharing his deep knowledge and passion with our guests. Cheers to Nicola and his journey with Lina Stores!

A fantastic couple of festive days in Manchester! 🎄🎁✨ With Lina Stores opening in Manchester in spring 2025, we wanted to get to know our new city and the people in it, so we welcomed new friends to the ultimate Lina Stores Christmas Showcase for snacks and drinks, while playing Santa and gifting some of our favourite festive products. Of course, we had some time to explore the city and visited our friends at Blacklock for excellent food, Schofield's for many a cocktail, and there was even time for a quick mulled wine on the Christmas market. Thank you Lucy Noone Blake & India Morris for your local support as this event wouldn't have been possible without your help! 💚

We’re on the lookout for an exceptionally talented, passionate and experienced Operations Manager to join us at Lina Stores. Key Responsibilities: - Full financial and operational accountability for a cluster of restaurants. - Inspiring and supporting our GMs to achieve their best. - Leading by example to provide excellent customer service and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. What We’re Looking For: - A proven leader with experience managing restaurant operations. - Strong organisational and communication skills. - A customer-first mindset and a genuine love for hospitality. - Passion for food and drink – if you love Italian cuisine, even better! If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves, lead by example, and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now by sending your CV to careers@linastores.co.uk or apply here https://lnkd.in/eBfwx4fy

The third in our series highlighting our team's unique journeys is Agim Tanaj, Delicatessen Manager at our Marylebone Deli. Anyone who visits our Marylebone Deli is welcomed with Agim’s wide smile. His laughter is infectious and he is hospitality personified. This makes sense, as he has worked in hospitality all his life, from Runner to Commis Waiter, Bartender to Bar Manager. Originally from Kosovo, Agim moved to London in the 1980s when he was 17 years old. Why did you move to London? I have worked everywhere in hospitality, restaurants, fine dining, bars, clubs, you name it, I’ve worked there. I came to London for a better life. If you live in London, you become part of the hospitality scene by going out; it’s ingrained in the city. Why Hospitality? When I first came here I couldn’t speak English; hospitality was an approachable option. I loved what I was doing. I even met my wife at work. I was a bartender and she was cocktail waitress, just like Lina and Emilio our eyes met across the bar and that was it ! Now we have three kids; I want them to work in hospitality; it will allow them to understand me better also, as I learnt so much. What did you find difficult when you first moved to London? The mentality of the people are so different, thankfully I was young when I moved over so I adapted quickly. Why do you like working at Lina Stores? I am fascinated with Italian food. At Lina Stores, we make everything from scratch, and that makes me proud to genuinely recommend it to our customers. I also love welcoming regulars every day and checking in with how life is going! What advice would you give to someone moving to London? Do it and make sure you work in hospitality! Respect your work and the people you work with. You might think you will only work in the industry for a few months or years, but you never know, I have been in the industry for over 25 years and wouldn't change a thing!

🚀We’re Hiring: General Manager for an Exciting New Manchester Opening! 🚀   We’re on the lookout for an experienced General Manager to lead a new, multi-revenue venue right in the heart of the city! 🎉   This is an incredible opportunity to bring Lina Stores to one of the UK’s most vibrant cities. If you have the vision, local know-how, and leadership skills to make this venue a standout success, let’s connect!   📩 Send your CV and a quick note about why you’re excited about this opportunity to careers@linastores.co.uk   #ManchesterJobs #GeneralManager #Hospitality #Hiring #NewOpening

The second in our series highlighting our team's unique journeys is Mahtab, our Assistant Manager at Lina Stores Kings Cross Why did you move to London?   My family and I lived in southern Iran, and my father, who had a progressive mindset, constantly urged me to move to Tehran, believing that gaining experience in the capital would be essential for my growth. So, at 18, I moved there to study biology. While studying, I developed a passion for journalism and started writing for a newspaper. Later, I decided to pursue medicine, so I moved to Georgia and studied there for six years. During that time, COVID hit, and I was working as an on-call doctor, which was a truly harrowing experience with so much loss of life. After graduating as a doctor, I returned to Iran but had my sights set on working in Italy. I spent much time learning Italian, even reaching a B2 level, but unfortunately, my visa application was rejected. Though I love Iran—its people and beauty—its government makes life challenging. I then applied to Cambridge University and was accepted into a 15-month master’s program in Biomedical Science. However, finding accommodation in Cambridge was impossible, so I eventually moved to London. Why Hospitality?   When I moved to London, I was looking for a part-time job and initially worked for an events agency, but it wasn’t for me—I found it difficult to build relationships when I didn’t see the same people often. Then, I applied to Lina Stores and felt so shy during my trial shift! However, the team was incredibly kind—everyone made me feel so welcomed. After that shift, I knew I wanted to stay. I absoutely loved the mint-green decor! My family in Iran thinks working in a restaurant is a step down, but honestly, the people here have become like family. My GM, in particular, feels like an older brother. I love working with the team and meeting both new and regular guests. It reminds me of my time as a doctor, where I cared for people. At Lina Stores, I feel that people genuinely care about me too. When someone walks through the door, you may not know their story, but you have the opportunity to take care of them, which helps you connect with them. Maybe Italy wasn’t my destination, but working in an Italian restaurant in London feels like it was meant to be.

Our new restaurant in Shoreditch is officially open! 💚⁠ ⁠ Located in a Grade-II-listed former bank building, Lina Stores Shoreditch is serving fresh pasta, antipasti, secondi and dolci seven days a week. Downstairs, you'll find our Italian aperitivo bar, Bar Lina. A dimly lit hideout serving classic Italian cocktails and low-intervention wines, it's the perfect spot to start or end your evening.⁠   All this would not be possible without our brilliant team; thanks for their hard work over the last few weeks; we are very excited to bring Lina Stores to Shoreditch!