July 11, 2019 2.15 pm This story is over 56 months old

See inside Lincoln’s new tapas and cocktail bar

A mixture of Spanish, Greek and Italian tapas

Lincoln’s new tapas and cocktail bar officially opened in the city centre on Thursday after completing its transformation from an independent Italian restaurant.

Pomodoro E Basilico, located on Guildhall Street next to the William Foster pub, closed in May for a full refurbishment.

Cicchetti will serve a mixture of Spanish, Greek and Italian tapas, as well as other tapas from around the world. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A sample of the wide range of tapas on offer at Cicchetti. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Pomodoro owner Saied Bakhshalian felt it was time for a change as there are ‘too many Italian restaurant chains’ in the city, so he will open Cicchetti in its place at 5pm on Thursday, July 11.

The opening comes after over £100,000 of investment and The Lincolnite went for a sneak preview.

Just some of the wide selection of tapas on offer at Cicchetti. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Cicchetti will be open 12pm-10pm Monday to Sunday and will serve a mixture of Spanish, Greek and Italian tapas, as well as other tapas from around the world.

The new bar will create around 10 new jobs and there will also be a cocktail lounge.

A Tom Collins including Beefeater Gin and Mai Tai with rum and amaretto are among the cocktails available at the bar. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Saied told The Lincolnite: “We have to move on with the business and being a tapas restaurant and cocktail bar is something this area requires as there are too many Italian restaurants.

“Small tapas dishes are much easier to eat and you can try food from around the world. It’s quite an exciting time for us and we can’t wait to get started.”

Bocconcini Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Blanchbait fish. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

When the news of Pomodoro closing went public some people were sad to see the old restaurant go, but Saied said the new bar will still do some of the Pomodoro dishes as tapas.

Saied first took over the premises in 2003 when it was called Chillies Restaurant. In 2009 he changed it to Pomodoro and he is now ready for the next chapter.

The new bar will be under the new management of Seyed Jalal.

The staff team – Valerija Kuzneciva, Roxanne Whittaker, head chef Paul Abrams, Saeid Mokhtari, Karim Elbahi, Wiesia Myodik. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite


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