August 27, 2020 3.01 pm This story is over 43 months old

Dining domes return at new uphill Lincoln bistro bar

Enjoy the rooftop cathedral views
Enjoy a view of the cathedral while eating in one of the dining domes at The Citadel. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A new cafe-style bistro bar will open in uphill Lincoln on Friday with rooftop cathedral views and dining domes for social distancing.

The former Crafty Imp bar on St Paul’s Lane has been rebranded by the owners with a new name, The Citadel, and will open for the first time at 10am on Friday, August 28.

The rooftop cathedral views can be enjoyed in the outdoor dining domes, which are available on two-hour time slots with a refundable deposit of £25 required on booking.

Halloumi fries are in the list of starters. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Citadel’s food offering includes three different type of steak priced between £15 to £22, pizzas starting from £9 and burgers costing £11 and above, with vegetarian and vegan options also available. Starters include baked mushrooms for £6.50 and halloumi fries for £7.25.

Pizzas start from £9. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The bar will sell a range of cocktails, including martinis, mojitos, White Russian and strawberry daiquiri.

There is also a bottomless brunch for £25 per person at set time intervals. It includes any brunch item (from £11) and unlimited Prosecco, Bloody Marys, Aperol Spritz and Mimosas.

Take a look inside The Citadel. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

The Citadel is located in uphill Lincoln. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Lewis DelaHay, company director, told The Lincolnite: “A bar is all about volume and due to coronavirus, no steampunk festival and no Christmas market, we had to rethink our offering.

“We are excited, it’s been a long haul through the whole lockdown period, and we are looking forward to showcasing our new offerings to Lincoln.”

The six staff from the Crafty Imp have been retained and a further six staff have been added to the team.

The Citadel will be open between 10am-2.30pm and 5.30pm-10pm Tuesday to Friday. It is also open over the weekend – 10am-10pm on a Saturday and 10am-5pm on Sundays.

The dining domes are available on two-hour time slots and booking in advance is encouraged. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

A sample of some of the menu items at The Citadel. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

It will be another name change for the pub, after formerly being called Cloud Bar and The Lincoln Tap House & Kitchen before it became Crafty Imp.

The bar had rebranded as Crafty Imp in September 2019 after Lincoln Tap Pubs Ltd entered into liquidation, causing the closure of Lincoln Tap House & Kitchen, as well as The West End Tap.

Bookings are encouraged, but the bar will take walk-ins if they have space to do so. It is all table service and bookings can be made by calling 01522 536333 or via email at [email protected].