The Pearl, on Bury New Road, Prestwich, is a restaurant renowned for its fine dining British menu.
But this summer the restaurant has opened a wine window, inspired by those found in Florence, Italy.
Wine windows are a small, street-facing hatch once used in 16th-century Florence to serve wine directly from cellars to passers-by.
The family-owned business had planning for the window rejected two years ago, but this summer have been given the green light.
The windowsill is built into the gable end of the bistro, over a cushioned bench where punters can perch with their glass.
Wine by the glass, beer and seasonal cocktails are served right from the bar onto the street, and guests attract the attention of the bartender by ringing a small bell.
The Bury Times went over to Prestwich to try the window out for ourselves, and although the recent heatwave may have exacerbated that ‘I could be on holiday’ feeling, it truly did feel like a little slice of Italy in Greater Manchester.
Outside of the window was a small but to-the-point menu, with two wine options available; an Albarino and a chilled red were on offer on Saturday, June 27.
There were a few others sat outside of the window and outside of the bar on Bury New Road enjoying their wine in the sunshine.
Joining them, I took my glass to a nearby bench where I had a view of the hustle and bustle of the village on a sunny Saturday afternoon.
If the novelty of the window is not enough to entice you, a refreshing glass of wine should do, and you of course can go into the restaurant and order at the counter too.
Opening hours for the window are Thursdays and Fridays from 5pm to 9pm, Saturdays from 1pm to 9pm, and Sundays from 1pm to 6pm.
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