Vicolo del Vino - bottoms up at Rochdale’s new wine cellar

Owners of Vicolo del Vino, Michael and Sarah Howarth

Great news for wine lovers, Rochdale town centre now has its very own wine cellar – and there are some other surprises in store too.

The new 'Vicolo del Vino' was an abandoned cellar which has been transformed into a candlelit wine cellar, with a private booth, grand piano and a wall of wordly wines.

Owners Sarah and Michael Howarth, who also own Benjamin’s Italian, said that the grand opening party last Saturday (25 June) was a great success.

There is much more than just wine in store, the couple have also stocked up on a special gin collection, and are offering good old British tea and cake for daytime dining.

Vicolo del Vino, located at The Butts, will have another party with live music this Friday (1 July).

Co-owner Michael Howarth said: “The council contacted us after we opened Benjamin’s Italian to see if we would open up something similar in the town centre. We said it was too soon.

"We did some research and kept being told there was a lack of place for older people to go to. Then we noticed the cellar opposite La Mancha - which had been flooded - was up for rent.”

The name, 'Vicolo del Vino', is Italian and translates to 'Wine Alley' – ideal as the wine cellar is in an alley.