Join us at The Pessimist for
Delicious food, fine wines, unique spirits & much more…
The Pessimist: Lincoln’s Premier Wine Bar
Tucked away just off Lincoln’s high street, The Pessimist is a haven for fine wine connoisseurs, foodies, and gin and rum enthusiasts.
Owners Jo and Paul Bycroft made a lasting mark on the Lincoln bar scene when they established Lincoln’s first ever wine bar - The Optimist - back in 2014. Four years and thousands of glasses of wine later, after a move to a larger premises, The Pessimist was opened.
Same excellent hospitality, same commitment to excellent wine and delicious food, but with an expanded menu. We’ve tweaked and added to our offerings over the years, and we’re proud to say we have the largest selection of wine, gin, and rum in the region. Whether you’re an aficionado or a complete novice, we have the knowledge and expertise to find you the perfect tipple every time.
Discover Lincoln’s Finest Wine Selection
From the vinyards of France to the rolling hills of Tuscany, our wine selection takes you on a journey of the world’s most revered wine regions. Every bottle tells a story, and our menu is made up of over 80 of them.
Our bar staff are all WSET qualified, so if you need a recommendation or you’d like to try something new, we’re happy to help you find your new favourite
Choose from One of Over 75 Delicious Gins
Our gin collection is a testament to our love for the spirit. At our Lincoln gin bar, you can explore a wide range of different gins - from well-known brands to rare spirits and local Lincolnshire distilleries. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic gin and tonic or something a bit off the wall, our bartenders will whip up something special for you.
Explore our Extensive Collection of Rum
With over 50 unique rums to choose from, our Lincoln rum collection promises a taste of the traditional and the novel. Savour aged rums with deep, molasses-rich undertones, or soak up the sun in our courtyard with a refreshingly tropical white rum.
See what our guests have to say…
“We visited the bar on Friday night and loved it. An amazing selection of gins, I had turkish delight which was delicious. The staff were so friendly and gave us tips on where to go for breakfast the next day - the tip turned out great, thank you. Next time we are in Lincoln we will definitely be back.”
— Mish Stevenson
“Went for a meal last night and can honestly say the food, drinks, decor and ambience was the best I've experienced in Lincoln. Reminded me very much of South African and the owners Paul and jo were so welcoming and friendly and felt very safe in social distancing. Thanks and will definitely be back for another platter (local sourcing) and some recommended drinks again too.”
— Jessica Lowden
“Lovely hidden gem in the city of Lincoln. This place has such a chilled yet classy atmosphere and unique decor. They have the best selection of gin, wine & rum that I’ve ever seen and very friendly staff! Highly recommend coming here over any of the commercial bars/pub in Lincoln.”
— Megan Harvey
“We went for a romantic meal on the Friday - we have heard good things about the pessimist and they did not disappoint!! The food was incredible and a good selection for vegan and vegetarian diners. The staff were just fab - really friendly and attentive. They also know their wines and spirits!!! As Lincoln locals we cannot believe we have left it so long to try out! We cannot rate this place highly enough, and will be back!!”
— Kayley Chapman
Location
The Pessimist
4 Mint Lane
Lincoln
LN1 1UD
Opening Hours
Thursday – from 4pm
Friday – from 4pm
Saturday – from 12pm
Sunday - from 1pm
Available for Private Hire
Contact
01522 701679
info@thepessimist.co.uk