Il Merlo is a Sicilian wine bar, but it’s also a space for culture, connection and conversation. A place where culture doesn’t need a big stage to matter.
 

It’s your bar, too. We’d love to welcome book and magazine launches, film screenings, exhibition openings, photography shows, music releases, listening parties, author talks, discussion evenings and other cultural events.
 

It doesn’t have to be big. In fact, we love the intimacy of a small gathering: a room full of people, a few words from someone about what they’ve created. Our walls can become a temporary gallery, and Il Merlo can be the place where a work meets its audience. We want things to happen here, so we don’t charge a venue fee for events that are open to the public. We provide the space; you bring what you want to share with the world.
 

Il Merlo is small and has a character of its own, so we choose the events we host with care. What’s shown, played, launched or discussed should feel at home here and contribute to the culture we want to build around this place. It might be literature, film, art, photography, music — or something that doesn’t fit neatly into any category.
 

Established names aren’t more important than new voices, and big projects aren’t more important than small ones. What matters is the thought behind them, a sense of curiosity and something worth bringing people together for.

We care deeply about culture. It helps us understand one another, strengthens democracy and builds community. Have you made something that needs a room? Get in touch and tell us what you have in mind. Perhaps we can make an evening of it.