This month, El Gato Negro Tapas is celebrating a milestone, as it marks the restaurants two year anniversary in Manchester.

The award-winning modern Spanish restaurant is located on King Street in the city centre and has thrived for two years under Chef Patron and Creative Director Simon Shaw.

El Gato Negro’s second birthday (22nd February 2018), or cotton anniversary as is fitting for the restaurant located on the site of a former cotton warehouse, is a day Simon and the restaurant team are, as Simon puts it; “really chuffed to celebrate.”

When looking back on the restaurants journey, Simon Said:

 

 

“I remember the opening like it was yesterday – blood, sweat, tears and a whole load of graft went into the launch and the team did an outstanding job.  Two years on we continue to work as hard but now I get a little more sleep, which is nice.

“People regularly ask me what the key is to success.  There really is no secret ingredient, we opened our doors with what I believed to be a strong offer and worked hard to deliver it to the best of our ability.  Consistency is the key and never ever resting on your laurels.  Appetites change and in Manchester there’s no shortage of competition, we’re constantly looking to evolve and better ourselves whilst staying true to who we are.  We’ve built a trusted customer base and for their ongoing support I’m truly grateful.”

 

 

 

The restaurant has been successful in receiving a number of awards:

In 2017 it was the only Manchester restaurant to receive a prestigious Michelin Bib Gourmand, it was also listed in the National Restaurant Awards Top 100 in the UK and was awarded Newcomer of the Year at the Manchester Food & Drink Awards.

Last year the restaurant received a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the second year running and was crowned Premium and Fine Dining Venue of the Year at the 2017 Manchester Food and Drink Festival Awards, a title that took all of the team by surprise. “That one was a big shock,” said Simon, “a nice one.”

El Gato Negro prides itself on being a formal, refined dining experience but with a twist. Simon explains that getting dressed up and spending a small fortune is far from what his restaurant is about.

“I love that with this award we’ve challenged people’s perceptions of premium fine dining and had the opportunity to celebrate it for what it really is – great food and exceptional service in an inviting and relaxed environment, an accessible and sociable drinking and dining experience that is consistently good.”

As Simon and the restaurant team, to whom he pays huge credit for El Gato Negro’s success, reflect on the last two years, Simon answers 10 quick fire questions on his time in Manchester:

–          Your number one favourite moment in El Gato Negro is?

It has to be giving my table up for Nigel Slater last year – talk about being in the right place at the right time. It was a pleasure to have someone of his influence dine with us and he told us he had a great time.

 

–          The biggest challenge you’ve faced over the last two years is?

Operating a restaurant business over three floors! Now that is a major challenge, the logistics of getting the food out, hot, to the right tables across that space is difficult – but we’ve nailed it for sure.

 

–          Your all-time favourite El Gato Negro dish is?

Hmm, I would say the morcilla scotch eggs – it’s got to be them. We had them on the menu in Ripponden and they have been on our Manchester menu since day one, they’re a much-loved, tasty dish.

 

–          You’ll be marking two years in Manchester with a glass of what?

There’s a wine on our list called Rioja Alta Gran Reserva, it’s a full-bodied red and it really is delicious. I’ll definitely be cracking open a bottle of that to celebrate.

 

–          A celebratory crawl of the city sees you visit four venues, which are they?

I’d definitely visit The French, Manchester House, then Bundobust – this is a recent discovery of mine, but it’s a really good place. Lastly, I’d go for a drink at Flok in the Northern Quarter, they have a great list of sherries.

 

 

–          You can dine with five people (dead or alive) who are they?

Number one, Paul Lazenby – he’s the father of a good friend of mine and is like a second dad to me, he is a real character and would certainly bring the comedy. Then, Winston Churchill, because he likes my favourite champagne Pol Roger, so he can bring a bottle of that.

I’d like to invite Marco Pierre White, because I think he’d be an interesting guest, then Sade because she’s one of my favourite artists and she would certainly bring some glamour. Lastly, I’d invite my dad who passed away when I was young, so I’d like to have him along to show him what I’ve achieved.

 

–          Your top five Mancs are?

Ian Curtis, Ian Brown, Noel Gallagher, Bez is also a good laugh, then lastly, I’d say adopted Mancunian – George Best!

 

–          You and the El Gato Negro team will be celebrating two years in Manchester by?

Raising a glass, definitely! Celebrating our hard work and achievements.

 

–          Describe Manchester in five words:

Vibrant, energetic, cool, rainy and exciting – the future is looking really good for Manchester.

 

–          What’s next for you & El Gato Negro?

There’s a lot of exciting stuff happening for us right now, we’ve got some fantastic plans in place for the next couple of years; watch this space.

 

El Gato Negro is open seven days a week, 5pm – 10pm Monday, 12pm – 10pm Tuesday to Saturday and 12pm – 9.30pm Sunday, serving award-winning, modern, Spanish cuisine. 

For reservations please call 0161 694 8585 or visit www.elgatonegrotapas.com.