El Gato Negro Leeds is now open! Experience tapas and drinks at our elegant two storey restaurant and bar on Park Row in the heart of Leeds. Advance bookings and walk-ins are welcome.
https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/LSP_EGN_LDS__E4A3161_1200px-1.jpg8571200BGNhttps://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ElGatoNegro2015_RGB_logo_340px.pngBGN2019-11-01 08:22:062019-11-03 09:55:41El Gato Negro Leeds is now open
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https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/SimonShaw_inside_ElGatoNegro-01.jpg10971536BGNhttps://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ElGatoNegro2015_RGB_logo_340px.pngBGN2019-06-28 12:43:332019-10-02 10:11:20El Gato Negro returns to Yorkshire with plans for new Leeds restaurant
https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/2018-05_Canto_restaurant_Manchester_shoot-0455-Edit-Edit__1536px.jpg10971536BGNhttps://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ElGatoNegro2015_RGB_logo_340px.pngBGN2019-05-23 10:25:552019-07-14 10:29:22El Gato Negro is coming to Exchange Flags in Liverpool later this year
AWARD-WINNING EL GATO NEGRO TAPAS TO OPEN ON 22ND FEBRUARY 2016
Acclaimed tapas restaurant, El Gato Negro, has confirmed that the doors to its Manchester home at 52 King Street will officially open on the 22nd of February 2016.
Set across three distinct floors, El Gato Negro will incorporate areasfor al fresco all-season eating and drinking, as well as an open finishing kitchen where diners will experience the theatre and thrill of tapas in a Spanish style.
A casual drinking and dining space unfolds at street level with a relaxed bar area andcharcuterie counter serving a thoughtfully selected range of Spain’s best cheese and cured meats.
The restaurant’s first floor provides the perfect environment for longer dining experiences. Here, a live charcoal Josper oven will command its own section of the menu, featuring some of Simon Shaw’s favourite dishes, such asonglet steak with patatas a lo pobre and whole rack of baby pork ribs with Pedro Ximénez glaze.
The Black Cat at El Gato Negro, a dedicated cocktail bar at the top of the building will provide a relaxed setting with a retractable roof, which opens to reveal the Manchester sky.Headed up by Garry Foy (formerly Elixir) the bar will serve a distinctive Spanish-inspired menu including some playful takes on classics. The drinks offering will feature both premium local produce and a select range of Spanish wines and sherry.
Chef Patron and founder Simon Shaw said of the restaurant’s offering, “Tapas is more than small plates; it’s a mode of dining that is both refined and relaxed, savouring produce and flavours we know and love, as well as unearthing new favourites. With El Gato Negro Manchester, we explore a menu of new and old Spanish flavours and techniques alongside some of the country’s best wines and a new bar offering in a heritage city venue.Read more
https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/EGN_Insta_1024px_onglet_angled.jpg10241024BGNhttps://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ElGatoNegro2015_RGB_logo_340px.pngBGN2016-01-13 12:00:142016-01-27 17:08:57El Gato Negro to open on February 22nd 2016 in Manchester
Acclaimed tapas restaurant, El Gato Negro, has confirmed it will open the doors to its new Manchester home in February 2016. The restaurant, originally set to open at 52 King Street this autumn, has rescheduled the launch to allow renovation work to be completed to its full potential.
Speaking at the site this week, El Gato Negro founder and Chef Patron Simon Shaw said: “Before hoardings went up we were looking to an autumn opening but it’s been delicate work and we want to respect the integrity of the historic building, which will ultimately make ours a truly unique dining experience.
“It’s important to me that we create the very best experience for El Gato Negro’s new home in the heart of Manchester and if that means taking a few extra weeks to get it right, we’ll honour that.”
Works at the restaurant’s new address – part of the King Street conservation area – commenced in July. Formerly a high street fashion retail space, development to date has seen previous fit-outs stripped back to the original Victorian walls, floors and windows.
El Gato Negro Manchester is preparing for the New Year launch with the appointment of a strong senior management team. Phil Bennett joins as General Manager from the Savoy hotel’s Simpson’s-in-the-Strand, one of London’s most celebrated restaurants, where he headed up operations from November 2013 to April 2015. Phil wasted no time in bolstering his team by hiring Beverage Manager Garry Foy, former General Manager of popular Manchester nightspots Elixir and Panacea.
Fresh from a three month sabbatical in South East Asia, Phil said of his new role: “After time out travelling I felt very open to new opportunities. There was an equal pull between both London and Manchester, where I grew up.
“Manchester’s restaurant culture has changed dramatically in the last 10 years; there is so much happening right now with a real depth of quality in restaurants and bars, so it’s a great time to come back home. I was excited at the chance to work with Simon and was delighted when I got the call. Bringing Garry into the team was a great moment and points to the quality we plan to deliver when introducing El Gato Negro to the city centre.”
Founder Simon Shaw added: “It’s a rare opportunity to assemble a team that will work together from the very beginning and to make confident staffing decisions with the luxury of time. I’m thrilled to have both Phil and Garry on board and can’t wait for the restaurant to open.”
The restaurant will now look to recruit a core team of experienced waitstaff and hospitality professionals with applications sought online.
El Gato Negro is renowned for seasonally-inspired dishes reflecting a mix of modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques with influences from closer to home. A select range of Spanish wines completes the offer.
El Gato Negro Manchester is a partnership between Simon Shaw and Mills Hill Developments Ltd.
Ends
For further information on the launch please contact Miranda or Julie at Rule 5 on: firstname@rule-5.co.uk or 0161 686 5727 / 686 5726.
Since opening in Ripponden in 2005, Chef Simon Shaw’s El Gato Negro garnered both critical acclaim and a succession of accolades, including recognition from Hardens, Michelin, The Times and The Good Food Guide. In 2015 the restaurant was awarded a prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for the second year running.
Chef Patron and Creative Director Simon brings El Gato Negro to Manchester in February 2016, when the restaurant opens at 52 King Street. Operating over three floors of a period building in this prestigious thoroughfare, El Gato Negro will incorporate areas for al fresco all-season eating and drinking, as well as an open finishing kitchen where diners will experience the theatre and thrill of tapas in a Spanish style.
Simon Shaw – Chef Patron / Creative Director
Simon is a highly experienced and respected restaurateur with over 35 years of experience, most notably as Executive Head Chef at Harvey Nichols and as Chef Patron of El Gato Negro.
Originally from Yorkshire, Simon rapidly worked his way through the ranks at some of the county’s finest establishments before becoming the first Head Chef at Harvey Nichols’ restaurant in Leeds. After a stellar stint there he was seconded to their London operations; first heading up the kitchens at Prism, the company’s prestigious City of London restaurant, before moving to the flagship Knightsbridge store as Executive Head Chef. During this time Simon visited Catalonia and the Basque Country, falling in love with the diversity and excitement of modern Spanish cuisine.
In 2005 Simon returned north to open El Gato Negro in the Pennine village of Ripponden. Its reputation grew, gaining awards and accolades galore: winning best local Spanish restaurant on Gordon Ramsay’s F Word; listed annually in the Good Food Guide; Hardens called it ‘best tapas in the north’; the Observer’s Jay Rayner feted it; The Times ranked it number one tapas bar in the country; and finally being awarded the prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand in both 2014 and 2015.
Simon is also known for promoting his style of modern Spanish cooking to a wider audience; as consultant chef to blue chip companies, cooking for celebrities at private functions, making media appearances and leading sell-out cookery masterclasses. He is truly driven by a passion for his craft.
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Work has commenced at 52 King Street, the new site of acclaimed tapas restaurant, El Gato Negro Manchester.
Since securing the iconic address in February, El Gato Negro founder and Chef Patron Simon Shaw has been busy working with a team to develop designs for the 150 cover restaurant, with works now underway.
Part of the King Street conservation area, El Gato Negro Manchester will pay homage to the building’s past lives, preserving many existing architectural features while embracing sustainable design techniques. The plans celebrate aspects and features of the former retail space, set to be transformed as Simon brings his award-winning Spanish cuisine to the city centre.
Leading the design elements of the project is Mark Mason Design, a Manchester consultancy best known for its work in Manchester with Revolution and Revolución de Cuba Bars, The Deaf Institute and Trof on Thomas Street.
Commenting on the scheme, designer Mark Mason said: “We’ve worked closely with Manchester City Council to develop plans and concepts to reflect the heritage of the building, as well asSimon’s contemporary take on traditional tapas.
“El Gato Negro Manchester will be a very different space for the city. A lot of the materials used will be reclaimed to refresh and repurpose features that have existed in the space throughout the years. Our vision has always been to preserve the organic, easy style of eating, drinking and sharing which makes tapas well loved, while reflecting the attention to detail of Simon’s cooking across every aspect of the restaurant’s design.”
Furniture and fittings for El Gato Negro Manchester are being sourced from local antique dealers and reclamation yards, with most of the development’s contractors and suppliers based in Manchester and the North West. Furnishings will also be sourced direct from Spain, while the interior decor and colours also take inspiration from various Iberian regions.
Fresh from a discovery trip to San Sebastián, the city that kindled his love of Spanish cuisine over ten years ago, El Gato Negro founder and Chef Patron Simon Shaw said: “It’s great to have the support of Manchester City Council to realise our vision.We’ve been careful to make the most of our new home in Manchester, pleased with its larger capacity, whilst carefully maintaining the intimacy and character which has always been a key appeal.
“We’ve taken care to make this a venue that will appeal to those looking to drop by for half an hour over a selection of tapas and a glass of wine or sherry, as much as it will for those taking time to enjoy a bigger occasion.”
The search is underway to recruit the restaurant’s core management team well ahead of the development’s completion, with applications now sought online.
El Gato Negro is renowned for seasonally-inspired dishes reflecting a mix of modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques with influences from closer to home. A select range of Spanish wines completes the offer.
El Gato Negro Manchester is a partnership between Simon Shaw and Mills Hill Developments Ltd. The restaurant is due for completion in autumn 2015 with details of its opening to be announced.
Ends
For further information on the launch please contact Miranda or Julie at Rule 5 on: firstname@rule-5.co.uk or 0161 686 5727 / 686 5726.
Simon is a highly experienced restaurateur with over 35 years of experience, most notably as Executive Head Chef at Harvey Nichols, before opening his own highly successful restaurant El Gato Negro Tapas in 2005, after ten successful years in London.
Originally from Yorkshire, Simon trained in patisserie and rapidly worked his way through the ranks at some the county’s finest restaurants – from 6 Royal Parade in Harrogate, Pool Court in Wharfedale, Leodis in Leeds, to the Golden Cock in Farnley Tyas – before being headhunted to lead the restaurant in Harvey Nichols’ new store in Leeds as Head Chef.
After a stellar stint in Leeds he was then seconded to their restaurants in London; first heading up the kitchens at Prism, the company’s prestigious City of London restaurant, before moving to the flagship Knightsbridge store as Executive Head Chef. While working in London, Simon visited the Basque country and Catalonia, and immediately fell in love with the diversity and excitement of modern Spanish cuisine.
Determined to bring this then under-appreciated cuisine to a wider audience, in 2005 Simon returned north to open El Gato Negro in the Pennine village of Ripponden. His restaurant’s reputation grew by the year, picking up awards and accolades galore: winning best local Spanish restaurant in the country on Gordon Ramsay’s F Word; annual listings in the Good Food Guide; being called the ‘best tapas in the north’ by Hardens; feted by critics such as the Observer’s Jay Rayner; ranked the number one tapas bar in the country by The Times; and finally awarded the prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand in both 2014 and 2015.
During his time in Ripponden Simon also promoted his style of modern Spanish cooking to a wider audience; as consultant chef to blue chip companies, cooking for celebrities at private functions, making media appearances and leading sell-out cookery masterclasses. He is truly driven by a passion for his craft.
https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/El-Gato-Negro-52-King-Street-sketch-clean-updated-comp-e1437176734558.jpg800615BGNhttps://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ElGatoNegro2015_RGB_logo_340px.pngBGN2015-07-15 12:00:022015-10-22 08:23:39Work Gets Underway At El Gato Negro Manchester
Following news of plans for a summer launch, El Gato Negro Manchester has announced it will open doors at an address on historic King Street.
The former retail space [located at 52 King Street] will see El Gato Negro Manchester take residence across three floors with a stunning conversion sympathetic to the building’s heritage and location. The restaurant’s much anticipated offer will incorporate areas for al fresco all-season eating and drinking, as well as an open finishing kitchen where diners will experience the theatre and pace of authentic tapas.
The King Street site was secured after talks with a number of potential venues in the city centre and planning is now underway to transform the space.
The brainchild of Simon Shaw, El Gato Negro has won countless awards during its nine years in business including recognition from Hardens, Michelin, and The Good Food Guide. Last year the restaurant was awarded a prestigious Michelin Guide 2015 Bib Gourmand for the second year running.
Speaking on the announcement, El Gato Negro Founder and Chef Patron Simon Shaw said: “Bringing El Gato Negro to Manchester is a timely opportunity to showcase a broader selection of the dishes and wines I’m so passionate about. There’s a massive resurgence in the new British wave of Spanish restaurants and we want to go further with the dining experience we pioneered almost 10 years ago.
“The redevelopment of King Street, one of Manchester’s most iconic addresses, presents us with the unique opportunity not only to bring El Gato Negro to Manchester but to play a significant role in shaping the heart of the city.
“52 King Street is the perfect destination for us.It’s a fantastic building – inviting and airy with great ceiling heights that are so very typical of a traditional tapas bar – it feels like it was made for El Gato Negro.”
El Gato Negro combines the best ingredients, Spanish and locally sourced, with modern techniques rooted in tradition to create bold and distinctive dishes. An extensive range of Spanish wines completes the offer.
El Gato Negro Manchester is a partnership between Simon Shaw and Mills Hill Developments Ltd and will open in late Summer 2015.
Ends
For further information on the launch please contact Miranda or Julie at Rule 5 on: firstname@rule-5.co.uk or 0161 686 5727 / 686 5726.
Simon is a highly experienced restaurateur with over 35 years of experience, most notably as Executive Head Chef at Harvey Nichols, before opening his own highly successful restaurant El Gato Negro Tapas in 2005, after ten successful years in London.
Originally from Yorkshire, Simon trained in patisserie and rapidly worked his way through the ranks at some the county’s finest restaurants – from 6 Royal Parade in Harrogate, Pool Court in Wharfedale, Leodis in Leeds, to the Golden Cock in Farnley Tyas – before being headhunted to lead the restaurant in Harvey Nichols’ new store in Leeds as Head Chef.
After a stellar stint in Leeds he was then seconded to their restaurants in London; first heading up the kitchens at Prism, the company’s prestigious City of London restaurant, before moving to the flagship Knightsbridge store as Executive Head Chef. While working in London, Simon visited the Basque country and Catalonia, and immediately fell in love with the diversity and excitement of modern Spanish cuisine.
Determined to bring this then under-appreciated cuisine to a wider audience, in 2005 Simon returned north to open El Gato Negro in the Pennine village of Ripponden. His restaurant’s reputation grew by the year, picking up awards and accolades galore: winning best local Spanish restaurant in the country on Gordon Ramsay’s F Word; annual listings in the Good Food Guide; being called the ‘best tapas in the north’ by Hardens; feted by critics such as the Observer’s Jay Rayner; ranked the number one tapas bar in the country by The Times; and finally awarded the prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand in both 2014 and 2015.
During his time in Ripponden Simon also promoted his style of modern Spanish cooking to a wider audience; as consultant chef to blue chip companies, cooking for celebrities at private functions, making media appearances and leading sell-out cookery masterclasses. He is truly driven by a passion for his craft.
https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/EGN-goes-to-Mcr.jpg608851BGNhttps://www.elgatonegrotapas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ElGatoNegro2015_RGB_logo_340px.pngBGN2015-03-02 12:00:192015-10-22 08:25:19EL GATO NEGRO MANCHESTER SECURES KING STREET SITE
– Prestigious new accolade for El Gato Negro in Michelin Guide 2014 –
Ripponden’s El Gato Negro tapas restaurant is celebrating after having been awarded a Bib Gourmand in recognition of the excellent quality and value of its food.
Recognising those establishments offering good food at affordable prices, El Gato Negro is one of just 27 new restaurants to gain a Bib Gourmand in the recently released Michelin Guide 2014 – one of the world’s most respected authorities on dining recommendations.
The Guide now has 143 ‘Bibs’ across the whole of the UK and Ireland; only ten of which are in the North of England with just three, including El Gato Negro, located in Yorkshire.
A favourite with locals and visitors alike and much-acclaimed and recognised since its launch, El Gato Negro was awarded the title of Best Local Spanish Restaurant in Gordon Ramsay’s search for the best in local restaurants on the F Word, and is also a regular feature in the Good Food Guide. However, this latest award really is the most exciting accolade to date – a true indicator of the restaurant’s commitment to providing fantastic dishes at affordable prices.
Chef-proprietor Simon Shaw comments: “We’re incredibly proud and honoured to be recognised by the Michelin Guide in this way. Seasonally-inspired modern Spanish cuisine is our passion; from favourites including the morcilla scotch egg and Syrian lentils to specials ranging from the onglet steak to duck egg yolk with Alejandro chorizo – it’s all about using the best ingredients, be they local or Spanish.
“Overall, this recognition is a true testament to the restaurant team’s hard work and professionalism and I can’t thank them enough for all their support over the years.”
Following this latest recognition, further exciting times lie ahead for Simon and the team. El Gato Negro is taking to the road during 2014 in a beautifully converted vintage Citroën HY van catering to private events. Meanwhile, Simon will be heading to Barcelona in early October for one of his regular inspiration trips – so look out for an exciting refresh to the restaurant menu coming soon!
To find out more about El Gato Negro go to www.elgatonegrotapas.com or to book a table call the restaurant on 01422 823070.
Headed up by chef-proprietor Simon Shaw, El Gato Negro is an award-winning tapas restaurant in the beautiful village of Ripponden in West Yorkshire, serving a stunning selection of seasonally-inspired dishes influenced by the very best of modern Spanish cuisine and traditional techniques.
El Gato Negro opened in 2005 with the aim of bringing some of the magic of modern Spanish cooking to Yorkshire – and that remains the restaurant’s passion today. Simon’s dishes are about combining the best ingredients – be they Spanish or locally sourced – with modern techniques which are rooted in tradition.
About Simon Shaw
Simon’s early career in food was centred around some of Yorkshire’s finest eateries, with a specialism in patisserie which is borne out today in El Gato Negro’s delicious dessert menu! Having worked his way to a head chef position, Simon’s skill and passion brought success to a broad range of regional restaurants, from 6 Royal Parade in Harrogate and Leodis in Leeds, to the Golden Cock in Farnley Tyas and culminating in a move to the restaurant in Harvey Nichols’ new store in Leeds as executive chef.
A move to the big smoke followed, with Simon continuing to work with Harvey Nichols, first heading up the kitchens at the store’s City of London restaurant, Prism, before moving to the prestigious Knightsbridge store as head chef. While thriving in London, Simon’s interest in and passion for Spanish food and cooking also flourished, and during his many trips to the country he was further inspired by the innovation and freedom afforded by the cuisine.
A Yorkshire lad at heart, it wasn’t long before Simon’s roots called him back home – leading to the launch of El Gato Negro, where his ideas could be brought to life in the restaurant’s kitchen. He set about devising and implementing a menu which encompasses both Simon’s passion for modern Spanish cuisine and traditional techniques, and a love of fantastic local produce.
El Gato Negro is a Simon Shaw restaurant. The award-winning tapas menu combines modern and traditional flavours and techniques, offering seasonally-influenced small plates using quality Spanish and locally-sourced ingredients.
