FIRST LOOK inside El Gato Negro Tapas before it opens on King Street

El Gato Negro has lifted the curtain and provided a glimpse of the interior of its new home at 52 King Street. 

The former retail space has been transformed to create a restaurant set across three distinct floors in a scheme that pays homage to the building’s past life whilst incorporating modern design elements.  

Mark Mason of Mark Mason Design, the Manchester consultancy leading the design of the project, said, “The original building probably started life as possibly two or three houses that have been altered many times over a few hundred years to retail. This can be seen by looking at the layers and styles of brickwork that we have left exposed purposely to show the building’s heritage. 

“The challenge was to convert a long, high building into a viable restaurant by fitting in steelwork, kitchens, mechanical extract and, of course, bars and seating.  Obviously the focus is on quality Spanish cuisine, speciality beers and cocktails, but we didn’t want to create a specific Spanish theme to the design concept.  We designed a comfortable relaxing urban bar/restaurant that would sit easily in London or New York. We’re proud it’s in Manchester.” 

El Gato Negro founder and chef patron Simon Shaw said, “We’ve been careful to make the most of our new home in Manchester and to maintain the intimacy and character which has always been a key appeal of El Gato Negro.  

“We wanted to make this a venue that is inviting, comfortable and 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. We’re very much looking forward to sharing our vision with diners when we open our doors this month.” 

A casual drinking and dining space unfolds at street level with a relaxed bar area and charcuterie counter serving a thoughtfully selected range of Spain’s best cheese and cured meats. 

The food offering takes centre stage on the restaurant’s first floor with an open finishing kitchen, which will allow diners to experience the theatre and thrill of tapas in a Spanish style. Here, vistas over the King Street conversation area can be enjoyed from sumptuous seating and provides the perfect environment for longer dining experiences.  

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.  Treasures sourced from local antique dealers and reclamation yards, add character and personality to a bar stocked with both premium local produce and a select range of Spanish wines and sherry.  

El Gato Negro brings a reputation for seasonally-inspired dishes reflecting a mix of modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques with influences from closer to home. Last year, the restaurant was awarded a prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for the second year running.   

Dining enthusiasts eager to be amongst the first to experience the new restaurant can make reservations online via the website.