El Gato Negro launch delayed
Tapas restaurant El Gato Negro has pushed back its launch in its new Manchester site to February next year.
The restaurant, which originally opened in Ripponden in West Yorkshire before closing in 2014, is relocating to 52 King Street.
It was originally set to open this autumn but its launch has since been rescheduled.
The new venue sits in the King Street conservation area. Work started in July to convert it from a high street fashion retail space to a restaurant. So far, work has involved stripping back previous fit-outs and revealing the original Victorian walls, floors and windows.
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."
Phil Bennett is set to join as general manager from the Savoy hotel's Simpson's-in-the-Strand, where he headed up operations from November 2013 to April 2015.
Bennett has hired beverage manager Garry Foy, former general manager of Manchester nightspots Elixir and Panacea.
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."
Shaw has enjoyed a 35-year career in restaurants and has previously worked as executive head chef at Harvey Nichols in Leeds and chef-patron of El Gato Negro, which he opened in 2005.
