Porta Salford opens for business
Porta, the brainchild of Joe and Ben Wright, officially has opened its third site, this on Salford’s Chapel Street.
The event was attended by more than 50 guests from the industry and local community to officially launch the 65-cover restaurant in Bexley Square.
Guests enjoyed a selection of Porta’s signature dishes, including Fried Padron peppers, Manchego cheese with quince, Jamon Iberico, Croquetas and Picos de Europa blue cheese with caramelised walnuts, sultanas and honey.
The former Midland Bank building, owned by Salford City Council, has been renovated into a welcoming, intimate space, accentuating the original arched windows and parquet flooring.
Similar in size to Porta’s Altrincham site, Porta Salford also includes a bar area where guests can enjoy a drink while awaiting a table, as part of a relaxed ‘no bookings’ policy.
The first Porta opened in Chester in 2012, next door to the duo’s renowned bistro, Joseph Benjamin, and was inspired by the buzz and informality of traditional Spanish tapas bars in Barcelona and Madrid.
A second site followed in Altrincham in 2016, which was met with equal acclaim.
The third site is headed up by general manager, Marta Terrón, who worked as a lawyer in Barcelona before pursuing a career in the hospitality sector for more than 10 years.
She said: “Porta brings something wholly new and fresh to the Manchester food and drink scene and I couldn’t be more excited to be on board and champion Joe and Ben’s vision.”
Much like the Altrincham and Chester sites, the menus include an array of tapas classics, but also variations such as slow-roasted ox cheek with pickled walnuts and purple sprouting broccoli with Romesco sauce.
Drinks include a rotating list of specially-imported Spanish wines, as well as a selection of Cava, sherry and vermouth, Estrela Galicia beer and local ales from Track Brewery.
Co-founder, Ben Wright, said: “After months of hard work and preparation we couldn’t be more excited to launch Porta Salford.
“We had an amazing reception on the opening night and it’s fantastic to see so much enthusiasm and support from the local community.”
He added: “The idea of Porta is to embrace the true concept of tapas – it’s a versatile, social experience that differs from having a more formal, sit-down meal at a restaurant.
“Whether you want to enjoy a few small plates over a beer, or you’re catching up with friends with a bottle of wine, that’s what Porta is all about.”
