Weekender: Renowned Spanish restaurant set to open newest venue

Chef Patron and Creative Director of El Gato Negro, Simon Shaw, has revealed he will open the doors to his new restaurant on Park Row, Leeds, on Friday 1 November.

The news comes as work refurbishing the former Jamie’s Italian site reaches a significant milestone, with floors stripped back, new bespoke features installed and the first of El Gato Negro’s signature furnishings introduced, injecting new life into the heritage building.

With four weeks until the official launch, Shaw is looking forward to returning to Yorkshire, where he first launched El Gato Negro.

He said:  “Every opening or new menu launch is special, but I’m really looking forward to launching in Leeds, the city where I got my first real footing in the industry as Head Chef of Harvey Nichols, Leeds, and just down the road from where El Gato Negro began.

“I know the city well having made many firm friends here and have been blown away by how much it’s developed over recent years. I’ve been looking to bring El Gato Negro to Leeds for almost four years now, but we were just never able to find the right site; that is until now.

“Anyone that’s familiar with 35 Park Row will know what a great building it is, and I can’t wait to open here – it’s got its own unique identity whilst lending itself perfectly to our signature El Gato Negro style.”

The restaurant is renowned for providing seasonally inspired dishes reflecting a mix of modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques, with influences from closer to home. It has received recognition from Hardens, Michelin, The Times and The Good Food Guide, and this year, was awarded a prestigious Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for the third year running.

Upon launch the 200-seater restaurant will be Shaw’s third El Gato Negro restaurant, joining King Street, Manchester, and recently launched Exchange Flags, Liverpool.

El Gato Negro is a partnership between Simon Shaw and Mills Hill Developments.