Chef Patron and Creative Director of El Gato Negro, Simon Shaw, has returned to the city he credits with kick-starting his career, with the launch of his third restaurant, El Gato Negro Leeds.

We’ve been pleased to document the journey from Simon’s announcement in July to the media launch in October, when we were thrilled to host 26 of the city’s key media at an intimate press lunch.

We’re been blown away by the response enjoyed with widespread praise for restaurant seeing El Gato Negro Leeds shortlisted twice in the acclaimed Oliver Awards just three weeks to follow opening.

A five-star review in the Yorkshire Post, exclusive feature interview, and inclusion in Leeds List’s round up of top 2019 launches are some of the many coverage highlights, with extensive lifestyle coverage confirmed for 2020.

Bookings for the highly anticipated restaurant can be made online at www.elgatonegrotapas.com or by phone on 0113 322 0763.  The 200-cover restaurant can be found at 35 Park Row, Leeds, LS1 5JL.

For further news on The Strong Agency’s work with El Gato Negro and sibling restaurants Canto and Habas visit Strong Work.  To discuss your hospitality and marketing needs get in touch with [email protected]

One of the largest and most prestigious art fairs in the UK, Aviva Investors Manchester Art Fair returned to the city this week, alongside sister event, The Manchester Contemporary.

Attracting over 8,000 buyers from across Europe and the UK, this year saw the event’s strongest line up to date with works by world famous artists including Andy Warhol, Banksy, Damien Hirst, Heather Phillipson, Juno Calypso and the Connor Brothers available to buy alongside pieces from the best regional talent.

We were delighted to work with organisers in further raising the profile of the event with a far reaching communications campaign that shone a light on the artists, art work and event itself.  National highlights included The Guardian and Daily Telegraph’s Stella Magazine, underpinned by blanket widespread regional and specialist coverage, including a standout feature on Granada Reports.

This linked double page feature for Living Edge magazine and written by The Strong Agency founder Jules, was an agency favourite and documents the events’ incredible 12 year journey.

Simon Shaw, Chef Patron and Creative Director of El Gato Negro, opened the doors to his new restaurant in Liverpool this week, and it’s beautiful.

The acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant born in Ripponden and now proudly based on King Street in Manchester has, under the tutelage of Shaw, garnered widespread critical acclaim and a succession of accolades from Hardens, Michelin, The Times, and The Good Food Guide amongst many others.

It is now proud to launch in Liverpool, taking a prime position at historic Walker House, in Exchange Flags.

We were thrilled to work with the team on the opening and to deliver the exclusive week-long celebration including an intimate press dinner, launch party for over 300 of the city’s key stakeholders, and series of private events.

The Liverpool Echo joined us in covering the grand opening with extensive coverage in all of the region’s key news and lifestyle outlets.  This has been underpinned by national coverage in Stylist and The Independent and with many more items secured to follow.

We’re thrilled to continue our work with the award-winning restaurant operator with exciting plans in place for 2020 and beyond.

Reservations for El Gato Negro Liverpool, can be made online at https://www.elgatonegrotapas.com.  For further information on The Strong Agency’s extensive work in the hospitality sector see Strong Work.