This week saw some welcome good news for the hospitality industry as the Michelin Guide Great Britain and Ireland 2021 was unveiled.
There was much to celebrate at El Gato Negro as the acclaimed Spanish tapas restaurant was awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the fifth year running.
The King St restaurant is the only Manchester city centre establishment to be honoured with a Michelin Bib Gourmand in this year’s list and to receive the accolade for five consecutive years. El Gato Negro, Manchester, is led by Head Chef Milan Sojka for whom this is personally a second accolade, having also steered the King St restaurant to success in 2020.
Introduced in 1955 the Michelin Bib Gourmand list puts a spotlight on restaurants for providing “exceptionally good food at moderate prices.”
Providing further cause for celebration sister restaurant Canto was also listed by the prestigious guide. Launched in September 2018 in the heart of Cutting Room Square, Ancoats, the Mediterranean tapas restaurant has, under the tutelage of Creative Director and Chef Patron Simon Shaw, and Head Chef Carlos Gomes, quietly established itself as one of Ancoats’ best restaurants and bars, loved for its laidback atmosphere and consistently good small plates.
Speaking on the success of El Gato Negro and Canto, Chef Patron and Creative Director Simon Shaw said: “In what has been such a tough year for everyone, to get the news that we have been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand is incredible and has given all involved a real lift. It is one thing to be awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand but to keep it is massive and a real testament to the work of Milan and the team.
“To see Canto listed alongside El Gato Negro is something else. To be recognised by the Michelin Guide in such a short space of time is a great achievement and hopefully something we can build upon from here. He’s not a fan of the spotlight but this is deserved recognition for Carlos, and I couldn’t be more pleased for him. It’s exciting to think what we could continue to achieve.”
El Gato Negro is one of the country’s most celebrated modern Spanish restaurants and Canto a real rising star. We couldn’t be more proud to work with the team and are raising a glass to all involved.
Read more at The Business Desk, I Love Manchester, Manchester Evening News, and Manchester Confidential amongst others.