Simon Shaw, chef patron and creative director of El Gato Negro & Canto, has revealed plans for his third restaurant, Habas.

Opening this spring, the modern Middle Eastern restaurant and bar, located in the lower ground floor of a beautiful Grade 2 heritage building in Manchester, will provide premium drinks, dining, and live music until late.

The restaurant will be headed up by the multi-award-winning chef patron, supported by senior sous chef, Craig Rutherford.  It will focus on Shaw’s modern interpretation of Middle Eastern dishes, influenced by the region’s rich and varied cultures, with a greater emphasis on group dining alongside intimate dinners.

We’re keeping details of the design under wraps for now although diners can expect a total transformation of the expansive space with elements of the historic building lovingly restored in-keeping with Shaw’s sibling restaurants.

In Shaw’s own words; “It will be the type of venue that I like to go to.”

Upon launch Habas will be the third restaurant from acclaimed chef Simon Shaw, joining multi-award-winning El Gato Negro and sister restaurant Canto.  Both restaurants were recognised in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland, 2021, with El Gato Negro, Manchester, awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the fifth consecutive year, and Canto awarded a prestigious Plate MICHELIN.

Habas will be located at 43a Brown St, in the heart of Manchester.  For further news and developments sign up to the restaurant and bar’s newsletter at habas.co.uk or follow Habas on @habasmcr