Reservations are now open as the Yorkshire chef gets back to his roots

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

Refurbishment of the former Jamie’s Italian site has reached a significant milestone, with stripped back floors, the installation of new bespoke features and the first of El Gato Negro’s signature furnishings injecting new life into the beautiful heritage building.

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

With just five weeks until the official launch, Shaw is looking forward to returning to Yorkshire, where he first launched El Gato Negro. “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” he said.

“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.”

2019 09 30 El Gato Leeds Simon Shaw
Simon Shaw at the bar of the new El Gato Negro Leeds

El Gato Negro is renowned for providing seasonally inspired dishes reflecting a mix of modern and traditional Spanish flavours and techniques, with influences from closer to home.  The restaurant 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 restaurant will be Shaw’s third El Gato Negro restaurant, joining King Street, Manchester, and recently launched Exchange Flags, Liverpool. Read more here.

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

Reservations for the beautiful 200-seater restaurant open today for both general and Christmas party bookings. Click here