Café Rouge owner launches new Spanish tapas concept, Ortega

Café Rouge's owner Tragus has launched its first Spanish tapas restaurant in a bid to go head-to-head with La Tasca.

The first Ortega restaurant in Harlow, Essex, has been trading since 4 July, although received its official launch at a presentation in London today.

Aimed at the 25-44-year-old market, the brand others a variety of typically Spanish beers, sangrias, cava and Spanish wines.

More Ortegas are planned over the coming year, most likely on leisure parks and towns.

Tragus chief executive Graham Turner said: "We see considerable potential for the Spanish tapas bar and cantina brand throughout the UK."

Tragus aims to open four units and asses their performance before deciding on whether to go for a national roll-out.

If successful, Ortega will become the company's third main brand alongside Café Rouge and Bella Italia.

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By Chris Druce

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