Simon Shaw confirms El Gato Negro operator is ‘ready to expand’

Simon Shaw, chef patron and creative director of the group behind Spanish tapas restaurant El Gato Negro, has confirmed the business is “ready to expand subject to finding the right site”.

Mills Hill Developments Ltd operates El Gato Negro, which holds a Bib Gourmand; Mediterranean tapas restaurant Canto; and Middle Eastern bar Habas.

Both Canto and Habas are based in Manchester, while El Gato Negro has sites in Manchester, Leeds and Liverpool.

Shaw’s announcement comes after Carlos Gomes’ promotion to executive head chef of Mills Hill Development.

The former head chef of London’s Barrafina joined the business in 2017 to open Canto, Habas and El Gato in Leeds and Liverpool.

Gomes said: “Growing up in Portugal family is important to me. Over the last six years Simon and the team at Mills Hill Developments have become an extension of this, investing not only in my development but that of the wider team, whom it is a pleasure to lead. I look forward to continuing my journey with the business as it looks to future growth.”

Shaw added: “It’s been an absolute privilege to work alongside him these last six years and I look forward to many more. This promotion is thoroughly deserved, I couldn’t ask for a better right-hand man.”

El Gato Negro, Canto, and Habas are a partnership between Simon Shaw and Mills Hill Developments Ltd.