A statement on coronavirus and our temporary closure

It is with great sadness we have to announce that as of tomorrow (Friday 20th March) all three El Gato Negro restaurants, along with our sibling restaurant Canto, will temporarily close.

The coronavirus pandemic has created unprecedented change and impact in our industry and wider society, and we would not have reached this decision unless we felt it absolutely necessary. However the welfare of both our valued guests and incredible colleagues is our utmost priority and, whilst the government hasn’t yet enforced restaurant closures, we believe it is our responsibility to do so for now.

We are so proud of the valuable contribution each and every member of our team has made in the story of the business, which has grown successfully since we moved to Manchester in 2016. Until recently 2020 promised to build on that success; just last week El Gato Negro in Leeds was awarded two accolades.

Regretfully, the temporary closure means we must end the employment of many of our brilliant colleagues here at El Gato Negro and Canto. Our staff will, and always have, come first. This is without doubt the hardest part of the impossible situation in which we find ourselves, and we truly hope that we will reunite as a team when we reopen in the future. Until then, we will look out for each and every individual to the very best of our ability; offering guidance and support where we can.

Unfortunately, due to the nature of our restaurants and our offering, business diversification and takeaway or home delivery is not an option for El Gato Negro and Canto, as it is for some of our much-respected friends in the trade.

These are incredibly difficult times, and words we never imagined having to write. We do so, confident that we will see a way through this, as we work to reopen our doors once again.

Thanks to all our guests for their loyalty and support; without you, alongside our team, we could not have achieved what we have so far. We wish you all well and look forward to updating you on our future plans soon.

Take care of one another, and let’s all look forward to brighter days ahead.