We’re delighted to confirm our new restaurant Canto is opening its doors this September in Ancoats.

Conversion and fit-out work’s progressing well at the site, on the corner of Henry and Blossom Street, which is set to be Manchester city centre’s only Portuguese restaurant.

Simon Shaw – creative director and chef patron of El Gato Negro – can’t wait to bring this cuisine to the city. He says:

“We really are so excited about Canto – the venue, the location, the food – it’s all so different and will be such a unique offering for Manchester. Ancoats has such a great atmosphere and our location in Cutting Room Square is right in the thick of it.

“It’s going to be a challenge – like all new ventures are – but a fun one.”

Heading up the kitchen and developing the menu is the current head chef at El Gato Negro, Porto-born Carlos Gomes – with previous experience at Michelin-starred Barrafina and Koya. With the emphasis on modern Portuguese dishes, Carlos wants to ensure the new venture is similar to neighbourhood restaurants in Portugal.

“Manchester is very vibrant and a great destination for food, yet Portuguese dining is yet to be explored, so it’s great to be part of the team bringing it to the city. I’m currently putting all of my time into the creation of dishes, to ensure we bring something really special to the table.”

Other members of the management team joining Carlos from our sister restaurant El Gato Negro are Zoe Dawkins as Project Manager and Kelly Warner as Restaurant Manager. We’re recruiting for a series of positions, both front and back of house. For more information please visit our jobs page.