THURSDAY, September 20 has been announced as the opening date for Canto, Simon Shaw’s much-anticipated second restaurant and they’ve also given us a sneak preview of their Petiscos (Portuguese tapas) menu – a small taste of what’s to come from a kitchen fronted by head chef Carlos Gomes.
Check out our interview with Porto-born Carlos (above), 31, who moved to Manchester after three years as head chef at London’s acclaimed Barrafina.
The new Modern Portuguese restaurant, an Iberian departure from Shaw’s flagship El Gato Negro, is situated on the corner of Cutting Room Square, next door to Rudy’s Pizza, which pioneered the ascent of Ancoats as a food and drink destination.
The Canto menu – small plates and large, seasonally driven – is described as “featuring a series of traditional favourites served with a modern edge.” We particularly like the look of Clams Bulhão Pato (with white wine, olive oil & coriander oil) and seafood escabeche with Pollen Bakery sourdough. Good to see some Ancoats bonding going on there!
“It’s been on my radar to open a modern Portuguese restaurant for some time”, said Simon Shaw. “The actual turnaround time, from us acquiring the site to fit out and now, the final stages of preparation, has been pretty quick however.
“It’s a brilliant location and perfect for what we want to achieve; an informal and relaxed offer, a real neighbourhood restaurant where you can drop in for a coffee, enjoy a spot of lunch or get together with friends over dinner. There are some top operators already doing great things in Ancoats, we’re looking forward to joining them and bringing something totally different to the city.”
Carlos Gomes will be supported by sous chef Jorge Ibarra and junior sous chef, Victor Prieto, both from Barrafina, while joining from El Gato Negro is junior sous chef Harry Doherty.
Therestaurant will open six days a week serving brunch, lunch and dinner across the one floor. Locals and visitors to the area are invited to walk in, pull up a chair and enjoy a drink, with window bar seating lining the restaurant for those fabxying a spot of people watching. They are also offering a take-out service on select dishes.
Canto, Fairbairn Unit A, Fairbairn Building, Henry Street, Manchester, M4 5DHReservations are open now for September 20 and beyond. To reserve your table, visit [email protected]. Open Tues/Fri 4pm-10pm; Saty/Sun 9am-10pm.
