El Gato Negro acquires former Jamie’s site for third opening
Restaurateur Simon Shaw and Mills Hill Developments have acquired 35 Park Row, Leeds, the former site of Jamie’s Italian restaurant to open a third El Gato Negro for a winter 2019 launch.
The premises based in Leeds city centre were acquired from Jamie’s Italian’s administrators KPMG and the company was advised by law firm Irwin Mitchell. The Irwin Mitchell team was led by Leeds joint head of real estate partner James Knowles, supported by solicitor Vicki Rounding.
Some 25 of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurants were affected when he announced his business would be going into administration in May. This included the Jamie’s Italian, Barbecoa and Fifteen brands.
Knowles said: “Whilst the casual dining market is obviously struggling in many areas of the country and Leeds has not been immune, it is great to see new doors open as others close. We are delighted that we have helped advise on such a positive story. 35 Park Row is a beautiful building steeped in history, which will help create the ambiance for the new El Gato Negro. I am sure the new restaurant will have every success.”
Tapas restaurant chain El Gato Negro has previously received recognition from Hardens, Michelin, The Times and The Good Food Guide. This year it was awarded a Michelin Guide Bib Gourmand for the third year running.
Following the opening in Leeds, there are also plans to open a fourth El Gato Negro restaurant in Liverpool in August 2019.
Agents on the deal were Fox Lloyd Jones, acting on behalf of Mills Hill Developments Ltd and Pudney Shuttleworth acting on behalf of administrators KPMG.
