JULY last year saw Confidential's Sleuth report on the ‘coming of Spaniards’, with proposed new restaurant Tapeo taking Deansgate’s Spanish eatery count to an astonishing nine. At this rate, they may as well stop running those cheap flights to Madrid... Now due to open next month, Tapeo is gearing up to enter the Mediterranean medley with traditional, quality food ‘sin gimmicks’.
With the reported backing of Manchester United’s Juan Mata, Tapeo might just be another goal español
On entering, it’s clear this deliberate lack of pretension has been applied to the decor too. Simple yet sophisticated, it may not boast the million-pound fit-outs of Castilian contemporaries like Ibérica but is nevertheless evocative of walking into a Spanish tapería. That may have something to do with the fact that everything, from tables to tiles, is imported from Spain.
Spread over two floors, the 120-cover restaurant boasts a bar on each, studded with the Moorish-inspired handcrafted mosaics also seen on Tapeo’s bathroom walls. Colours are muted, cool greys and greens setting off quirky displays of beer barrel dials and copper pipes, while a cosy private dining area huddles into a downstairs corner. Genuine leather chairs and herringbone parquet flooring, meanwhile, reflect an authenticity that favours the historic listed building; which in some places has been sympathetically restored, rather than decorated anew.
And the dining? Well, we give you one guess? The menu hasn’t yet been finalised but Head Chef Nacho promises plates like shoulder of milk-fed lamb, lobster rice and thick seafood broth. Menus will change seasonally and customers can also expect a tempting array of homemade desserts.
Wine is destined to become another big draw: as with food, much is imported and an extensive list aims to introduce customers to wines that aren’t found so easily elsewhere. House wine is Torre Solar, a fruity variety from the village of Manzanares. Crate parts line the back wall and vintages adorn a trellised bar display, alongside some humongous hanging hams (try saying that when you’ve had a few). Beer will come in the singular yet satisfying form of Estrella Galicia, whose eminent logo can be seen inscribed on one of the walls.
Founders Nacho and Natalia have over 20 years’ experience in Manchester’s hospitality industry and were innovators in the import of Spanish tapas products through their Lola España venture. We’re told to expect ‘fresh food where the ingredients are protagonists’ and an informal vibe that means visitors are welcome to pop in whether for food, drink or both. With the reported backing of Manchester United’s Juan Mata, Tapeo might just be another goal Español.
Tapeo will open at 209 Deansgate, Manchester M3 3NW some time next month
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