A new Spanish-inspired bar and kitchen from the team behind El Gato Negro Tapas is opening at MediaCity on 6 November, bringing tapas, loaded focaccias, sangria and a relaxed neighbourhood vibe to Salford.

There’s a new name to look out for on the MediaCity food scene, and it’s one I’m particularly excited about. El Gatito, the new neighbourhood bar and kitchen from the team behind El Gato Negro Tapas, Canto and Black Cat Club, will open its doors on Friday 6 November.

As someone who knows the local area, it’s great to see more quality food and drink options arriving around MediaCity. With its mix of Spanish-inspired small plates, sharing boards, loaded focaccias and a drinks list featuring wine and sangria, El Gatito sounds like the sort of place that could work just as well for a casual lunch as it does for after-work drinks or an evening out with friends.

From El Gato Negro to El Gatito

Created by Mills Hill Development Limited (MHDL), El Gatito takes inspiration from the award-winning El Gato Negro Tapas, giving the Spanish dining concept a more relaxed, accessible neighbourhood feel.

The idea is to create somewhere people can drop into throughout the day, whether that means picking up lunch, sharing a few plates over a drink or settling in for a longer evening.

The menu takes inspiration from Spain and the wider Mediterranean, with an emphasis on generous portions, familiar flavours and dishes designed for sharing.

Loaded focaccias for lunch

For weekday lunches, El Gatito will serve a range of generously filled focaccias from 11am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. These will be available to eat in or take away, making them an option for both office workers and anyone exploring the MediaCity area.

The standout is the Iberico Club, which combines jamón serrano, salchichón, chorizo, Manchego cheese, roasted peppers, tomato, lettuce and salsa verde.

There will also be a vegetarian focaccia inspired by the traditional Spanish tortilla, filled with tomato, rocket, crispy onions and aioli.

Alongside the sandwiches, diners can order Spanish-inspired small plates, while a selection of Torres crisps will offer something to nibble on.

Tapas, sharing boards and sangria

As the day moves into evening, the focus shifts towards tapas, sharing plates and drinks.

Dishes announced for the menu include slow-cooked beef short rib, smoky Catalan chorizo, sizzling gambas pil pil and Manchego churros. Spanish charcuterie boards will also feature, bringing together cured meats, cheeses and accompaniments designed to be enjoyed over a bottle of wine or a jug of sangria.

For anyone who likes trying a few different dishes rather than committing to one main course, the format sounds particularly appealing.

There will also be a 3 for £15 offer on selected dishes, available from 12pm to 4pm Monday to Friday and all day on Sundays.

A new spot for drinks at MediaCity

Drinks will play a big part in the El Gatito experience, with wine, beer, cocktails, spritzes and sangria on the menu.

The daily Happy Hour will run from 4pm to 6pm, with £5 pints and £5 sangria, making it another option for post-work drinks.

The interiors are planned around a palette of greens and cool blues, with green booth seating, statement wine fridges and open-plan spaces. Bifold doors will open onto a dedicated terrace, giving the venue extra appeal when the weather cooperates.

That combination of casual dining, a terrace and accessible drinks offers could make El Gatito a useful addition to the local scene, particularly for people looking for somewhere to meet without committing to a full restaurant experience.

Free coffee, bocatas and sangria before opening

There will also be a chance to get a preview before the official launch.

On Thursday 29 October, El Gatito will host a pop-up outside its MediaCity site, with free coffees and bocatas (Spanish sandwiches) from 11am to 2pm. From 2pm to 4pm, the team will serve a selection of para picar — Spanish-style bites and snacks — alongside sangria.

Items will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

When does El Gatito open?

El Gatito officially opens at MediaCity on Friday 6 November 2026.

With a menu spanning loaded focaccias, Spanish tapas, charcuterie, cocktails and sangria, it looks set to offer something for several different occasions, from a quick weekday lunch to a relaxed evening out.

I’m particularly pleased to see another ambitious food and drink concept coming to the local area. MediaCity has plenty going on, and more choice from established hospitality teams can only make it an even more interesting place to eat and drink.

For menus and further information, visit elgatito.co.uk⁠.