The team behind El Gato Negro has brought its latest Spanish-inspired bar and kitchen to MediaCity, serving tapas, loaded focaccias, charcuterie, wine and sangria. I’ve already popped in for a sneak preview, and it’s looking like a very welcome addition to the local food scene.

There’s a new cat in town, and it’s officially open! El Gatito, the latest concept from the team behind El Gato Negro Tapas, Canto and Black Cat Club, opens its doors today (Friday 6 November) at MediaCity.

As someone who knows the local area well, this is an opening I’ve been particularly looking forward to. It’s always great to see more quality food and drink options arriving around MediaCity, and having had a sneak preview ahead of opening, I came away really impressed.

First impressions? I absolutely loved how El Gatito looks. It’s got a stylish but relaxed feel, with striking green booth seating, cool blue tones, statement wine fridges and a welcoming neighbourhood bar atmosphere. It’s the sort of place that feels equally suited to a casual lunch, an afternoon glass of wine or a few plates and drinks in the evening.

And the food? The croquetas paired with a glass of wine were absolutely amazing. A simple combination, perhaps, but one that really hit the spot and gave me a great first taste of what El Gatito is all about.

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.

Outstanding-looking lunch specials and loaded focaccias

One of the things that particularly caught my attention was the lunchtime offering. If you work around MediaCity, or simply find yourself passing through, the lunch specials look outstanding.

Served Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm, the range of generously filled focaccias is available to eat in or take away, making them ideal for office workers and anyone looking for something a little more interesting than the usual lunchtime sandwich.

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

There’s also a vegetarian option inspired by the traditional Spanish tortilla, filled with tomato, rocket, crispy onions and aioli.

Alongside the focaccias, diners can enjoy Spanish-inspired small plates, while a selection of Torres crisps offers something extra to nibble on.

Tapas, sharing boards and sangria

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

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

It’s a menu that encourages you to order a few different dishes, share everything around the table and perhaps stay for another glass.

There’s also 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 are very much part of the experience, with wine, beer, cocktails, spritzes and sangria all featuring.

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

The interiors are one of the things I particularly liked about El Gatito. The combination of green booth seating, cool blue tones and open-plan spaces gives it plenty of character without feeling overly formal. Bifold doors open onto a dedicated terrace, which should make it an especially appealing spot when the Manchester sunshine eventually makes an appearance!

When can you visit El Gatito?

El Gatito officially opens today, Friday 6 November 2026, at MediaCity.

Opening offers include:

• Happy Hour: £5 pints and £5 sangria every day from 4pm to 6pm.
• 3 for £15: Selected dishes from 12pm to 4pm Monday to Friday and all day Sunday.
• Lunch: Loaded focaccias and small plates, Monday to Friday from 11am to 4pm.

Having had my sneak preview, I’m genuinely excited to have El Gatito in the neighbourhood. I loved the look of the place, the croquetas and wine were a real highlight, and the lunchtime offering looks particularly tempting.

Whether you work at MediaCity, live locally or are simply passing through Salford, I’d definitely put this one on your list to check out.

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