The team behind El Gato Negro and Canto have revealed a brand new concept to replace their now-closed Habas restaurant – and it’s quite a departure.
The old Michelin-recommended Middle Eastern restaurant, which closed late last year, will be replaced by interactive shuffleboard and darts venue Black Cat Club.
The Brown Street subterranean venue will also be home to pizzas, loaded burgers, sharing small plates, cocktails, and vinyl DJs, plus a premium sports viewing experience.
Set to launch in March, Black Cat Club’s main attraction will be its interactive shuffleboard offering, a concept that’s popular in London but hasn’t yet made it to Manchester.
Traditional shuffleboard is enhanced with technology that tracks players’ scores and can be played by up to eight people at a time.
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The new gaming concept will be taking over the former Habas site in ManchesterThe new venue will bring interactive shuffleboard and darts to Manchester
Black Cat Club will also have immersive Flyby Darts with similar score-tracking technology.
A destination bar will serve signature cocktails and a huge variety of wines and beers.
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And live sports will be screened with full table service at the touch of a button.
Simon Shaw from Mills Hill Development Limited said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of new concept, Black Cat Club, sister venue to Michelin recommended El Gato Negro and neighbourhood favourite, Canto.
“Our new concept is all about bringing people together in a high energy environment, with great music and refined interiors.
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“We’re introducing interactive group games alongside a diverse and contemporary food menu.
“We can’t wait to open our doors and see you all at Black Cat Club.”
You’ll be able to see the latest updates through the Black Cat Club Instagram here.
His post has generated a fair bit of reaction already, with one person replying: “Ridiculous advice! Loss of a table for 4 ! Empty tables for 2! Over ordered and over staffed, this stupidly from someone who should know better must corrected. Every customer counts in this day and age.”
Someone else wrote: “The amount of people booking 2 venues this year and cancelling is on the increase too!! We are now taking deposits for groups over 6 to try and eliminate this! When space is an issue booking more than you need is not fair on the venues!!”
Another commented: “A table of 3 is actually sat on a table for four. So you’re denying the business of 50% of its potential turnover. Do not do this.”
Sacha Lord – Night Time Economy Adviser to Greater Manchester.
CREDIT – Darren Robinson Photography
Petit Paris, a charming deli and wine bar in Manchester, announces sudden closure
Daisy Jackson
Petit Paris, a lovely little wine bar and deli in the heart of Manchester, has announced its shock closure.
The cosy spot on King Street shared the news ‘with big sadness’ over the weekend, writing: “Petit Paris, c’est fini”.
The French deli was loved for its incredible selection of wines, as well as its huge cheese boards and sandwiches you could order.
In summer, it had plenty of seating outside on the beautiful cobbled King Street where you could sit and people-watch with a glass of rose in hand.
Petit Paris wrote in a statement shared on Instagram: “Brexit and current climate for independent businesses didn’t encourage us to continue the adventure.”
The local business is still up for a Manchester Food and Drink Award, where it’s nominated for Food and Drink Retailer of the Year.
Petit Paris’s full statement reads: “Petit Paris c’est fini….
Inside the Petit Paris French deli in Manchester. Credit: The Manc GroupPetit Paris in Manchester was a prime people-watching spot. Credit: The Manc GroupOysters and wine at Petit Paris. Credit: The Manc Group
“It is with big sadness that we have to announce the closure of our lovely deli in Manchester. It’s been 2 incredible years and we our grateful for all the support our customer showed us and our amazing staff that worked hard everyday!
“Thank you to all local social media that provide us great visibility and put us with the best in town.
“Brexit and current climate for independent businesses didn’t encourage us to continue the adventure.
“If you want to support one more time go on and vote for us at the Manchester food & drink festival for 2024.
“Please keep supporting small independent businesses! Merci.”
Daisy Jackson -
16th February 2024 
