Restaurateurs create 40 jobs with new tapas eatery Tapeo & Wine

Two entrepreneurs with over 20 years of food industry experience have created 40 jobs in Manchester with the launch of their new restaurant business, Tapeo & Wine.

With support from NatWest, Natalia Esquerdo-Girbes and Nacho Barreiro-Perez opened their new venue to add traditional tapas along with a selection of Spanish wines, gins and spirits to Deansgate’s dining scene.

Located on the junction with Bootle Street in the former Model Zone retail unit, the two-level restaurant underwent a major refurb with the backing of Manchester United star Juan Mata and his father, Juan Snr.

The business includes a modern kitchen, wine cellar and dining facility along with a bar area fitted out with Spanish-style tiling. Tapeo & Wine’s interiors also include tables with a rustic wood finish and leather seating.

Commenting on the launch, Natalia said: “Tapeo will be a truly continental restaurant. We want people to feel welcomed and at home when they visit, and enjoy the good food and drink that’s available.

“If you come in for a drink and then decide you want some food you can sit at the bar or in the restaurant, wherever you are most comfortable which is what happens in a lot of places in Spain.”

She continued: “There are plates for sharing but if you are hungry you can order something for just yourself. It’s whatever the customer wants.

“We want Tapeo to have a bubbly but comfortable atmosphere with lots of energy as we are passionate about our food, drinks and the restaurant.”

Natalia and Nacho first approached John Howard, a relationship director at NatWest, two years ago with their restaurant concept. The original plan was to launch on King Street, but the pair eventually decided that the location was not right and opted instead for the Deansgate unit.

John also introduced the duo to Lombard Asset Finance, which supported the restaurateurs with a finance package for the purchase of the kitchen equipment. Natalia and Nacho also worked with Mentor, NatWest’s HR advice service.

Speaking further, Natalia commented: “It’s been a long journey to get this point as a result of a number of unexpected external challenges but John has been with us every step of the way. He has been brilliant to work with.”

In the coming months, Tapeo plans to hold wine tasting evenings and other culinary events.

John said of the launch: “Natalia and Nacho are creating a fantastic new restaurant in Manchester which will offer customers an authentic Spanish experience.

“The opening of Tapeo is a celebration of their hard work over the last two years and we wish them every success for the future.”