MICHELIN PRAISE FOR NEW CITY RESTAURANT

HABAS MIGHT ONLY BE FIVE MONTHS OLD, BUT IT’S DOING ENOUGH TO GET A MENTION IN THE PRESTIGIOUS GUIDE

HABAS restaurant in Manchester city centre has earned itself a place in the Michelin Guide 2021. The restaurant, which opened just five months ago on Brown Street, is one of 12 new restaurants added to the acclaimed guide.

Each month, inspectors give a special mention to their favourite restaurants across the UK and Ireland.

Habas is the third restaurant owned by Chef Patron and Creative Director Simon Shaw in the city. All three have now been specially recognised by Michelin - with sister restaurant El Gato Negro awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand for the fifth consecutive year earlier in January and popular Ancoats restaurant and bar, Canto, awarded a Michelin Plate.

Speaking about the inclusion of Habas in Michelin’s fourth live release of the year, Shaw said: “First and foremost I’m absolutely delighted.

“For a business that’s been such a long time in the making and yet still very much in its infancy its remarkable.

“It’s all credit to the teams who are doing an incredible job.”

The restaurant opened earlier than usual on Wednesday afternoon, at 3pm, inviting guests to celebrate the news.

On a Facebook post, the venue wrote: “We are delighted to announce that we have been mentioned in the Michelin guide, within less than six months of opening.

“Our whole team are bursting with pride at the news and acknowledgement from Michelin, it is a huge honour.”

Located in the former wine cellar of the historic Manchester Club building, Habas opened its doors in June of this year.

Its menu is inspired by Shaw’s travels to the Middle East.

In the new Michelin guide, it says: “Habas comes from the same owners as Canto and El Gato Negro and occupies what was once the wine cellars of the magnificent former Manchester Club building.

“Arrive early for a cocktail in the bar before moving into the fun, slightly retro style dining room.

“Small sharing plates take their influences mainly from the Middle East but there are also hints of the Mediterranean to be seen.

“Must-haves include the homemade pita bread, stuffed filo cigars and vegetable dishes.”