/FOOD&DRINK PORTA PITCHES UP IN SALFORD
SALFORD’S burgeoning Chapel Street neighbourhood gets another boost this week with the opening of tapas bar Porta.
Established in Chester, the independent restaurant group opened its first Greater Manchester branch two years ago in Altrincham, where it’s gained a respected reputation for its simple, Spanish-influenced menu.
Now brothers Ben and Joe Wright are opening another site, in the former bank on Bexley Square. The pair have lovingly restored the building, preserving original features including the parquet floor and mahoganypanelled vestibule, and repurposing more panelling to build the bar.
Dark olive green decor, reclaimed wooden furniture, vintage Spanish prints and photography from the brothers’ travels echoes the intimate, welcoming atmosphere of their Altrincham restaurant.
The menu mirrors that of the Altrincham site, served alongside a daily-changing selection of specials.
Behind the bar, there’s a focused list of Spanish wine, cava and sherry, beers from Manchester’s Track brewery and copas of gin and tonic. “The feel is a fun, bar-style environment - but with good food as well,” says Ben.