El Carnero – at the former White Rabbit in Peel Brow – welcomed its first customers on Thursday, but the evening before it held a soft-opening.
Owner Matt Oliver, 36, said: “I’m over the moon. We invited the local business community and the support has been amazing.”
More than 100 attended and enjoyed sampling the tapas and drinks, and the oven-made pizzas of Matt’s mum, Amanda, who, along with other family members and friends, is on the board.
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Matt, whose background in hospitality saw him owning a chain of franchised pizza restaurants in Rochdale, Bury and Bolton, has taken a two-year lease on it with a view to buying it in the future.
Sasha Mazzuca 20, who works in Ramsbottom was one of the guests on Thursday evening.
“It’s great, I walked in and I felt like I was abroad,” she said. “It’s gorgeous.”
Her mum, Mandy, said: “I’ve come along because it’s important to support local business. Where would we be without them?”
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El Carnero underwent a six-figure refurbishment. It has 100 covers on the ground floor, a further 100 outside and there are plans to have an upstairs function room with 60 covers.
The focus is on social dining, a more casual experience than the traditional three-course arrangements in a lot of restaurants.
Friends Helen Price, Louise Hallas and Debbie Clifford certainly liked what they saw at the launch.
“I think it’s going to do well and we’ll definitely be coming back. New owners, new spirit. It’s great that there is outdoor eating.”
El Carnero will specialise in tapas-style dishes, sharing boards, exceptional wines, and a distinctive cocktail menu—each crafted using locally sourced ingredients from local suppliers.
Everyone who attended the launch were highly impressed, but it was his dad Karl’s opinion, that meant the most to Matt.
“I’m really impressed with what he’s done with the place,” his proud dad said. “He’s done a great job.”