A POPULAR Old Town restaurant has doubled in size after expanding its bar and seating area.
Los Gatos on Devizes Road welcomed more than 100 diners and 60 VIP guests to the launch of its new look on Thursday evening.
Phil Saunter and Shareen Campbell founded the restaurant in a smaller site on Wood Street in 2006 and spent years turning it into firm favourite with the locals, then moved it up the road and retired during lockdown.
In January 2022, its new owners made a deal with The Core juice bar next door to move the juice bar upstairs and use the extra space for Los Gatos.
The new extension doubles the capacity of the restaurant to more than 120 seats in a bid to keep up with the huge weekend demand.
The expansion will allow for larger groups of up to 60 and private functions using one side of the restaurant.
The new owners have also promised to keep the new wrap-around bar for walk-in customers so that people making last-minute plans can take one of the 20 seats looking at the new feature bar.
The menu is still prepared by the original head chef, Christopher Ventura, from when Los Gatos was on Wood Street.
The popular dishes cater to all food types and are typical of traditional tapas from Spanish cities like Malaga and Barcelona.
Christoper said: “When Los Gatos opened in Swindon it was quite a bold move as not many places were doing tapas.
"Phil, Shareen and the team created a menu of classic Spanish tapas favourites that have become really popular with our regular customers, like Berenjenas (aubergene chips) and Albondigas (meatballs).
"We put on specials every weekend and have a large range of vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options.”
The name Los Gatos was taken from a tapas bar in Malaga when the previous owners had been exploring Spain. Customers have since brought in cat-based collectables that are on display in the old side of the restaurant.
Kris Talikowski, who owns The Core and is vice-chair of the Old Town Business Association, said: “It was great to have found a solution that allowed such a popular restaurant in Old Town to expand its space and revamp its interior.
"I’ve been a big supporter of Los Gatos since the beginning, and I’m sure customers will love the new design and feature bar.
"It's fantastic to see businesses in Old Town thrive and continue to grow, and long may that continue for the area.”
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