By Angela Green: Internal promotion to Executive Head Chef at Simon Shaw’s restaurant group.

Carlos Gomes has been promoted to Executive Head Chef at El Gato Negro, Canto, and Habas.
Gomes joined the business in 2017, working alongside Chef Patron and Creative Director Simon Shaw to open Mediterranean tapas restaurant, Canto, in Ancoats, Manchester.
Over the last six years the Portuguese native and former Head Chef of Michelin-starred Barrafina has played a pivotal role in the continued success of the independent restaurant group, supporting Shaw with the opening of El Gato Negro in Liverpool and Leeds in 2019, followed by the launch of modern Middle Eastern restaurant and bar Habas in Manchester in 2021.
The promotion comes as Shaw confirms plans for further growth and “ready to expand subject to finding the right site.”
The new role will see Gomes work closely with Shaw and the head chefs at all five restaurants with a focus on menu development and nurturing young talent. He will also be responsible for sourcing and managing the supply chain across the expanding group.
Speaking on the news Gomes said: “Growing up in Portugal family is important to me. Over the last six years Simon and the team at Mills Hill Developments have become an extension of this, investing not only in my development but that of the wider team, whom it is a pleasure to lead. I look forward to continuing my journey with the business as it looks to future growth.”