The former Greens restaurant in West Didsbury will re-open as a Porta Tapas bar this November, bringing a fresh culinary experience to the area.
- Greens, a vegetarian staple for over 30 years, closed due to financial pressures announced by chef Simon Rimmer.
- The Wright brothers, of Porta Tapas fame, will take over the location, promising no-reservations dining and vibrant tapas.
- Ben and Joe Wright have a history of successful restaurateur ventures, beginning in Chester and expanding across the North West.
- The new Porta promises to honour the beloved site while infusing it with the flavours reminiscent of Spanish bar culture.
In a significant development for West Didsbury’s dining scene, the previously bustling Greens restaurant site is set for a revival under the stewardship of the acclaimed Wright brothers of Porta Tapas bars fame. The new establishment is scheduled to welcome patrons in November, adding a fresh twist to the local culinary landscape. This transformation comes on the heels of the closure of the well-loved vegetarian venue, Greens, which had been an integral part of the community for over 30 years. Its closure, announced by celebrity chef Simon Rimmer, was attributed to overwhelming financial pressures in January of this year.
Ben and Joe Wright, who have carved a niche in the culinary world with their brand Porta, are enthusiastic about their new venture. The Porta experience is known for its authentic and flavour-rich offerings, which resonate with the casual, vibrant spirit of Spanish tapas bars. The brothers are committed to preserving the essence of a no-reservations dining environment. This approach seeks to maintain an informal yet inviting atmosphere, allowing patrons to enjoy an ice-cold sherry while possibly enduring a short queue – a testament to its popularity. “It’s all part of the experience,” they assure.
The duo’s entry into the restaurant industry started with ‘Joseph Benjamin’ in Chester, which earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand, demonstrating their culinary prowess. This accolade remained for 12 years before making way for a larger Porta Tapas Bar. The Wright brothers now look forward to integrating into the West Didsbury community, which they admire for its charm and sense of togetherness. Their connection to the site is deeply familial, having visited it over the years and recognising the pressure to uphold the legacy created by its previous occupants, chef Simon Rimmer and his team.
Reflecting on the opportunity, Ben Wright expressed a feeling of serendipity: “Just when we weren’t looking, this amazing spot came along.” His brother Joe echoes this sentiment, recognising the building’s historical significance and the high regard for its previous proprietors. They are determined to do justice to the location’s legacy.
The original closure of Greens was marked by an emotional statement from Simon Rimmer, highlighting the insurmountable financial challenges faced by the restaurant. Factors such as an increase in rent by approximately 35%, rising raw material costs, and escalating expenses related to staffing and utilities rendered the operation unsustainable, leading to its unforeseen shutdown.
The Wright brothers’ new tapas venture promises to revitalise the former Greens site, offering a vibrant dining experience while honouring the spot’s legacy.
