Porta Salford

Following successes in Chester and Altrincham, this Porta opened its doors in late 2018. It brings a taste of Spain to sunny Salford with its simple yet elegant and super-authentic tapas dishes, and its laidback surroundings in a former bank on Bexley Square.

Lots of bar stools and casual small tables aim to create a busy, buzzy atmosphere, where decent wine, sherry and food add to the unpretentious feel.

The menu features tapas bar classics, from salted Valencian almonds to fat Gordal green olives, and from croquetas del dia (prawns one day, spinach and mushroom the next) to charcuterie.

Seafood gets a good look-in, with the likes of grilled wild Atlantic prawns with ajillo dressing, and Galician-style octopus and potatoes. The specials board changes daily. Expect inventive options like grilled celeriac with brown Cantabrian anchovies and salsa verde, or Torto Asturiano – fried maize flatbread topped with chorizo, blue cheese, and honey. Everything is handmade in house. Head chef and co-owner Joe Wright works closely with the team to perfect each recipe.

For dessert, sweet treats range from burnt Basque cheesecake with sour cherry compote to chocolate mousse with honeycomb, or just order a Pedro Ximénez or Oloroso Dulce.