Stratford pub given a Spanish flavour to become El Toro
THE heart of Spain can be found in the heart of Stratford where the Bull – El Toro pub offers Spanish cuisine including tapas with fine wines and a warm welcome for both locals and visitors.
Joint owner, David Gonzalez, has run El Café Tapas Kitchen and Wine Bar in Shipston for 12 years and the White Swan in Kineton and was looking for an extra location in Stratford and had a clear idea in his mind of what he wanted.
”Stratford was always on the radar but we wanted something slightly out of the main town centre. We’re in the heart of Old Town close to Holy Trinity Church so the location will appeal to locals and visitors. We want to create a place where everybody is welcome and something that will last and it’s been so far so good since we opened at the end of April beginning of May,” David said.
His business partner is Jonny Ricks and the pair are also in partnership with Everards of Leicestershire.
The thinking behind the Bull is a pub with a wine bar atmosphere.
“Pubs are struggling nationally what we are providing is a relaxed atmosphere with more of a wine bar feel. A place where a mum can come with a child have a glass and chill. A place where you could sit and talk with work colleagues and share tapas together which is what we do in Spain. Or it could be a place for someone who works from home and who just wants somewhere to go for a change. We have got our regulars and we look after our guests because we want them to come back,” said David.
El Toro serves up tapas which are ideal for sharing. David and his team recommend four to five tapas for two people to get started and then customers can order extra if they want to. All food is freshly prepared each day.
The extensive menu includes beef, ham, meatballs, prawns, calamari, steak and chips, cold meats, salads and side orders. There’s also a good selection of Spanish meals to choose from.
A wide-ranging wine list is complemented by beers and ales, sparkling wine and champagne.
Specials and desserts are available and allergen information and special dietary requirements can be catered for by a member of staff.
David was raised in Spain where his family owned a restaurant. His father
was a business development manager and worked for Berni Inn and Whitbread so his knowledge of catering and hospitality is extensive. He also knows exactly what staff he wants around him..
“Recruitment is a two-way street. When I look at someone’s CV I always look at their hobbies and interests first. It’s important for them to gel with our team so we try them out to see how they fit in. We pride ourselves on giving a warm welcome and say that the customer is the most important person in your life,” said David.
Although the Bull – El Toro is open for business now David and the team plan an official opening later on this month.
