Familiar name returns to Wigan restaurant scene

Casa Carlos has opened its doors in the former Bricklayers’ Arms on Hallgate, a year since the business moved out of the Whitesmiths Arms on Standishgate.
Louise Kippax, Carlos Medina and Sophia Perret-Gentil at Casa CarlosLouise Kippax, Carlos Medina and Sophia Perret-Gentil at Casa Carlos
Louise Kippax, Carlos Medina and Sophia Perret-Gentil at Casa Carlos

Carlos Medina and his partner Louise Kippax have been dishing up Mediterranean cuisine in the borough for two decades, having originally started in Standish.

The business is a family affair, with Louise’s daughters rounding out the team.

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Carlos and Louise had been preparing to unveil their new town centre restaurant in March and had staged a couple of private events when lockdown hit.

A table set at Casa CarlosA table set at Casa Carlos
A table set at Casa Carlos

However, they are now proving that good things come to those who wait as demand for tables has been high since they opened up.

Louise said the Spanish flavours on the menu had proven a particular hit with Wiganers unable to get away for their holidays in the sun.

Louise said: “It is hard work but rewarding. The safety aspect with Covid is a challenge but we are being very strict.

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“We were more or less ready for opening when lockdown happened.

“We got planning permission last December and the keys to the building in February. It was quite scary not knowing what was going to happen but we were confident with our customer base and that is showing.

“Not many people have gone abroad this year and when they’ve come to us they’ve said they feel like they are in Spain.

“After 14 years at the Whitesmiths we wanted something smaller. We started small, got bigger and have come back to our roots.”

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Louise and Carlos have created an Iberian ambience in the place with the choice of music and pictures along with the use of tiling.

However, the demands of running a business during a pandemic means they have brought in extra cleaning and staggered bookings to ensure social distancing is maintained.

There is also a large bar area and tapas counter which Carlos and Louise are hoping to open up when the current measures are loosened.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/casacarlostapas

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