With immediate effect
Paco Tapas terrace (Image: Faydit Photography)
A former Michelin-starred restaurant in Bristol has closed its doors.
Paco Tapas, on Lower Guinea Street, in the Redcliffe area, gained a Michelin Star less than a year after opening in 2017 – but lost it last year.
The restaurant describes itself as being “deeply rooted in Spanish tradition and family heritage”.
Writing on Instagram, the restaurant announced its closure last night, saying the decision hadn’t come easily.
It wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the news that Paco Tapas is closing with immediate effect.
“This decision has not come easily, and it marks the end of a chapter filled with incredible memories, dedicated teamwork, and the joy of sharing our passion for Spanish food and hospitality with all of you.
Food at Paco Tapas(Image: Faydit Photography)
To all of you, thank you, Your support, love, and enthusiasm have meant the world to us.
“We’ve been privileged to be part of your celebrations, your everyday moments, and everything in between.
“To our team past and present, thank you for your hard work, creativity, and commitment.
“You’ve been the heartbeat of this place, and we are endlessly proud of what we’ve built together.
“Though this is goodbye for now, the spirit of Paco lives on in every memory made around our tables.
“We are deeply grateful for every one of you who has walked through our doors.
“With love and gratitude, Peter, Paco and Sue.”
Peter Sanchez-Iglesias, of Paco Tapas
The restaurant’s closure marks the end of the family’s time running restaurants in Bristol.
They originally opened Casamia in Westbury-on-Trym in 1999 before moving the operation to The General in 2016.
Casamia closed in August 2022. At the time, chef-patron Peter Sanchez-Iglesias told Big Hospitality that rapidly increasing costs had made the business “financially unviable” and that “losing just a few covers per service is often the difference between making a profit and making a loss”.
The announcement of the closure has led to a huge reaction on social media, with one user saying: “Absolutely heartbreaking news.
“These comments are testament to how loved Paco Tapas and the team were. Sending you all so much love xxx”
Another one said: “WHAT? I am so sorry.
“This is devastating news, not only for you but also for Bristol. Paco Tapas was simply the best tapas experience the UK had to offer. Sending you all my love and strength Pete.”