Nelsons has helped to secure a prime city centre Leicester location for the family-run Argentine restaurant, Wild Tango, helping to realise a long-held dream for the owners.
Wild Tango is the latest resident to take over the Grade II listed hospitality venue located at 14-16 King Street near New Walk – just moments from our own Leicester office.
Amir Ahmed, Associate in our Commercial Property team, said:
“It’s always a pleasure to be able to support a family business starting out in the local community – and Wild Tango promises to be a brilliant addition to the Leicester hospitality scene. The team sought our commercial property services to support the transaction of what would become their new restaurant home, with instruction given in November 2022.
“This was the first time the clients had taken an occupational lease in the UK. Having an understanding of the commercial property market in Leicester and across the East Midlands meant our team was well equipped to guide them by ensuring all legal steps and processes were well explained. We are pleased to see the business now up and running having transformed the premises into a wonderful, luxury dining destination in the local area.”
The family founders behind Wild Tango include 30-year experienced head chef, Martin Bianchini, and partner, Valeria Bernardi, who manages front of house. Both have moved from La Patagonia Argentina for the first time to embark on the Wild Tango Restaurant venture, committed to delivering a truly authentic, Argentine culinary experience, right in the heart of Leicester.
Martin Bianchini said:
“In order to bring the flavours of Argentina to the UK, it was important to us to have the best produce – which is why all the steaks available on the menu are 100% Argentine beef, and all are cooked in the traditional way using a charcoal grill. This releases the smoky flavours and aromas that Argentina is known for and pair perfectly with our bespoke wine selection, which also includes many imported varieties.
“In addition, we have a carefully curated menu that reflects other parts of Argentinian culture and cuisine, with delicious-filled empanadas, freshly made criolla and chimichurri sauces, an array of vegetarian options as well as pasta and rice dishes. Not forgetting our incredible desserts, for those who want to indulge in dulce de leche-filled delights for the ultimate Argentine experience.”
Alongside Martin and Valeria, Dr Maria Bernardi (Valeria’s sister) and husband Dr Mauro Culasso have been involved in the logistics of setting up the business.
Dr Culasso, who has been working with us throughout the transaction, said:
“Working with Amir has been a real pleasure – Nelsons has helped us to realise a dream of opening our first restaurant business in the UK and sharing our much-loved cuisine. The Leicester commercial property team is extremely knowledgeable of the area and market and have been a great help to us all – advocating for our rights and making us aware of every step in the process. We are all thankful for the support through what has been a long process and couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”
The keys to the Wild Tango venue were handed over in June 2023, with renovations and restorations across the site lasting just over seven months, with doors having officially opened in spring 2024.