Shrouded in scaffolding, The Deansgate has been boarded up since it closed its doors in early 2020 – but now the neat red brick Manchester boozer is being given a new lease of life.
Acquired by UK pub giant Greene King earlier this year, the city centre watering hole has been through many iterations in its 200+ year history. Now, it is being lovingly restored and reimagine once again.
During the past two and a bit years, there’s been much speculation from city dwellers about what is next for the pub. At last, we can fill you in.
Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Currently in the midst of a three-month-long reburbishment. when it reopens the pub will boast two additional outdoor terraces and an extra third floor.
As for its existing two floors and rooftop terrace, these are undergoing a complete refit and refurb with new owners Greene King aiming to retain as many of the pub’s characterful features as possible.
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Stained glass windows, external frontage, ceilings, and woodwork will be restored to their original glory, whilst the pub’s beautiful festoon lights are given a glow up.
Elsewhere, new additions will include a feature bar and bespoke brass fonts on the ground floor, built-in seating booths for casual dining, and the aforementioned two new outdoor terraces.
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Image: The Manc Eats
Image: The Manc Eats
Formerly known as the Crown Inn, (as can be seen on the stonework above the door), then Galvin’s Irish Bar, then simply Galvin’s, the building itself has been a pub since the 18th Century.
Desribed as once being ‘a typical backstreet boozer’ (despite sitting on Deansgate), in years gone by it was a popular haunt of local bikers who would frequent the Harley Davison store that once upon a time neighboured it.
In a period where many pubs are closing, the renovation and reopening of this beloved Manchester watering hole is very welcome indeed.
Speaking on the renovation and planned reopening, Jonathon Evans, General Manager at The Deansgate, said: “The Deansgate is well-known and well-loved by the people of Manchester and we are looking forward to opening its doors once more and welcoming customers old and new.
“The new-look pub will pay homage to some of the venue’s original features and we also have some exciting new additions which we’re looking forward to unveiling.”
Spring has really sprung in Salford – legendary pub The Black Friar has just revealed a sensational makeover, with gigantic flowers sprawled across its frontage and a new seasonal menu to go with it.
The historic pub is celebrating the changing of the seasons with both a striking floral installation and a menu that celebrates spring and Salford in equal measure.
Most Mancs will by now have spotted the 4,000 flower-strong installation that now adorns the front of The Black Friar, with bright pink, yellow and purple flowers spilling from a gigantic pink tap.
And all those florals continue inside, with the pub’s Tavern – previously a cosy winter hideaway – now filled with trailing blooms and woodland installations, just off their award-winning garden.
Cheshire-based artist Kelly Louise Chapman is the woman behind this sensational transformation of the much-loved gastropub.
As for the pub’s kitchen, they’ve crafted a new very seasonal and very British menu, with plenty of nods to Black Friar’s Salford roots.
There are dishes like a Boddingtons braised ox cheek (the pub still proudly displays its Boddingtons sign outside), aged beef tartare, butternut squash and ricotta tortellini, and pan-roasted cod fillet.
Spring small plates at The Black Friar pubDelicious spring drinksInside The Tavern at The Black Friar
A popular item from the Valentine’s Day menu – the Cornish crab vol-au-vent – will be sticking around on the spring menu, along with an enhanced grill section that includes a lamb Barnsley chop cooked over coals.
Then for desserts, you’ll be spoilt with a banoffee knickerbocker glory, and passionfruit panna cotta.
And for drinks (because this is a pub, after all), The Black Friar has put together a range of seasonal drinks like a rose sangria sharer, and non-alcoholic sodas like kaffir lime and coconut.
Ben Chaplin, head chef at The Black Friar, said: “This new menu is all about celebrating the best of spring produce.
“We’ve carefully crafted each dish to highlight fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold flavours, adding new depth to our offerings while still delivering the comfort that will always be associated with The Black Friar.
“My top recommendation and personal favourite dish is the Slow-Cooked Boddingtons Braised Ox Cheek.”
Neil Burke, owner of The Black Friar, commented: “We wanted to bring a taste of spring to The Black Friar, inside and out. This floral installation will transform the space and bring sunshine and smiles, whatever the weather!
“My top recommendation on the new menu is the Cumbrian Spiced Lamb Scotch Egg. It’s EXCEPTIONAL.”
To find out more about The Black Friar and to book a table, visit HERE.
Higher Ground, one of Manchester’s very top restaurants, is to open a brand-new seafood bar later this year.
With Bar Shrimp, they’ll be bringing a brand-new offering to town, with cocktails, beers on tap, British seafood and snacks.
Bar Shrimp will come from Daniel Craig Martin, Joseph Otway and Richard Cossins, who at this point are a well-oiled operational machine.
They’re the team behind proudly British bistro Higher Ground, which grows much of its own produce at its Cinderwood Market Garden and earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand within a year of opening.
The same team are also behind Flawd, the beautiful waterside wine bar at Ancoats Marina.
And they’ve cemented themselves as one of Manchester’s most widely acclaimed hospitality teams – even Rick Stein says Higher Ground is one of the best places to eat in the entire country, which is high praise indeed.
Bar Shrimp, set to open in Manchester this winter, aims to be a ‘relaxed and focused bar with delicious food’.
They say: “Whether it’s a beer after work, some food with friends or after dinner drinks late into the night, Bar Shrimp will be a dynamic space where the music and energy evolves throughout the evening where everyone and anyone can come together for a memorable experience.”
They announced the news this morning on Cerys Matthews’ BBC 6Music Show.
British seafood with a side of cocktails? Sounds alright to us.
A location, opening date and more info on Bar Shrimp will follow – stay up to date with their latest HERE.
Georgina Pellant -
11th October 2022 
