Eats

Historic Salford pub Black Friar is reopening its doors after 15 years next month

"The Black Friar has a lot of historical significance in Salford and everyone who used to frequent it has a story to tell."

Emily Sergeant - 17th June 2021

After 15 long years of being boarded up, Salford’s historic Black Friar pub will welcome punters back through its doors next month.

The legendary venue has already been a local favourite for well over a century, but now there’s a new interior, a new team, and a new menu to go along with the owners’ ambitions to become a popular destination pub for residents and visitors alike.

Being both a traditional pub and modern restaurant at the same time, customers can enjoy a pint and a quick bite with no pre-booking required, or they can opt for more of a gastronomic experience in the modern glass restaurant surrounded by greenery – which has been created as part of the restoration that features an open kitchen and 70 covers.

The transformation doesn’t stop there though, as on the second floor, there is additional room for a further 40 covers, on the third floor there’ll be a private dining room for special events, celebrations and corporate get-togethers.

And when the Manchester sunshine graces us with its presence, customers can head out to the courtyard area for a drink or a bite to eat.

Black Friar’s head chef Ben Chaplin – who was previously at 20 Stories – has created two brand-new menus, with the pub and courtyard offering more relaxed and informal small plates to share, as well as classic pub dishes, while the restaurant has a more “elevated” menu, offering a twist on popular British classics and a focus on locally-sourced food.

There is also a breakfast menu too, which will be available at weekends from 9am – 11.30am.

A couple of the stand-out dishes on the menu include a daily pie, Boddingtons battered fish and chips, and a local cheeseboard – all of which pay homage to the pub’s local roots.

“The Black Friar has a lot of historical significance in Salford [and] everyone who used to frequent it has a story to tell.” said Managing Director, Neil Burke.

“We want it to have that impact again [and] become everyone’s local, but also a real destination where you’re guaranteed really good food, a welcoming atmosphere, and a place where you feel just at home nipping in for a pint as you do sitting down for a fantastic three course dinner.”

If you’re keen to get in on the action, you’ll want to follow @theblackfriarsalford on social media to find out opening hours, menus and when the pre-booking link goes live.

You can also check out the new Black Friar website here.

Featured Image – Google Maps