The Black Friar pub, which has been a local favourite in Salford for well over a century, is to reopen its doors this July, with a new interior, a new team and a new menu.
The Grade II listed pub occupies a corner of the busy junction of Blackfriars Road and Trinity Way – only a ten minute walk from the city centre. The refurbishment of the pub is estimated to have cost around £1.5 million and it now represents a visual gateway to Local Blackfriars, a new gated community from north-west based property development company, Salboy.
The pub is dwarfed by the two neighbouring towers which comprise 380 apartments, townhouses and penthouses as well as a garden space, bistro, bar, gymnasium, yoga and dance studio, cinema room and laundrette.
Initial plans for The Black Friars pub, revealed back in January 2020, were meant to have acclaimed chef Aiden Byrne at the helm, but he pulled out the following July to concentrate on his family pub in Lymm, The Church Green.
Instead, Head Chef will be Ben Chaplin, previously at 20 Stories, who has created two menus. The pub and outdoor courtyard will offer more relaxed, informal small plates to share as well as classic pub dishes, including a daily pie, Boddingtons battered fish and chips, and a local cheeseboard. The restaurant will have a more elevated menu, involving British classics with a focus on locally sourced food. There is also a breakfast menu available at weekends from 9am-11.30am.
With aims to become a new local and a destination pub for residents and visitors, The Black Friar will be both traditional pub and modern restaurant. Customers can enjoy a pint and a quick bite in the pub with no pre-booking required, or they can enjoy a more leisurely experience in the modern glass restaurant.
Created as part of the restoration, the 70-cover restaurant features an open kitchen surrounded by greenery. On the second floor there is room for a further 40 covers. On the third floor, guests will be able to make use of a private dining room, which will open later in the year and can be used for special events, celebrations and corporate get togethers.
(pictured left to right - Head Chef Ben Chaplin, General Manager Remi Khodr and Managing Director Neil Burke)
Managing Director Neil Burke, who was previously regional manager for Jamie Oliver Restaurant Group, said: “The Black Friar has a lot of historical significance in Salford, everyone who used to frequent it has a story to tell! We want it to have that impact again, becoming 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.”
The team are currently recruiting with part-time, full-time, front and back of house positions available. If you wish to be part of this exciting new venture, email [email protected].
Follow @theblackfriarsalford on instagram to find out more about opening hours, menus and when the pre-booking link will go live.
The Black Friar, Blackfriars Rd, Salford M3 7DH