The Black Friar - Manchester - Pub Reviews

The Black Friar’s classic Victorian pub building on Blackfriars Road in Salford, Manchester blends history with contemporary flair. Built in 1886 and restored in 2021, this pub exudes old-world character—dark wood panelling, a log-burning stove and vintage fixtures inside—while offering a thoroughly modern dining experience. The menu, crafted by Head Chef Ben Chaplin (formerly of Manchester’s 20 Stories), focuses on elevated British pub fare made from local ingredients. With one of Salford’s most acclaimed beer gardens and a well-curated drink list, The Black Friar is a top recommendation for both locals and visitors. It is open daily (12–10 pm Mon–Thu, 12–11 pm Fri–Sat, 12–9 pm Sun) and holds a high customer rating (around 4.6/5 on booking platforms).

Facilities & Entertainment

The Black Friar combines the feel of a traditional pub with a variety of modern spaces. The front bar area retains a cosy, wood-panelled atmosphere, while glass-walled extensions and dining rooms open onto the patio and beer garden. The pub offers several distinct seating areas – for example, a formal “Glass Room,” a covered “Tavern” pavilion, heated private cabins, and an award-winning Garden space accommodating up to 170 guests. These spaces can be hired for events (from intimate parties to full-venue gatherings up to 250 guests). There is no on-site parking, but multiple public pay-and-display lots are nearby. The Black Friar does not focus on pub games or sports broadcasts; instead it emphasises ambience and music. It hosts live entertainment regularly – for instance, an outdoor “Garden Bar” opens in spring with Didsbury Gin cocktails and wood-fired kitchen dishes, and there are live music nights every Tuesday. Well-behaved dogs are welcome all day in the pub and garden, reflecting the venue’s friendly, community atmosphere.

Food on Offer

The menu at The Black Friar blends pub classics with contemporary British cuisine. Head Chef Ben Chaplin “deftly” executes everything on the grill, turning out hearty comfort dishes alongside refined specialties. Standouts include the Sunday roast dinner, served with roast potatoes, seasonal vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and generous gravy – so hearty that one guest noted the portion “is HUGE” (enough to share between two). A daily-changing Blackfriars pie (puff pastry filled with braised chicken or beef) comes with mash, greens and gravy, and is among the “very fine” pies praised by reviewers. The kitchen also offers fresh seafood and poultry: examples on recent menus include Chalk Stream trout with tomatoes and beans, braised lamb rack with mushrooms and pomme Anna, or a black garlic crumbed chicken dish. Vegetarian and vegan options are available too – for example, a broad bean and pea risotto primavera (VG) or a pea-and-goats-cheese tart appear on seasonal menus. Lighter starters like charcuterie terrines or soups round out the menu. In the words of Manchester’s Finest, the cooking here is “big, bullish and beautiful,” and the pies are “a thing of great beauty” served with silken mash and gravy. This combination of comforting pub fare and inventive dishes explains why the food garners such consistent praise.

When The Black Friar first reopened, critics noted the blend of traditional and ambitious dishes. The Observer’s review highlighted lavish plates like scallops with garlic purée and parsley gel, or even luxury treats such as champagne-caviar turbot, alongside staples like fish & chips and roast dinners. All starters and mains fall roughly in the £10–£25 range, with daily specials (and finer cuts) up to £30 or more. (OpenTable lists the typical per-person spend as £26–£40.) In practice, the generous portions and high-quality ingredients mean most diners feel they get good value for the price. Notably, the kitchen has a reputation for consistency: Manchester’s Finest calls the Sunday roast “among the most reliable in town” and the baked pies “pulled from the oven absolutely perfectly”, a testament to the straightforward, honest pub cuisine done right here.

Beers on Tap

The bar’s beer selection is anchored by local and classic English brews. On any visit you can expect a steady pint of Boddingtons Bitter on hand – “the steadying influence” that complements the food – alongside rotating guest craft ales. The Guardian notes taps featuring brews like Beavertown and Seven Brothers IPA, reflecting the pub’s focus on quality draught beer. Ciders and lagers are also available, with careful line management to ensure each pint is properly kept. For wine and cocktails, the pub offers a concise but well-chosen list. Their bartenders craft a range of gin cocktails (often highlighting local distilleries like Didsbury Gin), plus classic cocktails, spritzers and seasonal creations. Indeed, Manchester’s Finest describes an artisanal Gin menu in the garden bar, with both “classic + signature gin cocktails” on offer. Overall, the drink program is designed to complement the upscale pub menu – there’s something for traditionalists and adventurous drinkers alike.

Price Range & Value

The Black Friar sits in a mid-to-upper price bracket for a pub, roughly equivalent to £££. Main courses typically fall in the £15–£25 range, with fish or steak specials toward the higher end. Pub starters and sides are modestly priced (around £5–£10), while desserts are usually around £8–£10. This pricing is in line with similar gastropubs and is generally considered fair by diners: the portions are generous (Sunday roasts can “easily be shared between two”) and the ingredients high quality. Customers report feeling they get “good value” for what they pay. OpenTable notes an average spend of £26–£40 per person, which aligns with the described menus. Even so, reviewers often remark that the meal feels worth it – as one guest put it, it was “certainly value for money” despite being “a little more” than a typical pub lunch. In summary, while The Black Friar is not the cheapest pub in Salford, it delivers a consistently satisfying dining experience that justifies its prices.

Customer Service

Service at The Black Friar is regularly praised by patrons. The staff are described as attentive, friendly and knowledgeable about the menu. Reviewers often single out the positive attitude of the team: for example, one guest from Australia noted how “our waiters were fantastic… so warm and welcoming” during a Sunday meal. On aggregate, the pub’s reviews show very high marks for service (OpenTable ratings average 4.7/5 for service). The bar and wait staff handle busy periods smoothly, refilling pints and clearing tables promptly. Even during a pre-theatre rush or Sunday lunch, guests report being served efficiently and politely. The staff can also accommodate special needs readily – from dietary requests to making room for a large dog-friendly party (the pub happily seats pets). Small gestures are noted too, like offering children’s activities or suggesting wine pairings with dinner. In short, attentive service is a hallmark here. Guests often feel “well looked after” without feeling rushed, contributing to the pub’s warm, community atmosphere.

Events & Special Nights

The Black Friar livens up its calendar with seasonal and weekly events. A signature feature is the Winter Tavern pop-up held in the heated garden during the Christmas season. Each winter the pub transforms its outdoor space into a cosy “Winter Tavern” complete with fairy lights, fireplaces, and festive decor. In partnership with local brand Salford Rum, the Winter Tavern even features a special mulled rum cocktail and seasonal hot drinks. This annual event has become a must-visit festive destination in Salford. In warmer months, the garden is also the site of a full Garden Bar. Since spring 2022, The Black Friar has operated an outdoor bar serving Didsbury Gin cocktails and simple wood-fired dishes all season long. Live music is often featured in the garden during these events (Manchester’s Finest notes “live music all season long” in the garden bar). On a more regular basis, the pub hosts live bands and acoustic acts every Tuesday evening. While the Black Friar isn’t known for weekly pub quizzes or sports nights, it does occasionally screen major games (especially outdoors in good weather). Importantly, the garden and dining rooms can also be hired for private occasions. There are multiple private spaces (from a 10-seat “Choir’s Loft” to the full 250-capacity venue) available at no hire fee, making it a popular spot for gatherings, receptions or even weddings. Overall, the special events reinforce the pub’s blend of laid-back dining and festive buzz.

Atmosphere & Accessibility

Inside The Black Friar, the atmosphere balances cosy traditionalism with lively social energy. The pub’s historic features – such as rich wood surfaces, leather armchairs and an iron stove – evoke an old public house charm. Yet it never feels outdated or stuffy; the spaces are light and communal. A bright dining area with skylights and chequered tiles, plus glass walls overlooking the garden, add modern flair. In cooler seasons the crackling fireplace (or the wood stoves) creates a snug feel, while on sunny days the garden fills with chatter and laughter. The clientele is mixed and friendly: you might see families enjoying Sunday lunch, friends meeting after work, or couples out for a date night. The pub is dog-friendly and even dog water bowls can be found on request. Despite this mix, conversation is generally easy; it’s more of a congenial hum than a boisterous crowd.

The layout supports this versatility. The indoor seating includes regular tables, benches and a few cosy nooks; in summer many guests spill outside to the covered patio and garden rooms. That garden is a “hidden oasis” where one can relax on outdoor benches or cabanas. During busy periods (say, Sunday dinner or a Friday night) the pub can feel full, but it never gets rowdy. Staff handle the flow well, and the design – with its separate back sections – helps spread people out. For those arriving later, there is usually a quieter corner or bench available near the bar.

Accessibility is generally good given the building’s age. The ground floor is level throughout (and OpenTable notes the venue has wheelchair access). There are a few small steps at the entrance, but once inside the main dining areas and restrooms are all on one level. (The upstairs spaces mentioned on the hire page – such as the Church Loft – do require stairs.) Well-equipped prams and wheelchairs can usually be navigated around the main bar and tavern areas. Parking is more of a challenge: as noted, there’s no dedicated lot, so drivers must use nearby street parking or private car parks. Otherwise, the pub’s urban location makes it easy to reach by bus or tram. All in all, The Black Friar offers a warm, inclusive vibe – it’s smart-casual inside, dog-friendly in the garden, and pretty relaxed on dress (no sports kits, but trainers are fine). For a historic pub that feels both comfortable and upscale, it hits the right tone.

Location & Nearby Attractions

The Black Friar is situated on Blackfriars Road just west of central Salford, placing it close to several notable attractions. Salford itself is essentially contiguous with Manchester: public transport links are excellent, and Salford city centre is “a minute’s drive” from Manchester proper. Indeed, buses and trams run frequently nearby. For those using rail, Salford Crescent station is a short walk to the south on Chapel Street, offering frequent services to Manchester and beyond.

Nearby is Chapel Street and Salford Crescent, Salford’s creative heart. Walking down Chapel Street (a few blocks south), visitors pass landmarks like Salford Cathedral, the University of Salford and the Working Class Movement Library, as well as historic pubs and cultural venues. The area is also home to Islington Mill – a converted cotton mill that now hosts art studios, exhibitions and performances. Just south of there lies Peel Park and Ordsall Hall, Salford’s Tudor manor-house museum (worth a day visit for history buffs).

To the west is the Salford Quays area – a modern waterfront complex built on former docks. Salford Quays/MediaCityUK (about a 10-minute drive or bus ride away) is home to The Lowry arts centre (with galleries of L.S. Lowry’s work and theatres) and several media studios. Attractions like the Imperial War Museum North and the Lowry Outlet shopping centre are also nearby. In short, The Black Friar sits in a convenient spot: it feels a bit tucked-away on a peaceful road, yet it’s only moments from bustling Salford and Manchester attractions. This makes it a handy base – whether you’re grabbing lunch before a Quays theatre show, or capping off a day exploring Salford’s sights. Note that street parking is restricted during business hours, so many guests arrive by transit or a short taxi ride.

Overall Impression

The Black Friar stands out as a Salford gem that truly earns its excellent reputation. It delivers the best of both worlds: a friendly local pub atmosphere and a chef-driven menu on par with top gastropubs. The historic building’s character is preserved, but everything feels fresh – from the gleaming taps to the gourmet takes on pub classics. Reviewers agree: Manchester’s Finest concluded that “if pies are the measure of a fine pub, The Black Friar is a very fine pub indeed”. It’s easy to see why. Whether you come for a cosy pint by the fire, a hearty Sunday roast feast, or a glass of creative gin cocktail in the garden, the experience consistently satisfies.

Minor quibbles might include its popularity (finding a seat on a busy night can take timing) and the lack of on-site parking. But those are small in the context of what the pub offers. The food is reliably excellent, the service is personable, and the setting is inviting. With a lofty 4.6-star rating on diners’ lists, The Black Friar has earned its status among the top pubs in Manchester’s wider area. It appeals equally to local families, professionals unwinding after work, and visitors discovering Salford. In summary, The Black Friar delivers a genuine pub experience with a modern, upscale twist – a place where you can enjoy a superb meal, a well-kept pint, and perhaps even catch some live music or a seasonal celebration in a charming historic venue.