THE SUMMER OF BODDIES: THE WORLD’S OLDEST BODDINGTONS PUB WELCOMES BACK THE CREAM OF MANCHESTER
The Black Friar launches a season-long celebration and unveils its biggest transformation to date as Boddingtons Cask returns to its oldest pub
The Black Friar, a Salford institution and the oldest remaining Boddingtons pub in the world, has announced ‘The Summer of Boddies’. The season-long celebration marks the return of Boddingtons Cask to the pub complete with a spectacular floral installation and infused menu specials.
The announcement follows Manchester’s oldest brewery, JW Lees’ relaunch of Boddingtons cask ale in September last year following a 13-year absence from it being brewed in the city. The re-launch has been a triumphant success thanks, in no small part, to the city’s ever loyal publicans and punters who have in true Manc fashion got fully behind the brand to return it to the heart of many pubs and bars across the North-West and beyond.
Founded in 1828 in Middleton by John Lees, JW Lees is deeply rooted in Manchester’s history and remains proudly family-run 7 generations later. Nearly 200 years on, the brewery has witnessed the city’s transformation from the Industrial Revolution to the vibrant cultural and musical hub it is today.
The Black Friar became one of the first pubs to serve the relaunched cask beer, a perfect partnership for a longstanding shared history, with The Black Friar being the closest pub located to the original Boddingtons brewing site.
On 14th April, The Black Friar gets its Summer of Boddie’s transformation. Cheshire-based floral artist Kelly Louise Chapman is back, and after wowing guests with her previous seasonal installations – By ‘eck! – she’s going bigger, bolder, and bloomier than ever before.
Handcrafted sunflowers fill the pub from the exterior right through the venue, with a yellow and black theme to celebrate Boddingtons’ and Manchester’s worker bee. The centrepiece of the installation is a ten-foot sunflower, a vivid opening statement for The Summer of Boddies.
Bookings are now open for a Boddingtons inspired menu at The Black Friar, developed by head chef Ben Chaplin. Celebrating the Cask’s return to the pub, the menu showcases seasonal flavours and exciting new dishes, including: sweet Boddingtons glazed short rib with pickled mooli and chilli salad, corned beef and Northumberland cheese toastie with Boddington pickle, 8oz aged British beef burger with Boddingtons rare bit and an orange and rosemary Boddingtons polenta cake, served with crème fraiche.
Alongside the food, a selection of Boddington’s infused cocktails will feature on the menu:
- D’ya Wanna Flake In That Love? – Boddingtons, Lemon Juice, Apple Juice, Honey, Salted Caramel Foam
- By ‘Eck It’s Gorgeous – Peach Schnapps, Boddingtons, Lemon Juice, Apple Juice, Agave
- Fancy a Top-Up Love? – Boddingtons, Earl Grey, Simple Syrup
The Black Friar will also be launching an exclusive six-course tasting menu, ‘The Cream of Manchester’, at £59 per person, with full details to be confirmed shortly.
Neil, Owner at The Black Friar, said: “The Black Friar and Boddingtons go back further than most people realise. This pub was built for Boddingtons’ workers, so when the cask came back, there was only one place it truly belonged. The Summer of Boddies is our way of celebrating that in proper Black Friar style, from Boddingtons specials in the kitchen, to Kelly’s installation outside.”
William Lees-Jones, Managing Director at JW Lees said: “We are incredibly proud to have brought Boddingtons back to its rightful Manchester home, especially as we are now able to stock the cask ale in local favourite pubs such as the Black Friar.
“The Summer of Boddies has been created to celebrate the city’s brilliant brewing history, a history in which Boddingtons and the Black Friar are each intertwined. Now customers can experience a little piece of this historic relationship this summer.”
The grade II listed Black Friar dates back more than 200 years. Originally known as the School inn, the pub was rebuilt and renamed in 1886 after a fire, before suffering another blaze in 2001. Today, the beautifully restored venue boasts a cosy traditional pub, a grand glass dining room and a huge award-winning beer garden with outdoor tavern.
The Black Friar is located on Blackfriars Road, just a 10 minute walk from Deansgate. To book a table, head over to The Black Friars website at https://www.theblackfriarsalford.co.uk/bookings/.
For additional information, contact blackfriar@scooppr.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
Planning a party? The Black Friar Garden and Tavern can hold up to 150 people and is available for private hire year round, to find out more, visit: https://www.theblackfriarsalford.co.uk/hire/
BOOK NOW
Please note, the Tavern is the only covered area of the Garden. Please book for the Tavern if you’d like to ensure against bad weather. Whether for dining or drinks, indoor or out – be sure to reserve your spot at https://www.theblackfriarsalford.co.uk/bookings/
About The Black Friar
The Black Friar has stood in some form since the 13th century. The current building dates to 1886, designed by architect William Ball, who had family ties to the Boddington family. As one of the closest pubs to Strangeways Brewery, The Black Friar is today the oldest surviving Boddington’s pub in the world.
After decades of slum clearances left it as the only building standing in the area and years of dereliction following a late 20th-century fire, a full restoration in 2021 brought The Black Friar back to life, balancing its historic character with warm, modern design. Today it’s a beloved community local, home to local artwork, L.S. Lowry prints, and a roaring log fire.
About JW Lee
JW Lees is a seventh-generation family brewery, founded in 1828 and based in Middleton Junction, North Manchester. The business comprises JW Lees Brewery, JW Lees Pubs, The Alderley Edge Hotel, The Stanneylands Hotel, The Trearddur Bay Hotel and Willoughby’s Wine Merchants. JW Lees employs over 1,600 people and operates 49 managed pubs, inns and hotels, alongside 87 pubs run by partners.
For more information on JW Lees
Please contact Charlotte Hancock at Down At The Social:
E: charlotteh@downatthesocial.co.uk
T: 07500 469141