The story
The Black Friar is a stunning gastropub in Salford that left food reviewer Only Scrans “STUNNED 😨.” Housed in a beautifully restored historic building, it marries hearty fine-dining fare with a buzzy atmosphere. The kitchen, visible through an open pass, turns out award-winning pies and other comfort-forward dishes that have earned it a rare 4.8 rating and a reputation as a walk-in-friendly gem for both old-school traditionalists and modern diners.
Among the standout plates sampled by Only Scrans are the Mangalita Pig, a Yorkshire Chicken Breast with Ogen Choka Curry, and a classic Steak and Ale Pie. The vibe is distinctly buzzy—part pub, part fine-dining room—where elevated British cooking feels accessible and proudly unfussy. For a taste of Salford’s surprisingly sophisticated pub scene, The Black Friar delivers.
Synthesised by AI from every creator’s review. First reviewed 2025.
Most-loved dishes
AI summary of what 3 dish mentions say about the food
The Mangalitsa pig earns universal praise, with reviewers calling it a decadent, melt-in-the-mouth triumph. The overall vibe is one of rustic, indulgent comfort, where every plate feels like a celebration of rich flavor.
“The Mangalita Pig is a combination of crispy pork belly and braised cheek, served with celery puree and mustard pickle. It's £28. The pork belly is perfectly caramelized all around, and the fat has rendered into a crispy, gorgeous fatty layer. If I let it sit on my tongue for a minute, it would vanish—just melt and ooze into me. Phenomenal.”
What creators say
1 creator has covered The Black Friar. Most active: Only Scrans
A stunning gastropub in Salford with award-winning pies and a beautifully restored historic building, serving hearty fine-dining food in a buzzing atmosphere.
Dishes mentioned
Mangalita Pig
The Mangalita Pig is a combination of crispy pork belly and braised cheek, served with celery puree and mustard pickle. It's £28. The pork belly is perfectly caramelized all around, and the fat has rendered into a crispy, gorgeous fatty layer. If I let it sit on my tongue for a minute, it would vanish—just melt and ooze into me. Phenomenal.
Yorkshire Chicken Breast with Ogen Choka Curry
The Yorkshire chicken breast with ogen choka curry and chargrilled paneer is £25. The chicken is incredibly moist; every bite explodes with juice. The curry underneath is packed with Indian herbs and spices, and the chefs layer the flavors so every part of your palate gets sweetness, saltiness, spice, sourness, acidity, and umami. They are architects of flavour building an unbelievable sensation.
Steak and Ale Pie
The steak and ale pie is £20. The pastry is incredibly sturdy—industrial-level efficiency at holding the insane filling. It's a special experience just looking at it.
