We’re not going to lie, January can be pretty grim weatherwise. The dark, grey clouds and the rain never seeming to let up makes us just want to curl up on the sofa and tuck into some good ol’ comfort food. However The Black Friar in Salford has brought back its popular festival dedicated to the magnificent pie for two months (and the coldest ones of the year too) so soothing and tasty that it might just convince you to put your shoes on, grab your coat and head out for some proper pub grub.
The Salford pub and restaurant claims to have the best pies in the city, all of which will be showcased on their specially-curated pie menu. Plus if this isn’t enough to get you out the door and battling the elements, all of the pies at the festival are just a tenner, meaning you can enjoy that hearty pastry-covered goodness on a budget.
Kickstarting the festival of pie from Monday 8th January right through until the end of February, the pies at The Black Friar will be just £10 each all day Monday and between 12pm and 6pm Tuesdays to Fridays. And everyone is catered for.
Neil Burke, Owner of The Black Friar, said: “We believe we have the best pies in town and whether you’re meaty, veggie, vegan or flexi, we’ve got you covered with our new menu. We’re excited to be bringing back our iconic Pie Festival for another year – serving up good, hearty meals to the people of Manchester during the hardest months of the year.”
Guests can choose from the likes of Creamy Chicken and Pancetta Pie, Minced Aged Beef and Root Vegetable Pie and Classic Fish Pie alongside a host of daily ever-changing specials deliciously crafted by Chef Ben Chaplin. Expect specials including the likes of a breakfast pie, a selection of curry fillings, sweet dessert pies and even a doggy pie, especially for man’s best friend.
And it’s not just pies on offer, the new menu will also have a range of winter warmers available as mains; including Grandma’s Pork Sausage served with mash and onion gravy, a creamy Mushroom Tagliatelle and Vegetable Bhuna made with seasonal veg. A starter or dessert can be added to any main for just £7 during The Black Friar Pie Festival.
Starters on offer include Boddingtons Rarebit with sourdough, hen’s egg and chard, White Anchovies on Toasted Sourdough and Roasted Cauliflower with Ras El Hanout, harissa ragu, grapes and almond. And to round off the menu are three seasonal desserts – Sticky Toffee Pudding topped with toffee sauce and served alongside vanilla bean ice cream, an Apple Crumble with vegan vanilla ice cream and a Gingerbread Rice Pudding with caramelised pear and stem ginger.
The Festival of Pie at The Black Friar runs from January 8 to February 29 as part of its returning pub grub menu. Book your spot for pies here.
Find The Black Friar at 41-43 Blackfriars Road, Salford, M3 7DB.