Historic Salford pub, The Black Friar, has announced the return of the hugely popular Pie Festival for 2026, set to warm up winter once again. Now in its fourth year, the festival celebrates everything great about hearty, homemade pies and offers some of the best comfort food in the city for just £10.
What is The Black Friar Pie Festival & what pies are available?
The annual Pie Festival was first introduced in 2022 following a glowing review from national food critic Jay Rayner, who praised Head Chef Ben Chaplin’s creations as ‘pies done proper‘. Since then, the festival has firmly established The Black Friar as a must-visit destination for pie lovers, serving generously filled classics and inventive daily specials.
Designed to beat the January blues, the festival showcases expertly crafted fillings and crisp pastry. This year’s menu features four fixed pies, with four brand new combinations including a Mushroom Keema Pie topped with an Onion Bhaji; Confit Garlic Chicken and Leek Pie; Truffle Dauphinoise Pie; and a traditional Meat and Potato Pie.
Alongside these favourites, diners can enjoy a rotating selection of special pies including Lasagna Pie, Spanakopita Pie and Pigeon Pie.
Super-sized sharing pies
For those celebrating, the Pie Festival also introduces super-sized sharing pies, serving up to four people and available for pre-order from £65. These show-stopping centrepieces are perfect for sharing and include a line-up of options including Ox Cheek and Bone Marrow Pie and Confit Garlic Chicken Pie. Sharing pies must be ordered 24 hours in advance to allow for preparation and ensure availability.
Sweet dessert pies
Sweet-toothed guests won’t miss out either, as The Black Friar brings back a selection of dessert pies, including gooey Treacle Pie, Mississippi Pie and Lemon Meringue Pies.
Neil Burke, Owner of The Black Friar, said: “We’re excited to be kicking off our fourth year of the Pie Festival. It’s become a real favourite and it’s easy to see why. Hearty, warming, proper northern pies for £10 are exactly what’s needed to get through the cold winter months. Ben’s specials are going to be extra special this year and I can’t wait to welcome everyone back.”
When is the Black Friar Pie Festival & how can I book?
The Black Friar Pie Festival takes place from Monday 5th January – Friday 27th February, 2026.
To book a table for the Pie Festival, head over to The Black Friar’s website.
What is the history of The Black Friar?
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.
📍 You can find The Black Friar at 41-43 Blackfriars Rd, Salford M3 7DB.