A historic Salford pub has kicked off its season-long celebration of Boddingtons, following the beloved ale’s regional cask return.
The Black Friar, the oldest remaining Boddingtons pub in the world, has toasted the first summer since ‘Boddies’ cask revival by unveiling a menu paying homage to the famous beer.
The popular grade II-listed drinking spot on Blackfriars Road has unveiled a striking floral installation and a host of Boddingtons-infused menu specials as part of its ‘summer of Boddies’ promotion.
After a 13-year absence, Boddingtons cask ale relaunched in Salford last September and The Black Friar says it’s been a popular choice for drinkers since.
“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,” said Neil Burke, the owner of the pub.
Located just a short distance from the original Boddingtons brewing site, The Black Friar was among the first pubs to serve the relaunched cask ale when it was relaunched by brewer JW Lees.
On Wednesday 15 April, the Salford watering hole kicked off celebrations for the iconic ale by unveiling a striking sunflower installation.
Floral artist Kelly Louise Chapman’s handcrafted sunflowers stretch throughout the venue in a nod to Boddingtons’ yellow and black theme. A 10-foot sunflower forms the centrepiece of the display on the pub’s façade.
Meanwhile, The Black Friar’s head chef Ben Chaplin has developed a new Boddingtons-inspired menu; visitors can now indulge in a Boddington’s glazed short rib with pickled mooli and chilli salad, a Northumberland cheese toastie with Boddington pickle, an 8oz aged British beef burger with Boddington’s rare bit and a rosemary Boddington’s polenta cake, served with crème fraiche.
Alongside the food, a selection of Boddington’s infused cocktails will feature on the menu.
Neil explained: “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 added: “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.
