The iconic pub will once again throw open its doors - this time with new owners, a new chef and a new look
One of Chorlton’s most iconic pubs, The Horse & Jockey, reopens next week (20 October) following an extensive renovation under new leadership.
Following a new partnership with Manchester brewery Joseph Holt, The Horse & Jockey has been leased to the team behind The Black Friar in Salford, who are reimagining the 200-year-old landmark as a food-led gastropub with a focus on seasonal cooking, heritage charm and community spirit.
The renovation has carefully preserved the building’s original character while giving the interiors a softer, stripped-back feel. Guests will continue to enjoy Joseph Holt’s award-winning ales alongside a new curated wine list and refreshed cocktail offering.
Heading up the kitchen is chef Paolo Bianchi, whose career has spanned working under Alain Ducasse at the Eiffel Tower in Paris, leading kitchens at Four Seasons hotels in Dubai under Jean-Georges, and later opening Gordon Ramsay’s Lucky Cat in Manchester.
The menus will reimagine British pub food with nods from Paolo’s Italian heritage and French/Asian influences and are designed to be ever-changing, making the most of seasonal produce sourced from local northern suppliers. Everything will be made fresh in-house.
Highlights from the launch menu include: Pickled Shetland Mussel & Palourde clam crumpet with dill yuzu aioli; Berkshire pork neck, mustard, apple & pancetta strudel, whiskey jus; Chorlton Pale Ale battered haddock with triple-cooked chips and The Jockey Burger with aged beef.
Like The Black Friar, The Horse & Jockey will also serve exceptional roast dinners, offering a dedicated Sunday Service menu of two courses for £30 or three for £37. Diners can choose from half spatchcock chicken, 35-day dry-aged beef, stuffed roast pork or a vegetarian mushroom wellington, all served with roast potatoes, sweet potato mash, roasted root vegetables, Yorkshire pudding and, of course, plenty of gravy.
“I have a personal history with the Horse & Jockey and it’s always held a special place in my heart. It’s such a beautiful building, but it hasn’t been shining the way it should in recent years. As a local myself, I felt Chorlton deserved a proper foodie pub - somewhere that delivers brilliant food in a setting that does justice to the building’s history.” says Co-owner Neil Burke.
Paolo Bianchi, Head Chef at the Horse & Jockey added: “The Horse & Jockey is an iconic part of Chorlton’s history and I'm proud to be leading its kitchen with the brilliant Black Friar team. After gaining years of experience in Paris, Dubai and London, it feels great to be rooted in Manchester, a city I've really fallen in love with.
“My vision is simple, to serve British classics that people know and love, elevated with seasonal local ingredients, touches from my Italian heritage and international experience. The menu will be ever-changing, so guests can expect something fresh every time they visit.”
The Horse & Jockey will officially open on Monday 20th October. Tables can now be booked via the website and walk-ins are always welcome.
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