Bookings are now open for the most wonderful time of the year
From Wednesday 5 November, The Black Friar in Salford will once again be transformed into a winter wonderland where the beloved pub and its outdoor tavern becomes the ultimate cosy escape over the festive season.
With over 3000 baubles, lights and plenty of festive surprises, this year’s installation, created by Cheshire-based floral artist Kelly Louise Chapman, will bring Santa’s Workshop to life.
The magic continues in The Black Friar’s Winter Tavern, which will be decked out with festive adornments, cosy blankets and have fires crackling away.
Bookings are now open for the restaurant’s highly-anticipated festive menu, which will run from November 17 to December 30. The menu features seasonal favourites and exciting new dishes, like King Scallop Puff Pastry Pie, Honey Glazed Ham Hock Crumpet, the signature Turkey Ballotine and a Roast Chestnut & Mushroom Lasagna. Of course, there’ll be seasonal desserts to satisfy those sweet cravings, such as Festive Spiced Sticky Pudding and Black Forest Gateau. Walk-ins are welcome, though bookings are heavily advised to avoid disappointment.
Also returning is the £35 Festive Canape Menu, offering four small bites and two larger dishes such as Turkey in the Hole, Truffle Mac & Cheese and King Prawn Bruschetta.
The venue has also teamed up with fellow Salfordian legends, Salford Rum, to create a limited edition festive mulled rum, brimming with red wine, orange and star anise flavours. Diners will have access to exclusive discounts on bottles, as well as a menu of special Christmas cocktails curated with Salford Rum.
Making things even more magical this Christmas, every guest dining at The Black Friar can write a Letter to Santa, giving them the chance to write down their greatest wish and send it straight to the North Pole. Santa himself will be reading each one and selecting 12 lucky guests to receive a gift from their list during the 12 days of Christmas*.
For those looking ahead to New Year’s Eve, The Black Friar has now opened bookings for a spectacular night of food and festivities. This year’s celebration will feature a sit-down festive menu to welcome in 2026 in style.
For more information and to book a space or table, visit theblackfriar.co.uk.
*T&C for Santa’s Christmas List Giveaway: Winners announced on @theblackfriarsalford between 25th December 2025 and 5 January 2026. One entry per person. Guests will receive their list to fill in upon payment of the bill.
Explore The Black Friar this festive season
The Tavern
Nestled in The Black Friar’s award-winning garden, the Tavern can host up to 70 guests in a fully covered and heated area. This private space is perfect for festive parties, offering shelter from the Salford weather while guests enjoy the festivities. A DJ can even be hired for an extra special celebration, to dance the night away with loved ones.
The Winter Cabins
Bespoke outdoor cabins, offering a cosy, private setting for drinks and bar snacks, seating up to 8 people, with no booking fee required. Cabins are available daily from 12pm, with the last slot at 8:45pm during the week and 10pm on weekends.
The Sanctuary
This intimate indoor space, with its vintage charm and roaring fires, accommodates up to 40 guests. Perfect for festive gatherings, the space can be booked for sit-down meals or the canapé menu. There’s even a TV available for use, making it ideal for festive meetings or corporate events.
The Glass Room
Offering a modern vibe with stunning garden views, this glasshouse glows under the winter evening skies and can host up to 80 guests when booked alongside the restaurant, or 30 seated standalone, a great option for all sizes of celebrations.
The Choir’s Loft
This intimate space dwells on the top floor of the pub with lush decor and plush furnishings for up to 16 guests.
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