The Black Friar’s famous installation, tavern transformation and seasonal menus are making a dazzling return for Christmas 2025 – and bookings are now open

From November 5th, The Black Friar’s much-loved festive installation returns, transforming the pub into a dazzling winter wonderland filled with over 3000 baubles, lights and plenty of festive surprises. 

The installation, created by Cheshire-based floral artist Kelly Louise Chapman will bring Santa’s Workshop to life. Guests will be invited to step into a world of Christmas wonder, post letters to Santa and soak up the magic of the season in true Black Friar style.

The magic continues in The Black Friar’s Winter Tavern, decked out with glistening decorations, heaps of presents and festive touches. With fires crackling away, it’s the ideal hideaway for a memorable Christmas celebration. Bookings are now open for the highly anticipated festive menu which will run from November 17th – December 30th. The menu features seasonal favourites and exciting new dishes for a celebration that promises to be more delicious than ever.

Offerings feature dishes like King Scallop Puff Pastry Pie, Honey Glazed Ham Hock Crumpet, the signature Turkey Ballotine and a Roast Chestnut & Mushroom Lasagna plus seasonal desserts such as Festive Spiced Sticky Pudding and Black Forest Gateau. Walk-ins are welcome, though bookings are advised. 

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 Black Friar is also teaming up with local rum brand, 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.

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*.

Festive gatherings are well catered for with a range of bookable spaces, each decked out in seasonal finery:

• 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. 

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. 

To explore all festive offerings or book a space for celebrations, visit www.theblackfriar.co.uk. From indulgent feasts to cosy cabin drinks, The Black Friar is ready to make this holiday season its best yet.