The oldest surviving Boddingtons pub in the world will be transformed by massive sunflower artworks this summer

If you’ve never had the pleasure of sipping on a pint of Boddies, we’re gonna guess you’re not a true Manc (or you came of drinking age after the pint stopped being produced in the 2010s). 

Boddingtons Bitter, also affectionately known as the Cream of Manchester, is the legendary beer created by Boddingtons Brewery, which also previously owned a bunch of pubs throughout the northwest. The brew is one of the most iconic products to come out of the Lancs capital – up there with Corrie and all-conquering footie teams.

Despite its superstar status, the brew was discontinued in 2012 because of falling sales. That was until last September, when JW Lees Brewery, the city’s oldest beer maker, decided to breathe fresh life into the bitter.

Now, The Black Friar in Salford, the oldest remaining Boddingtons pub, has announced ‘The Summer of Boddies’ to celebrate the return of the storied brew to its taps.

Located just a short distance from the original Boddingtons brewing site, the Grade II-listed pub was originally built for Boddingtons’ own brewery workers to grab a bev after a hard day’s work. It was one of the first pubs to serve the cask ale once it relaunched in 2025, and is getting a glow up this April to prepare for its months-long celebration of the Cream of Manchester.

The pub has been decked out with handcrafted sunflowers – including a whopping 10-footer – as well as a black and yellow worker bee themed design, courtesy of Cheshire artist Kelly Louise Chapman.

Pairing with the new look is a special Boddingtons-inspired menu. Think short rib glazed with the brew, a Northumberland cheese toastie with Boddington pickle, 8oz aged British beef burger with Boddingtons rare bit and a rosemary Boddingtons polenta cake, served with crème fraiche. Yum.

Plus, if you’re more of a cosmo than a cask ale fan, have no fear. The Black Friar’s new cocktail menu is also Boddies themed, with special serves like the ‘D’ya Wanna Flake In That Love?’ (Boddingtons, lemon juice, apple juice, honey, salted caramel foam), the ‘By ‘Eck It’s Gorgeous’ (peach schnapps, Boddingtons, lemon juice, apple juice, agave) and the ‘Fancy a Top-Up Love?’ (Boddingtons, earl grey, simple syrup).

If that wasn’t enough, The Black Friar will also be launching an exclusive six-course tasting menu called The Cream of Manchester. Full details of what to expect are yet to be announced, but we can tell you the brew-themed meal will set you back £59 per person.

The Black Friar is located on Blackfriars Road, just a 10 minute walk from Deansgate. Check out its website here.

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