Historic Chorlton pub to reopen under Blackfriar team

A historic Chorlton pub reopens its doors next week following an extensive renovation and under new leadership from the team behind the popular Black Friar pub.

The 200-year-old Horse & Jockey will be open to the public again from Mon 20 Oct, with The Black Friar team reimagining the Joseph Holt venue as a food-led gastropub with a renewed focus on ‘seasonal cooking, heritage charm and community spirit’.

The recent renovation of the 18th-century building has carefully preserved its character while giving the interiors a softer, stripped-back feel with a palette inspired by the building’s history. At the bar, guests will continue to enjoy Joseph Holt’s award-winning ales, now joined by a curated wine list, a refreshed cocktail offering with a planned happy hour, and updated bar snacks.

Leading the kitchen is Head 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. Bianchi’s menus for the Horse & Jockey are designed to be ever-changing, making the most of seasonal produce sourced from local northern suppliers. Expect elevated British pub food reimagined with touches from Paolo’s Italian heritage and his French and Asian influences, with everything made fresh in-house.

Highlights from the launch menu include starters such as; Pickled Shetland Mussel & Palourde clam crumpet with dill yuzu aioli. Mains feature Berkshire pork neck, mustard, apple & pancetta strudel, whiskey jus; hand-carved honey roast ham and Alpine cheddar toastie with a slow-poached egg. Pub classics will also be on the menu, including a Chorlton Pale Ale battered haddock with triple-cooked chips and The Jockey Burger with aged beef, Alpine cheddar and house pickles. Desserts will rotate regularly with the seasons.

A dedicated Sunday service menu will offer 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 buckets of gravy.

The venture builds on the success of The Black Friar in Salford, which was reopened in 2021 following a major restoration of the vacant Grade II-listed building on Blackfriars Road.

Owner Neil Burke, who formally acquired The Black Friar two years ago, said: “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.”

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.”

Tables can now be booked via the button below.