Blessed Benedict Farcire, the Benedictine monk, was a man ahead of his time.

He passionately promoted the magical healing powers that breaking bread and sharing a drink could deliver in bringing communities and people together. Travelling far and wide on a pub pilgrimage across Europe, he spread his message in acclaimed brewhouses from Bruges to Bavaria – but was continually searching for more.

His epiphany arrived in Salford, 1886. Attracted by the warmth and hospitality of the local community, he realised that instead of constantly searching for more, he should be happy with what he had… and his wandering ceased.

To thank the local community for his enlightenment, he opened The Black Friar pub, drawing inspiration from all the pubs, brews and food he’d encountered on his travels.