CityLife

The Black Lion

It's perhaps a sign that the people who took over this place last year plan to be around for a long time, having commissioned their own coat of arms.

Mixing the regal symbols of a crown and powerful lion, they have added a dash of humour with a pair of pigeons.

But the ethos behind this boozer is serious: to revive a community pub and bring it into the 21st Century.

After being shut for a year, it re-opened last September under the ownership of Enterprise Inns, but run by licensee Barry Phillips – who has many years in the pub trade – along with the founders of Future Artists arts organisation, Mark Ashmore and Jenny Inchbald. So dotted about the walls is the work of local artists, while upstairs there are regular theatre and film nights.

Its food offering is growing in popularity too, such as Valentine’s Day’s ‘pay what you think’ night, which raised money towards providing a lift for disabled visitors to get upstairs to enjoy the entertainment nights. But if you just want a quiet pint, there are a number of cask ales, including Blond Witch by Burnley’s Moorhouse’s Brewery. At £2.90 a pint (4.5%), it is a pale ale which is gently citrusy. There is also Timothy Taylor’s Landlord, Rooster’s Yankee Bitter, Jennings’ Cumberland Ale and Copper Dragon’s Golden Pippin.

Lagers and ciders on offer include Hoegaarden, Amstel and Bulmers, and there is a ‘boutique’ menu with around 20 or so international bottled beers.

Wines come by way of California, with the Jack Rabbit brand, starting at £3 for 125ml up £10 a bottle.

Decor is traditionally unflashy with plain cream walls, wooden floors and sage green leather seating.

Perhaps the last word should go to Salford’s own punk-poet, John Cooper Clarke, who signed the wall of the pub at its re-launch: “All the best to all who drink herein. xxx”

65 Chapel Street, Salford,
M3 5BZ (0161 839 9882).

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