The Horse & Jockey, one of Chorlton’s most iconic pubs, reopens its doors next week following an extensive renovation under new leadership.
Following a new partnership with Manchester brewery Joseph Holt, the 200-year-old landmark on Chorlton Green has been leased to the team behind The Black Friar in Salford, who are reimagining the pub as a food-led gastropub with a renewed focus on seasonal cooking, heritage charm and community spirit.
The Horse & Jockey has stood on Chorlton Green since the late 18th century, serving as a central part of the community ever since. Its distinctive Tudor-style frontage, added in 1908, remains a local landmark, and the recent renovation 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 pubfood 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.
The Horse & Jockey will also continue The Black Friar’s tradition of exceptional roasts, offering a dedicated Sunday Service menu of 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, of course, 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. Since then, the pub has earned a reputation for balancing refined food with heritage character and neighbourhood warmth. Owner Neil Burke, who formally acquired The Black Friar two years ago, has made a name for himself through thoughtful, community-rooted hospitality.
Burke 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 Chorltondeserved 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.”
The Horse & Jockey is officially open from Monday 20th September, with tables filling fast as locals rush to experience the new venue.
Tables can now be booked via the website here and walk-ins are always welcome.
For more information, you can visit the website or follow @horsejockeychorlton on Instagram.
