“I’ve really enjoyed working with Scoop, the whole team are so friendly, approachable and knowledgeable. Nothing seems to be too much trouble. the team have helped us with every request we have had all while showing extreme patience. We have been very happy with our relationship across all facets including local press, national press and organising events. Overall a very positive experience with a cool bunch of people.”
Roast and Repeat: Keeping The Black Friar Front of Mind
- Client: Black Friar
- Communications, Influencers
- Date:
To deliver a steady stream of press coverage that keeps, historic Salford Pub, The Black Friar in the conversation – and on people’s plates – all year round. Our goal is to retain and elevate its position as one of Manchester’s best pubs for seriously good food, using both brand-led and seasonal moments to spark fresh attention.
From the famous Sunday roast to January’s Pie Festival, it’s all about building awareness in every season, and keeping The Black Friar top of mind for both locals and visitors.
The Challenge.
The Black Friar isn’t new to Manchester – in fact, it’s something of a local icon. With a legendary roast, seasonal menus worth braving any weather for, and a reputation for doing pub food exceptionally well, it already has a loyal following.
Our challenge isn’t to introduce it – it is to keep the love alive, season after season. To keep The Black Friar feeling fresh, relevant, and impossible to ignore. And to remind people, whether it’s January drizzle or summer sunshine, that this isn’t just a pub – it’s THE pub.
The Solution.
We run an always-on press office that balances consistency with creativity – covering the everyday moments, the big seasonal hooks, and the unexpected stories that keep audiences engaged.
From headline events like The Black Friar’s annual Pie Festival (yes, it’s as good as it sounds) to a social-first moment capturing its spring floral installation, we make sure the right media – regional and national – are always in the loop and on the guest list.
Alongside event-led spikes, we also handle BAU coverage and profile pitching for Head Chef Ben Chaplin – making sure his voice and expertise are featured in everything from “Meet the Chef” interviews to “where to eat in Manchester” guides. Every story about Ben is also a story about The Black Friar.
Our Approach.
Press Office: Always-on regional press outreach keeps The Black Friar present in the city’s media landscape. A feature on the best roasts? We’re on the list. A national journalist visiting Manchester? They’re booked in for lunch.
Calendar Moments: We use seasonal spikes to align with what audiences are already thinking about – and craving. From Mother’s Day menus to Father’s Day feasts, spring menu launches to the city’s best beer garden round-ups, we make sure The Black Friar is in the conversation.
Brand Moments: The annual Pie Festival is our crown jewel – a moment that has its own momentum, with press invites, reviews, and social buzz driving January footfall. We pair these hero events with smaller, shareable moments – like the floral installation – to keep visual and social content flowing.
Influencers: When something truly irresistible hits the menu – think a lamb shank pie or a game-changing seasonal special – we bring in a small, handpicked roster of top-tier influencers. These visits are rare, intentional, and designed to create high-impact social content that reaches food lovers who will actually book a table.
“Scoop are an absolute pleasure to work with, they are always available to support and give their PR expertise where needed. They have great ideas that they are always open to sharing. We’ve hit many goals since working together and I look forward to that continuing”.
What our clients say
John Gillespie, Phenix Salon Suites
“Scoop and the team really took on board what our aim was and worked with us throughout the period to deliver excellent results. Communication and updates were made very easy and we honestly felt It was well worth it! We have already recommended scoop PR to other business owners.”
Shaza Ul-Hassan, Frurt
“Pippa and her amazing team at Scoop helped us to connect with some great networks and partnerships in the Manchester and Cheshire area. The team always goes the extra mile to support on any project or task needed and have been a pleasure to work with helping us deliver some great quality press and influencer content during our peak booking months.”
Annie Ramrachia, Secret Spa
“I would highly recommend Pippa the team, they were a pleasure to work alongside and really impacted our marketing direction. The initial workshop created by the team was a fantastic way to gather the data around who we are as a business and where our strengths lie. Pippa and the team have their finger on the pulse with current marketing trends and I would highly recommend their services if you’re looking to expand your brand to new audiences, yet keep your current customers engaged in your product.”
Acacia Cairns, Partington’s Holiday Parks
“Pippa and her team originally worked with us to deliver the PR for the launch of our Manchester restaurant, but we’ve since expanded their remit to lead the PR & marketing for all of our venues nationally. The team really get stuck in, are a pleasure to work with, reliable and deliver incredible results across the board.”
Paul Goodale, PizzaLuxe
“Scoop are an absolute pleasure to work with, they are always available to support and give their PR expertise where needed. They have great ideas that they are always open to sharing. We’ve hit many goals since working together and I look forward to that continuing”.
- Neil Burke, owner of the Black Friar
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