Manchester’s most established canalside bar, Dukes 92 in Castlefield, has reopened its doors revealing a contemporary new look following a £1million refurbishment that has taken three months to complete.
The 6,000 sq ft space has been stripped back to reflect its industrial heritage with the use of brickwork, wood and black metal work as a nod to its original use as a stable block for the horses that pulled the barges up the Rochdale Canal. The focal point of the new space is a dramatic 50ft long brushed brass bar with a spectacular 10ft high trellis effect bottle display above it. The wooden floor has been replaced with a cream concrete floor and dark grey walls and window blinds add to the simple lines and urban-chic colour palette. Oak tables with spalted tops, mink-coloured leather booths, antique-glass mirrors and midnight blue seating complete the look.
The neutral tones spill into the gallery space with its large balcony with soft seating, space inside for up to 80 people and its own bar.
A private dining area has been incorporated into the space, seating up to 16 people behind glass doors features exposed brickwork, bespoke feature lighting and planting trellises to create an urban garden grotto feel. It also boasts its own private terrace area.
Bringing the outdoors in, concertina glass doors have been added to the front of the building on both floors to bring in more light and allow more outdoor access in the summer. Trees and foliage will feature inside the bar and will extend right through the building to a large covered terrace leading to an upgraded canalside outside space.
Converted into a bar in 1991, the reopening of Dukes 92 marks the 25th anniversary of what is one of Manchester’s most enduring city centre bars, particularly popular in the summer months, when drinkers and diners enjoy the canalside location next to Lock 92, from which it takes its name.
The menu has been completely redesigned. The emphasis is on classic pub food produced with quality locally sourced ingredients which will be served throughout the bar. Although the famous cheese and pate counter is no more, the new menu features a carefully chosen list of English and Welsh cheeses, meats and fish served to share.
James Ramsbottom, Managing Director of Dukes 92 and Alberts Restaurants said: “To retain the character of the old building yet bring it into the 21st century was always going to be a challenge but I think we’ve pulled it off and I’m really pleased with the result. It’s a glamorous space, yet with an understated elegance, and still very ‘Dukes’. We’ve enhanced the character of the building and created a space with chameleon-like qualities that works across all seasons and all days of the week. I look forward to welcoming our regulars back and seeing new faces who may not have visited us before.”
For more information visit www.dukes92.com or call 0161 839 3522 to reserve a table.
The bar will be open 11am – 11pm Sunday –Wednesday, 11am – 12pm on Thursday and 11am-1am on Friday and Saturday.
