Dukes 92 is something of a Manchester institution, the go to canalside pub whenever the sun’s out and now there’s even more reason to beat a path to the Castlefield hostelry come rain or shine as it’s had a £1 million make-over.

VIVA spent most of last week, either eating, quaffing, dancing or DJing, in style at the new look bar, which has been entertaining Mancunians for 25 years.

First up was Chadders who joined an elite, chosen few, to test out the new menu with the lovely Sarah Ramsbotton in the revamped private dining area.

There’s was drilling, hammering, and general last minute building chaos as the finishing touches were being put in place for the grand opening the next evening.

Known for its pate and cheese offerings, the 100-strong kitchen staff, who also feed the customers at next door Albert’s Shed, have created a new and improved menu which, on this tasting, escalates the eating part way above pub grub.

The highlight being bone marrow stuffed with blue cheese with soda bread ‘soldiers’ to dunk in. Fantastic.

Rabbit fritters were wild and tasty with simply gorgeous maple syrup, sticky pancetta that we could eat alone, while ribs were a messy delight and pulled chicken tostadas with skinny coleslaw were fresh and lush. A salad for the one vegetarian who didn’t show, was delicious with some of the best pesto ever, while Persian spiced lamb pizza also hit the mark.

The new menu has plenty of choice. You can go the snacks and sandwiches route up until 5pm from £1.50 upwards or push the boat out with small plates offering a fusion of traditional Brit grub to the more exotic tempura king prawns from £4.50. Mains start from £8 for s simple pizza to fillet steak at £21.50 and there’s a choice of Sunday roasts from £12.

And they haven’t forgotten the pate and cheese as the tasting session with The Motherboard platter. The platters start from £8.50 for one peeps , going up to the Motherboard which feeds between six-10.

You can choose from an extensive selection of meat, fish and cheese with green salady things if you want to be a bit good. All this in a fabulous setting which was unveiled at the opening night in all its glory and then returned to throughout the weekend as VivaEms took to the decks to get the party started.

For those who want the full spec on the changes, the 6,000 sq ft space has been stripped 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.

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 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.

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