Dukes 92 reopens after £1m refurb
Dukes 92, the Castlefield bar and restaurant, has reopened after a £1m refurbishment by owner Elle R Leisure, designed by SpaceInvader.
The former stable block for the horses that pulled the barges up the Rochdale Canal was converted into a bar by Elle R Leisure in 1991. The company is behind Albert’s Restaurant Group, which also owns Albert’s Shed next door to Dukes 92 and Albert’s in Didsbury.
The 6,000 sq ft refurbishment, which was completed in three months, and saw the space stripped back to the brick to reflect its industrial heritage and fitted out with hotel lobby-style furniture.
The focal point is a 50 ft long main bar, and trees and foliage extend through the building to an extended covered terrace, aiming to create “an urban garden grotto feel”, according to SpaceInvader, with dining throughout.
There is also a private dining room to seat up to 14 people with its own outside private terrace.
James Ramsbottom, managing director of Dukes 92 and Albert’s 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 with SpaceInvader’s help I think we’ve pulled it off and I’m really pleased with the result. SpaceInvader has designed a glamorous space with an elegant feel that is still very ‘Dukes’. They have 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. It was great to work with the team as they really understood the brief and captured what we wanted with flare and creativity.”
Click any image below to launch gallery
