Dukes 92 reveals new look following £1m refurb

Manchester bar Dukes 92 is reopening today (April 8) after undergoing a £1m overhaul.

The venue was refurbished in three months by Castlefield-based design studio SpaceInvader, which revamped the 6,000 sq ft bar and restaurant to reflect its industrial heritage by stripping back its interior and revealing wood, brickwork and black metal.

The building was originally used as stables for horses pulling barges on the nearby Rochdale Canal.

Refurb efforts included the installation of a new 50ft brushed brass bar and diamond-form bottle display, as well as a private dining area featuring new lighting and planting trellises.

Founded in 1991, Dukes 92’s reopening today marks its 25th anniversary.

James Ramsbottom, the managing director of Dukes 92 and the Albert’s chain of 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’.”

He continued: “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.”

SpaceInvader’s director, John Williams, said the work on Dukes 92 was both “daunting and extremely exciting” for his team.

He commented: “As such a well-known and loved bar we were very aware that whilst we needed to move the interior design on, and bring it up to date, we also didn’t want alienate any of the bar’s regulars - the space needed to evolve, but remain familiar, warm and welcoming.”