Duke's 92 is very popular. And so it should be. It is sophisticated, elegant and oozes class. Food and drink here are superb, so the venue offers a real all round experience, which makes for a fantastic night out. The venue is in a converted building by the side of the canal in Manchester's stylish Castlefield district, and it makes the most of its unique location. A big outdoor seating area, fronts the venue with patio heaters, so you can enjoy your drinks outside by the water's edge. This area can become very, very busy in good weather, but if you are lucky enough to get a seat, then it is a fantastic place to chill out on a summer's afternoon. On the food front, one of the best options at Duke's 92 is their fantastic light lunches including their pate and cheese plates. This is definitely one of Manchester's local culinary specialities and well worth a try. My thing about Duke's 92 is the often overlooked upstairs seating area. There is a small bar up here, which stocks the vast majority of the drinks available downstairs, and there is also a small balcony for outdoor seating and use as a small smoking area. This area is usually quieter than the rest of the bar, which is very busy and thriving with custom well into the night. Still, it is most definitely worth braving the crowds for this gem. Highly, highly recommended. read more

Dukes 92. Located on lock 92 of the Manchester Canal, this place is unrivalled in being THE best place to drink outside in Manchester. In summer, the extensive outside patio is always packed with happy people enjoying some rays and having a beer. Most weekend days during the summer they put on a BBQ as well, and often have live jazz type bands playing too. In the sunshine Dukes is just perfect. Until very recently, I had never been inside Dukes which is a testament to it's fabulous outside. However, upon going inside it felt completely mental that I hadn't. It is SO nice inside! It's big light and airy, decorated in a quirky way but still manages to feel quite classy. The food you can get inside is reasonably priced and tremendously tasty! They do amazing goat's cheese pizzas which come in 2 sizes, the larger being a square shaped sharing pizza that although is meant to be for a group of people, is so good that I reckon I could do a good job and seeing it off by myself. The icing on the cake however, is that is has a cheese counter! Could this place be anymore perfect? I honestly could not recommend Dukes anymore. A visit is an absolute must! read more

Dukes 92 is probably one of Manchesters most well known and most popular watering holes. Located on the Castlefield canal along with another, slightly lesser, bar called BarCa, Dukes is a prime spot for summertime drinking. The main feature of this wonderful bar is its huge canalside beer garden. This is always busling the moment the sun comes out. Despite its size, it can be difficult to get a table due to the sheer popularity of this venue. Its also used as a place for wedding receptions. Thats an indicator of how lovely and picturesque this bar really is. On sunny weekend days they often have a BBQ outside which makes the perfect compliment to a cold pint. They also have jazz bands and stuff like that. I've only heard about this but even having not seen Dukes at its best, i still don't hesitate to award it five stars. read more

This is a really big and pretty cool bar on the canal in the gorgeous bit of Manchester known as Castlefield. There's loads of seating including some really nice booths and a big outdoor section perfect for long hot summer nights. Their rose by the glass is particularly potent and nice, although I'm not sure my hangover the next day thought so. They do great pizzas with interesting toppings like duck, and have a great cheese section where you can create your own cheeseboard. Yum. Cheese! read more

I've always had a bit of soft spot for the Mancunian institution which is Duke's 92. Even if was (allegedly) once owned by noted ginger annoyance Mick Hucknall. I've spent many a happy afternoon here scoffing pizzas, sipping cold beers and watching the world (and frequently the train to Liverpool) go by. Situated right slap bang on a canal basin, Duke's 92 is huge, and always busy. Particularly in the Summer. However, you'll never have a problem getting served here - I'm always impressed by the fact that they manage to employ an entire army of students behind their bar, meaning you'll never have to wait more than 30 seconds for your pint. Compared to some of the other bars in Manchester, Duke's 92 is a bit simple. But sometimes, simple is all you need. And if you're looking for a decent drink in a rather nice (and very historical) part of the city, you should definitely check it out. read more

Really nice bar with a great atmosphere and great choice. The food is very good for a bar. I've been in the summer and it is such a nice place to spend a summers evening. The chairs here are quite elaborate but very cozy! It's a hidden gem of a place. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because it's a tiny bit on the pricey side (but don't let that put you off) and it's not quite in town it's a little bit out of the way in castlefield for us city dwellers so basically it's because I'm lazy. In fact reading this back I'm gonna give it 5 stars! read more

Dukes 92 - Pubs Near Me - Manchester, XGM

I have to admit that I do like this bar very much. I have been going here for years. If you are a smoker then you will not find a better venue. It has two terraces with heating and probably the biggest outside seating area of any venue in the city. On a summer afternoon you will still struggle to get a seat outside even though there are so many! The place is a victim of its own success in some ways and can often be TOO busy these days. The quality of the drinks and food is very good, however one thing I would say that is bad about Dukes is the over-inflated prices. It will cost around £4+ for a pint and around £5+ for a glass of wine which is ridiculous compared to other venues of a similar standard in the city. So overall a great bar (somewhere to take your Mum for lunch etc!) but not somewhere I would recommend staying all night unless you are wealthy enough to be able to splash out! read more

Dukes 92 is perhaps one of the best bars to be in during the summer if you are around Castllefield. You instantly notice that the building is very old and has a very nostalgic feeling surrounding it. Dukes is located right by the canal and has a very picturesque surroundings, this is why it makes the ideal summer pub. When I worked in Castlefield this was always the best place to go after work for a few drinks while it was still warm, it has a massive out door patio area which is great for basking in the sun, Inside the pub is also very attractive, the décor is not modern and trendy as other newer pubs in the area but it is very traditional and elegant. The staff are very polite and professional, this adds to the happy atmosphere they Dukes has. They do offer a menu where you can enjoy a nice bit of food, they don't have a massive variety but again its worth it so you can sit out in the sun. I'm not sure how busy it is in the winter as I have never been but I'm sure it is still very popular read more

Dukes 92, located in the Castlefield Basin, is a great little joint on a sunny day. You can sit by the canal and drink a beer and daydream whilst looking at the cobbles, away from the bustling city centre. Inside, its a big ol' space, with many hiring the place out for weddings and the like. If you go on a nice day, Duke's puts a barbecue on and gets some ace homemade burgers on the go. I think that Duke's is an old mill or something. Inside, they've definitely kept a certain industrial spirit which really suits the venue. The beer is pretty good, the atmosphere is nice enough and generally, it is worth checking out something of a Mancunian institution. Most agreeable. read more

The best place in town for summer drinking its been through a redevelopment which finished early this year and it looks great. They've improved the outside space and it gets really busy if the sun is shining but they always have plenty of staff serving and now also have a BBQ outside during the good weather. They serve pretty good stone baked pizzas and have a cheese and pate counter which is really good value. If you want somewhere easy and relaxed this is definetly the place to go. read more

Fast service, great in the summer and a mean steak. I go here fairly often, always a good experience, occasionally flat beer or underpoured spirits. But in general a great night out with really friendly staff. read more

A great place in the summer or the winter. In the summer there is a massive out side area that is right next the canal. They also have barbeques where you can buy hotdogs, burgers and eat them as a snack out side. It has many options for food with the pizza and chees counter in the pub abd then they've added a new extension that caters for people wanting to sit down in a more restaurant style area with a full menu that is very good. I like the decor, its got a pub feel about it yet is done to a mordern standard so is not dated at all. A great place to go for food and drink. Get down there. read more

The sun was out and we were near, so Dukes seemed as good a place as any to stop for an early evening drink. It rapidly became obvious that this wasn't my kind of place. We sat outside near the outdoor bar. There was far too much going on; - our table was wobbly to the extent of things sliding off it, - there was live music from a jaunty duo of young lads, which would usually get a thumbs up from me but the speakers were on far too loud, - I couldn't hear the person sat next to me, - everyone was shouting, - the place was packed, - staff at the outdoor bar slammed stacks of stuck pint glasses against the bar to try to prize them apart, - the slams weren't even in time with the music, - a couple of girls arrived with tiny little dogs that barked (yapped) constantly through the hour we were there, - the barks weren't even in time with the music, - a bottle of magners cost £7.50 ...NOT EVEN JOKING, - a man next to me sprayed an entire bottle of deodorant around his person gassing those in close proximity and forcing me to drink a third of my pint (£2.50s worth) to stop the coughing. While some/most of these things aren't necessarily Dukes' fault, this is my experience of it and will become my (only) memory of the place. read more

I used to really like Dukes and it still has a lot going for it I guess, but it's just not really for me anymore. Like other reviewers have said, it is of course down to personal taste. Dukes is a bright and spacious place, both inside and out. It's positioned in a great spot next to the canal with loads of seating and a BBQ which generally makes it "the place to be" in summer. There is also some outdoor seating with heaters. Inside there is an upper balcony area which can be hired for parties/events etc. We visited on Saturday, late afternoon/early evening and were just there to have drinks to celebrate a friend's birthday. It had quite a good lively atmosphere at that time but it wasn't tooo busy. I haven't eaten here for a long time, but I do remember their Sunday lunch was really good and I would actually be keen to eat here again. The drinks selection, however, is abysmal in my opinion for the kind of bar it is. At the time of our visit they had two ales on tap, one from JWLees and one from Joseph Holt. I know they're local, but I'm really not a big fan of either Brewery. They were at least billed as being "new" beers and the descriptions were promising so I was looking forward to trying them. Alas, both were off so we asked what bottles they had in craft ales. After being told 3 times that they had Brewdog Punk IPA, we established there was also something from Flying Dog and Brewdog Hardcore IPA - but were told "oh you probably don't want that as it's 8%". I expect a bit better these days, but then having said that, I suspect that a lot, if not the majority of Dukes' customers are probably just happy with a Carling or one of the sickly sweet ciders that looks like the fake wine they drink on the set of Game of Thrones. For a similar setting, I'd rather go to The Wharf round the corner. read more

Must admit I don't really understand why Dukes 92 is such a popular bar. Yes I can see why in the Summer as their massive patio area takes some beating as does their high quality BBQ but any other time of the year it's only average. The drinks are well over priced, a Koppenberg set me back £5.60 and the inside is so big it lacks any atmosphere. It also looks a bit dated, nothing quirky or original here, just bog standard booths with black leather seats and neon décor. However the food is very good and not too expensive. My halloumi burger was delicious and came with lots of chips and salad. The service is also very friendly, hence the 3 stars. read more

I read the reviews for this place and had high expectations for the service and to say I was disappointed is an understatement. I arrived a little later to my group meeting but we weren't seen by our waitress for a good 30 minutes and two of us didn't receive our drinks for another 20. The food arrived probably around 45 minutes after we had ordered. If the food was actually good, I couldn't tell you because at that point of waiting so long anything would taste like a 5-star dinner. read more

If you're ever wondering where to go when it's sunny.... Go here! It has a massive terrace on the canal & great atmosphere. The food is pretty good too, I've spent many a summers day here with friends & never found fault : ) read more

This is in the heart of castlefield, lovely canal side bar and restaurant that serves lovely pub grub good! It is good for groups of people as there is a gorgeous outdoor area! read more

Particularly poor service tonight from the bar and as the menu hasn't changed in quite some time (together with dated and damaged furnishings) we decided to eat elsewhere. Needs looking at and quick. read more

We went to Dukes for a family Sunday lunch and were very impressed with the quality, value for money and service. Everyone went for the roast pork, based on the promise of the crackling, and it didn't dissapoint! The atmosphere was great, would definitely recommend in future! read more

Such nice surroundings with the canal and the cobbles. I love the outdoor area you can sit comfortably outside in the middle o winter without freezing to death Great night out. Lovely food. Highly recommended! read more

My sister and i went to Dukes today to meet up with our sister who was adopted as a baby 52 years ago.. What a perfect place for a reunion, the food was delicious, the building beautful and the bar staff and waiters were lovely. We were given a glass of cnampagne with a strawberry in. The waiter took photo.s of us together for us. Will definately be going there again. read more

Loved by Manchester professionals, Dukes 92 is a part of the original warehouse, just across a small bridge from Barca club in Catalan Square. In summer it is one of the best places in city centre to organise a barbeque with your colleagues. The drinks range from wines and beers to cocktails, and they serve great food. I've seen wedding parties being held there, so if you're in love with your town and Castlefield, then Dukes 92 is one of the destinations to consider. There is a plenty of space: a huge square space in front of the building, lots of seats downstairs, and a lovely open balcony on the first floor. read more

This bar is amazing on a nice day. They sometimes have outside entertainment and there is a massive outside seating area with a really nice atmosphere. Full of suits on a friday and super trendy at the weekend but really nice nonetheless. Beautiful pizzas and the staff were pretty good when we complained very drunk that our pizza did not have one of the ingredients it was supposed to (we had eaten mroe than half) so pretty good in my book. The wine is not totally overpriced but I did have to pay £2.50 for a soda water! Definitely worth a visit when in Castlefield or even Manchester. read more

Again, this has become part of the Deansgate set. From what was once one of Manchester's most innovative bars, it's now the same as all others. Apart of course for it's famous Sunday lunches. Not been there for a couple of years but would be a nice Sunday afternoon next Spring. 7/10 for maintaining it's crowd base and the bread and cheese. Yummy! read more

Dukes is located in the Castlefield Basin area, alongside Albert's Shed and Bar ca. The area itself is very scenic, with all the bars circling the canal, old fashioned cobbled streets leading between each of them and even a little waterfall gushing from one of the locks. Dukes apparently used to be a stable, and still maintains some of that heritage in its decor with a slight modern tinge. But it definitely tries to give the impression everything is antique. It's a big place. Especially popular in summer with the outdoor seating on the patio next to the canal, complete with two big barbecues offering homemade burgers. Aside from the summer barbecue Dukes offers a choice between casual meals of pizzas, sandwiches and the sort, with another of option of what could be considered more fine dining in its 'Dukes Grill' section. I've had the pizza. It was massive rectangular block of awesomeness. Dukes seems like a good place to book an event or party or whatever, and there's usually something going on to that effect. If anything lets it down the few times i've been there the beer has been flat and a bit expensive. Plus one of my friends ordered a vodka red bull (yes she is a chav) and it cost 6 quid! If you've never been before and you do go then marvel at the 6 dozen bar staff serving behind the counter. You'll never have to wait more than 30 seconds to be served no matter how busy it is. read more

Dukes 92 is not helped by being located in the bizarre alternate universe that is Castlefield. Imagine the time when everyone thought that cramped city centre apartments were the height of luxury and modern chicwhen no rent was too high, or no tenant too gullible. Well, not so many people dig living in Castlefiedl anymore and this has had quite an impact on its bars and restaurants. Dukes 92 is fine. In fact, it's probably a fairly good example of this kind of bar. However, why on earth would you ever bother going to Castlefield? Sure, it has an outdoor bitbut other places do too. And crucially, they're not inoh you get my point read more

This is possibly one of the best bars in Manchester. Wonderful for sitting out in the summer and cosy for sitting indoors in the winter. I've only eaten here a couple of times but the food was fantastic, especially the pizzas and roast pork buns. Delicious! I nice place to go with friends for a sunday afternoon pint. read more

Dukes 92 has been a firm favourite of mine for many a year! Many moons ago,when I was footloose and fancyfree and working in the city centre,we would frequent Dukes for the amazing bread and cheese and a cheeky rose!! It has since been refurbished and is modern and eyecatching. I particularly enjoy visiting Dukes in the summer when they occasionally have an outside BBQ.The atmosphere is toxic.Great place! read more

I have been visiting this place during the day time twice. They are serving here nice food however I haven't been left impressed that you have to order food at the bar. Bar staff is always fooling around and not paying much attention to their customers. read more

Dukes 92 is a bit of a Manchester institution. It is great on a summers day, you can sit out by the canal and drink and relax. Dukes has a good atmosphere, the most popular thing to order is a massive hunk of bread, then you choose your cheeses and your pate and pickled onions etc and dive in.perfect with a cold glass of beer. A really relaxed place, good atmosphere. read more

Nice pub especially in the summer next to the canals under the heat lamps. Not open late enough though and drinks are a bit pricey. Worth a visit if you like pop music read more

the place is hugee! good food , neat service and the best part is the outdoor seating area. the location is perfect to have a peaceful drink and catch up with friends.Iv heard its better in the summers.i think this place has a perfect setting for a sunny afternoon beer...its like the kind of place where you can sit bak ,relax and sip on your drink for hours... if you are on a date you should definitely take a walk along the canal nearby...i was impressd with the place and would deifinitely want to go there again...(but to be true i liked it better cause of the person who took me here)... read more

Some of the worst service and food I have had the misfortune to encounter. A group of 8 of us took 2 1/2 hours to be served one course. When the food did turn up it had clearly been sitting on the pass for some time; it was lukewarm, and any sauces had completely congealed. The food was not fresh (how lazy does a kitchen have to be to not make basic dishes such as burgers, salsa and guacamole from scratch?) The staff were inattentive and rude. I would not go back to this place if you paid me. A real shame as the location is fantastic. read more

So. This is not a review of Dukes or Alberts Shed. Although I rate them both differently depending on my mood. This review is about the Castle Field rooms. I recently attended a wedding there. A Gay wedding in fact. And wow from the decor to the smooth taste of the prosecco, the music played live on a grand piano, the modern, Unique take on canopes which were divine to the lighting then the amazing grand flowers and finally the attentive staff. It truly was a day to remember. Over 12 hours across 2 different rooms that had to be decorated and completely transformed on 2 separate occasions each to meet the needs of the high demanding queens. Is truly was fit for royalty. Unusually the wedding breakfast meal was delicious. Perfectly timed and well served. The Pinot Noir was also a perfect red to accompany the meal. All in all for a wedding venue I thought it was amazing. So adaptable and so beautiful. Just remember tissues and waterproof mascara!!! read more

BAD EXPERIENCE A group of friends decided to meet up in this restaurant (11 people) for a reunion! What a bad choice, waiter gave us all a dirty look to start of with when we walked in, then took 15 minutes for our "small table" to be recognized & gave a menu. Then another 20 minutes for a drink order, then you can Imagain the wait for the food. "Well cooked steak came back nearly walking, a discussing pizza, chewy meat and so on.... Once complained about the raw steak it came back when everyone had finished so we asked to take it away only to find when home that the tub had been filled with potatoes (I kid you not) yes potatoes, £17 for a tub of potatoes!!!! Plus 5 of the group had food poisoning, 1 of those people ate the pizza,,,,,, so a reunion turned out to be a disaster with everyone feeling ill & spent a fortune in this lovely place "not" Oh I forgot to mention that a discount for our experience wasn't even considered ... Work that out read more

Had good atmosphere but felt drinks were expensive. Bar staff didn't help matters by only pouring half the can of red bull out. Then cheekily crushing it a little to let you think it's empty. Put it aside then charge the next person for a full can. Had this done to me twice. Took matters into my own hands second time as she was in the till, I reached over and took them back. Well I did pay for them. Last time I'll drink in this bar... read more

The place to go in Castlefields. Great location.

dukes has always been a great pub and one of the best thing to come out of castlefield rengeration in te early 90's. prefer it before they modernized it a couple of years ago but still great place to drink especially in the summer due to the great beer garden looking over the canal. read more

Fab for the summer, great for a spot of food!