Putting everything under one roof can be a difficult task that’s hard to get right, but DSW — Ducie Street Warehouse — pulls it off. This Grade II listed, Victorian-era gem dates back to 1867, when cotton bails were stored here, arriving from the Americas before making their way to London. Architecturally, the building reflects just how fine Manchester’s industrial designs were, even when it came to storage buildings. Today, the open brickwork and original powder blue details create a cool, aesthetically pared back environment that lends itself to multiple things. For clarity, let’s take them one at a time, starting with the bar, lounge, terrace and restaurant.
Running from the central atrium back — complete with views up to the rooms above — Ducie Street’s eating and drinking offering is big rightly well-regarded. Small plates coming out of the kitchen focus on a communal, social dining experience in-keeping with the overall goal of the address: bringing different people together. Menus are highly seasonal, champion local suppliers and include a local butcher’s cut-of-the-day and fresh pasta of the day options. Meanwhile, Sunday offers a roast dinner ranked the best in England by folk at Rate Good Roasts in 2022.
As for the bar, cocktails here are of a high standard, with bespoke options conjured up by the mixologists. Spilling out onto the patio, which overlooks the back end of Piccadilly Station and onto Ancoats, here regional heroes and visiting dignitaries alike play DJ sets with relaxed parties regularly on the agenda alongside arts and culture pop-ups. Not to mention the infamous Saturday Brunch and monthly Disco Brunch session.
Of course, all this changes during week days, when Ducie Street Warehouse fills up with smart young professionals turning mid-century-style dark wood booths into co-working spaces. All that aside, the upper floors are dedicated to the award-winning Native Manchester aparthotel, which is a perennially popular choice for tourists and business travellers due to the amazing amenities below, and the generously sized and appointed accommodation itself. This is before we come to the on-site Mini Cini, a 36-seat cinema that screens cult and classic movies, dog-friendly flicks and kids hits, year-round. Throw in arts and culture pop-ups championing diversity and inclusivity throughout the extensive cultural programme, and it’s clear that at Ducie everyone is welcome.