Music, comedy and community – remembering the Ducie Bridge Pub

It’s been ten years since Manchester lost one of its most loved boozers, the Ducie Bridge pub.

Nestled on the corner of Corporation Street and Miller Street, this iconic venue was much more than a pub—it was a stage for rising stars, a place for creativity, experimentation and a cherished gathering place for locals.

Though its doors closed in 2015 and its structure was demolished in 2020, the legacy of the Ducie Bridge continues to resonate in Manchester’s cultural memory.

The Ducie Bridge Pub

Established in 1892, the Ducie Bridge pub was an architectural gem with its red brick, neo-Jacobean design that stood proudly against the city’s evolving skyline

It was fondly dubbed ‘The Friendliest Pub in Manchester’—a title it lived up to with its warm atmosphere, buzzing live music scene, and vibrant community spirit.

For decades, the pub’s stage became a launchpad for budding musicians and comedians. Its open mic ‘Jam’ nights and regular gigs attracted scores of music lovers, while its Juicy Ducie Comedy Club welcomed emerging talent.

Comedy legends like Peter Kay, John Bishop, Jo Brand, and Johnny Vegas graced its intimate stage, perfecting their craft before skyrocketing to fame.

A music lover’s paradise

From the late ’90s to the early 2000s, the Ducie Bridge solidified its reputation as a haven for Manchester’s music scene. Bands like Alias Kid performed here before catching the attention of industry heavyweight Alan McGee, leading to record deals and bigger stages.

The pub’s ‘free to play’ ethos, championed by landlord Dave Foran, gave countless young bands the opportunity to perform without the financial barriers imposed by other venues.

Foran also launched Manchester Radio Online and the Manchester Bands-Union from the pub, creating platforms to showcase local talent. The result? A thriving local music scene.

It also was famed for hosting a Quiz League, with a ‘great buffet’ for punters to tuck into as well.  The pub became a popular boozer for people to go to before seeing gigs at New Century Hall and the now AO arena.

A farewell to remember

When the Co-op announced in 2015 that the Ducie Bridge would close as part of the NOMA regeneration scheme, the news was met with widespread dismay. This historic pub, a cornerstone of Manchester’s cultural fabric, faced demolition to make way for a modern urban development. Yet, the spirit of the Ducie Bridge refused to go quietly.

Its final months were marked by defiance and celebration. The pub hosted a raucous farewell gig, bringing together music fans for one last hurrah. Then, in a surprising turn, the building became a temporary refuge for a group of homeless squatters in 2016. Their occupation aimed to provide a safe, drug-free space while highlighting homelessness in the city. Despite their efforts, the occupation ended with an eviction order in 2017, sealing the pub’s fate.

Gone but not forgotten

By 2020, the Ducie Bridge had been reduced to rubble, its absence a stark reminder of Manchester’s rapidly changing landscape. Yet, the memories of this extraordinary venue remain. Whether it’s the laughter of a comedy night, the electrifying energy of a live band, or the camaraderie of a pub quiz, the Ducie Bridge lives on in the hearts of those who frequented its welcoming walls.

What are your memories of the Ducie Bridge pub? let us know!

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