First glimpse of transformed Albert’s Didsbury restaurant and bar

Massively popular West Didsbury restaurant and bar Albert’s is re-opening on March 15th – just in time for Mother’s Day – after a major transformation costing half a million pounds.

The brand new look marks the 10th anniversary of the original launch of the venue, part of the hugely successful home-grown hospitality group that includes Albert’s Shed Castlefield and Albert’s in Worsley

The opening will be celebrated with a party for Albert’s customers and local residents to welcome them to the completely redesigned restaurant. The all new interior, designed by Space Invader Design, features eye-catching colour schemes of dark green, blue, gold and brown with lush materials such as velvet used in the seating area.

The look is complemented by a wall of living plants separating the restaurant and bar areas. Lighting is a key feature including a beautifully designed centrepiece inspired by the elegance of birds singing and celebrating life.

The expansion of the bar area is aimed at creating a new destination for local residents as well as visitors from further afield – the Albert’s team are promising a fabulous new bar experience with a big revamped range of local craft beers, cocktails, fizz and wines.

The warm, welcoming new neighbourhood bar experience (which will seat 56 in total) will host pre-bookable party tables too, making it an exciting addition to the Didsbury scene.  It will be home to the full Didsbury Gin range, which will be on show in a gorgeous botanical themed back bar serving bespoke gin and tonics, all created with the collection.

The popular outside area will also boast a brand-new look including chairs and tables for 76 people on the terrace and up to 120 people on the lower terrace.

The Albert’s food menu is staying the same with the house signature dishes all staying put – from home-made Lancashire cheese and onion pie and Albert’s fish and chips to the Albert’s stone baked pizza menu and exotic specialities like Malayan Chicken.

And for the first time Albert’s will be serving a traditional afternoon tea, all created in the Albert’s style.  From an intimate get together for two or a larger group of friends, it’s the perfect place to celebrate this fabulous tradition.

Jim’s son James Ramsbottom, now the company’s managing director, said: “We cannot wait to reveal our new look to all our loyal customers old and new, and to say a big thank you for their patience over the past couple of months while we’ve been busy with the refurb.

“The design is stunning, and we are sure everyone will love the new look. We’ve all worked hard to ensure we are open and ready for business on Mother’s Day, which is a very popular date with our customers. This year we will offer an extra special experience with a brand-new restaurant and bar to enjoy plus lots of new cocktails.”

All this 21st century sophistication grew out of the opening of a waterside pub in Salford back in 1981. The launch of the Mark Addy on the Salford bank of the Irwell was local bookie Jim Ramsbottom’s first venture into hospitality – and property development.

He became a major player in the renaissance of the historic Castlefield area, buying an 18th century merchant’s warehouse for the scrap price of its bricks and, with its redevelopment, kick-starting the dramatic transformation of the area.

He opened the Duke’s 92 pub by the 92nd lock of the Rochdale Canal in 1991 and adjoining Albert’s Shed (said to be named after Jim’s uncle who kept his tools there) followed in 2004.