An iconic protected structure on Dublin's busy Aungier Street has been lovingly restored and brought back to life as The Lucky Duck by Press Up group.
Annmarie O' Donnell of O'Donnell O'Neill, the interior designers for The Lucky Duck, Stella Theatre and many other landmark venues around Dublin had this to say about the design.
It was very important to make sustainable use of the upper floors of this important protected structure. The design intent was guided by the original features such as cornicing and original timber floors, the design focused on setting in beautifully designed bars, furniture, light fittings, designing gorgeous hand painted panelling.
The exterior details on the 'Dutch Billy' building make a fantastic first impression. A red brick facade punctuated with giant dark sash windows, and dental-style coving frame the hand-painted sign that harks back to times passed.
The exterior of The Lucky Duck
My visit to The Lucky Duck
The pub
To the front of the ground floor pub is a traditional snug furnished with dark tufted leather seating. The original Victorian style wooden bar has been updated with a gleaming copper top - the bright and airy feel makes for a pleasant spot for summer evening drinks*.
Upon climbing the stairs, the walls are cladded with dark wood panelling whilst mid-century light fittings add an air of subdued glamour. Delicate, oversized oriental silk lanterns are suspended on each return and abstract, brightly coloured art adorns the walls.
(L) Leather sofas in the ground floor snug and (R) Wood cladding on the stairway walls
(L) The refinished Victorian bar and (R) Silk lanterns and dark walls on the return
Upon climbing the stairs, the walls are cladded with dark wood panelling while mid-century light fittings add an air of subdued glamour. Delicate, oversized oriental silk lanterns are suspended on each return and abstract, brightly coloured art adorns the walls.
Jewel-toned velvet and wall-panels
The Digges room
On the first floor is The Digges room where the staff serve an array of alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails. The space is dual-aspect and filled with natural light. The decor felt sumptuous with dark wood parquet floors, rich, peacock-blue velvet sofas, contrasted with tan leather armchairs, and panelled walls and wainscotted ceiling finished in a leaded-blue gloss paint.
The nibbles - the charcuterie board, parmesan fries and patatas bravas
Bespoke whiskey cocktails in the O'Reilly bar
We were impressed by the eagerness of staff to to whip up a traditional whiskey sour* - which turned out to be the best I've had in the city! As the bartender became familiar with our tastes, he tweaked the following rounds of cocktails and impressed with some unusual but delightful concoctions.
Head chef Stephen Ryan, has created a menu that is described as:
Traditional Irish fare
with a modern twist.
We enjoyed nibbles in the form of a charcuterie board with parmesan fries and patatas bravas on the side.
*drinkaware.ie Non alcoholic drinks are also available.
Comfort and style in The Reilly room
The Reilly room
In The Reilly room on the second floor, I was excited to discover a decadent, smoke-grey velvet bar. A true luxury! There were plenty more velvet touches in glorious jewel tones dotted around the room in the form of comfy armchairs. Other details included a large marble fireplace, black painted wooden floors, sash windows, softly striped linen window panels and a grid style gallery wall - housing a full flock of eccentric avian illustrations.
The fantastically extravagant velvet bar in The Reilly Room
(L) The velvet bar and (R) Cut glass mid-century wall light
The plush nook in Clarke's bar
Clarke's bar and other details
Clarke's bar on the third floor is divided into two spaces - a cosy, wood panelled nook with blue velvet chairs and Jonathan Adler style wall lighting; and a small but glamorous walnut bar with smoked glass mirrors and David Lynch-esque red velvet sofa. There's even a hatch for ordering drinks.
I always love to sneak a look at bathrooms in beautifully designed venues, and this one didn't disappoint. The marble sinks with satin brass fittings were framed perfectly with soft green walls and blue geometric floor tiles.
Mid-century style wall lights
Marble sink, linen wall panels and satin brass details in the bathroom
The cost
We were treated to a charcuterie board and side dishes of parmesan fries and patatas bravas, and a plethora of delicious gin and whiskey-based cocktails*. A well-priced menu with cocktails from €10-12, €6 for toasties, bar snacks from €5-21 and €21-31 for a main course.
The Lucky Duck, Aungier Street, Dublin | theluckyduck.ie | t: +353 (01) 405 4824
Other cocktail/food spots in the area
Other options in Dublin city centre include:
Peruke and Periwig
Farrier and Draper
The Exchequer
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I hope you enjoyed my sneak peek inside The Lucky Duck. As always, if you have any interior tips or questions, please get in touch!
Jen Connell is a designer and interiors-enthusiast. Follow her on Instagram at @jen_connell or get in touch at jen.connell@rte.ie
Photos courtesy of The Lucky Duck and Pamela Connell.
