‘Leading’ Oxford cocktail bar in liquidation amid £58K debts

Duke Property Ltd, which runs the Duke of Cambridge bar on Little Clarendon Street, entered Creditors Voluntary Liquidation on July 28.

This is a a liquidation procedure that enables a company to be wound up by resolution of the members of the company instead of by a court order.

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A statement said: “Notice is given that at a General Meeting of the Company, duly convened and held at the place and on the date given above, a special resolution was passed that the company be wound up voluntarily; and an ordinary resolution was passed appointing the Liquidator for the purposes of the winding-up.”

The liquidators appointed were from Fortis Insolvency, with Daniel Taylor of the firm stating that the economic climate over the last few years has provided “major challenges”.

Duke of Cambridge cocktail bar (Image: Oxford Mail)

He said: “It is always difficult when an individual or company faces insolvency, as one failure often impacts on others around them either directly or indirectly. From suppliers to employees to finance providers to HMRC, there is always a wider consequence.

“The economic climate over the last few years has provided several major challenges to businesses, and the fall-out continues to be encountered.

“We know that this business is not alone in what it has faced over recent trading periods, and suspect that there are more economic consequences yet to be felt.”

The Duke of Cambridge has also been approached for comment.

The company’s latest accounts, to May 31, 2025, show creditors falling within a year worth over £58,000 and an average of three employees, less than half the number from the year before.

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On its website, the Duke of Cambridge describes itself as “Oxford’s leading cocktail bar” and says its has been open since 1981.

It adds: “Located in the bohemian district of Jericho, the bar is always bursting with atmosphere at the weekends with a more chilled vibe during the week.

“Fresh ingredients, cool interiors and friendly staff give The Duke genuine character and style.”

In addition it said that it is “currently closed for a refurbishment following a break in”, with Google also reporting the cocktail bar as closed.

It added that it would be “reopening soon”.