Oxford cocktail bar ‘will return’ after company liquidation

Julian Rosser has assured the public that the Duke of Cambridge will reopen again soon with its current closure coming after a reported burglary in June this year.

His statement comes after Duke Property Ltd, which is based at the Duke of Cambridge, 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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However, Mr Rosser – who has run the cocktail bar since 1998 – has said that Duke Property Ltd is to do with the lease of the site and not involved in the day-to-day operation of the bar.

He said: “The Duke will continue. It hasn’t gone into liquidation; Duke Property Limited has.”

Duke of Cambridge in Little Clarendon Street (Image: NQ)

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

He added: “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.”

Mr Rosser agreed the the economic climate isn’t good citing the Botley Road closure – which has lasted several years and is set to end in September – as a difficulty.

“Trading in Oxford is very difficult right now,” the 62-year-old said, who also said students from the university weren’t visiting as much as they used to.

Julian Rosser

Following the burglary in June, he said that The Duke of Cambridge will remain closed until students – including from Somerville College which is a neighbour to the bar – return in the Autumn.

In part, this is because he wants to brainstorm how to improve business.

He said: “It always used to be very very busy but turnover has taken a hit. We need to think about how we are going to reinvent the Duke.

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“We stopped doing food in 2002 but it might be time to bring food back.”

Mr Rosser added that he was also considering changes to their opening schedule.

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.”