A first look inside the four-floor bar and restaurant that opens in Dublin today

Congratulations, you survived another week and the weekend is yours for the taking. Not sure how to spend it? Drop by the brand new four-storey bar and restaurant on Aungier Street.

The Lucky Duck opens its doors today in 43 Aungier St, a protected structure of architectural, historical and archaeological significance. The building, that has been vacant for over 20 years and dates back to 1756, has been carefully restored into a mixed-atmosphere food and drinks venue, offering everything from cosy old-man pub to trendy cocktail bar. The owners have blended old Dublin with the new by installing power-outlets on the customer side of the bar, allowing you to charge up while you drink.

The ground floor is open from 12 noon.

Enter through the original columns to the traditional Victorian pub where the walls are lined with archived streetscape photographs. Order a drink from the ground-floor copper-topped antique back bar (which is over 100 years old) before nestling into a large, light-filled snug. Alternatively, nip out back to the renovated terrace. Guinness lovers will also be pleased as The Lucky Duck has one of the shortest lines in Dublin, which promises the perfect pint of stout.

Of course, no venue is truly complete without a food menu. Pull up a stool and indulge one of The Lucky Duck’s golden, melty toasties. Or, if you’re hungry for more, dinner is served on the upper floors every evening from 5pm. Head chef Stephen Ryan uses quality, seasonal ingredients to create traditional Irish dishes with a modern twist.

The three top floors offer a completely different vibe to the Victorian pub downstairs. The decor is luxurious with velvet banquette seating overlooking Aungier St. The Reilly Room on the first floor is the perfect spot for a date with an intimate cocktail bar and open fire. The cocktail menu was created under the expertise of Paddy Noir and is closed-loop inspired, meaning less waste and more taste. But, if it’s a straight-up drink you’re after, they have plenty of those too. Sip your beverage of choice in the Digges Room, located up the original restored staircase, or venture up to Clarke’s Bar where friendly table service means you won’t have to leave your snug all night.

For more information, visit theluckyduck.ie.