Pubs in Durham
Discover the best pubs and bars in Durham. Browse opening hours, menus, events, and more.
Found 66 pubs in Durham — Page 1 of 6
Bridge Hotel
40 North Road, Durham DH1 4SE
Friendly pub that attracts a good mix of regulars and visitors to the region. It was built in the 1850s as lodgings for railway workers constructing the viaduct under which it sits, becoming a public house a few years later. The pub has recently been refurbished with a comfortable bar and lower dining area. It serves good quality home-cooked food 11.45am-9pm every day at reasonable prices, and hosts quizzes on Tuesday night with a free hot buffet for which prior booking is essential by phone or facebook.
Colpitts Hotel
Colpitts Terrace, Durham DH1 4EG
A refurbishment has given this late-Victorian pub a smart makeover, but it remains little changed from when it was first built. As with all Samuel Smith's pubs, the noise comes from the chatter of conversation rather than from music or TV. The unusual A-shaped building comprises a cosy snug, a pool room and the main bar area partially divided by a fireplace. If you want to take a step back in time, this is the pub for you.
Dun Cow
37 Old Elvet, Durham DH1 3HN
A Grade II listed pub, parts of which date back to the 15th century. In 995AD, Lindisfarne monks searching for a resting place for the body of St Cuthbert came across a milkmaid looking for her lost cow. She directed them to Dun Holm (Durham), and the pub is named after the historic animal. There is a small front snug with a larger lounge to the rear. An occasional guest beer is available.
Stonebridge Inn
Stonebridge, Durham DH1 3RX
A traditional pub close to the site of the Battle of Neville's Cross, which was fought between the English and the Scots in 1346. The pub can provide facilities for private functions and offers food from locally sourced producers, plus ales from the Black Sheep brewery and a rotating guest brewery.
Half Moon Inn
86 New Elvet, Durham DH1 3AQ
Popular city-centre pub, reputedly named after the crescent-shaped bar that runs through it. The decoration, following a summer 2021 refurbishment, is retains a traditional feel, including many original features. There are also a range of photographs of the pub in the early 20th Century, including many from the Miners' Gala. A mixture of local and student clientele contribute to a sociable and friendly atmosphere. It is notable for serving Draught Bass as part of a selection of well kept ales. To the rear is a large beer garden that offers both covered space and a fine view of the river and Old Elvet Bridge.
Head of Steam
Reform Place, Durham DH1 4RZ
Vibrant pub with a continental feel, attracting beer lovers of all ages. As well as five real ales, it offers an extensive choice of draught and bottled beers from around the world. Tasting events are often held featuring a wide choice of ales and ciders. Excellent, good-value food is available and families are welcome during the day.
Market Tavern
27 Market Place, Durham DH1 3NJ
A busy city-centre pub in Durham's historic marketplace, offering a good selection of five local and national cask ales and one real cider. Despite refurbishments, the pub has managed to keep its traditional wooden alehouse appearance, and pictures of miners' banners take pride of place. Customers are given a warm welcome, and good food based on pub classics is served until 8.30pm.
Old Elm Tree
12 Crossgate, Durham DH1 4PS
One of Durham’s oldest inns, dating back to at least 1600, with a friendly atmosphere attracting a good mix of locals, students and visitors to the city. Recently refurbished and under new management. The interior comprises an L-shaped bar and a top room linked by stairs. The pub hosts a Wednesday quiz (arrive early), and a folk group on Monday and Tuesday. A former local CAMRA Town Pub of the Year.
Queen's Head Hotel
2 Sherburn Road, Durham DH1 2JR
Spacious and inviting family-run pub well worth the short walk or bus ride from the city centre. Home-made meals, and daily specials and the popular Sunday lunch, are served in the dining area. The pub has a large garden to the rear. Pool and TV are available in the main bar, and the pub runs a quiz night on Tuesday and Sunday evenings with food provided to all participants.
Shakespeare
63 Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NU
A well-liked pub in the city centre close to the Cathedral. Refurbished in 2014, the interior comprises a small bar and a larger back lounge. The pub was originally a haunt for 19th-century theatre actors and patrons, hence the name. Despite recent alterations and other ill-judged attempts at change over the years, it has largely maintained its character. It is very popular with locals and students, and there is folk music on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 8.30pm. Four real ales are available and pub grub is served Mon-Fri 11am-3pm.
Victoria Inn
86 Hallgarth Street, Durham DH1 3AS
This warm and welcoming, family-run, Grade II listed pub has remained almost unchanged since it was built in 1899, and the quaint decor, coal fires, cosy snug and genuine Victorian cash drawer help create an old-world feel. No meals are served but toasties are available. Voted local CAMRA City Pub of the Year for the twelfth time in 2020. This pub has been in the same family for 40 years and is popular with locals, students and visitors alike.
Water House
65 North Road, Durham DH1 4SQ
Situated in former Water Board offices, this popular Wetherspoon pub gets extremely busy at weekends. It offers a good selection of beers from regional and microbrewers, and hosts a beer festival twice a year plus an annual cider festival. The modern decor is complemented by coal-effect open fires. The pub serves good-value food, and hosts a poker night on Monday and a quiz night on Wednesday. Alcoholic drinks are available from 9am.