Top Things to do in Durham
Things to do in Durham, England: The Best Bars & Clubs
Discover the best top things to do in Durham, United Kingdom including Viva Cuba, The Holy GrAle, The Dun Cow, The Woodman Inn, Durham Brewery, Old Cinema Launderette, The Station House, Shakespeare Tavern, Half Moon Inn, Tin of Sardines.
Restaurants in Durham
1. Viva Cuba
2. The Holy GrAle
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By NeilRichardson1980 - Barnsley, United Kingdom
I absolutely love places like this. I love the drinks, the atmosphere the music, the type of people that go in (usually people that play musical instruments and have seen the Levellers at least 5 times) and the fact that they usually have loads of nice dogs that the owners let you stroke. I sampled half of the dearest pint I've ever seen on tap...but then you drink these drinks like you'd savour a nice wine, you don't chuck them back be they probably cost more than wine to produce. I can't wait to return.
3. The Dun Cow
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Reviewed By ClaireandG - Arundel, United Kingdom
I spent many hours in the Dun Cow as a student and recently I re-visited to find that it is still an excellent, friendly pub.
4. The Woodman Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
THIS BUSINESS IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. This traditional-style pub serves a good selection of lagers and three real ales and has a great selection of spirits including gins and malt whiskies. With a pool table, dart board and various other games to choose from. It also has a Gold award from the national 'Best Bar None' scheme. Boasting the best pub garden in Durham City, which has been beautifully re-landscaped, along with an outside TV for sporting features etc. A vibrant, colourful, attractive and relaxing area and this is a massive attraction during the warmer months. The pub offers a 'Light Bite' snack type menu including burgers and nachos etc at very reasonable prices. Although there is no designated pub car park, it's usually possible to park on the street nearby free on a weekday evening/Sunday. This is a friendly family-run pub offering a warm welcome to all its visitors.
5. Durham Brewery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Small independent micro-brewery just outside Durham. Brewing cask, keg and bottle-conditioned beer. Shop and taproom on site. Tours most Saturdays must be booked in advance.
Reviewed By andyjoneszz - Durham, United Kingdom
Excellent beer, delightful staff, hilarious and informative brewery tours, and a pleasantly off-beat place to settle down for a reflective pint or two. And a chat. And maybe a bottle of something unusual for later. Can't recommend it highly enough. :-)
6. Old Cinema Launderette
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Old Cinema Launderette is a functional launderette by day. By night (usually at weekends) it's a bar and music venue. By day wash your smalls in our machines and by night have a bottle of real ale and watch fantastic music.
7. The Station House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Quiet community micropub in the city centre of Durham, very close to the train and bus stations. Serving excellent real ale and cider in an atmosphere promoting conversation. Welcoming owners who are passionate and knowledgeable about their products.
Reviewed By xDavidxFx - Durham, United Kingdom
I recently moved to Durham from the US and have been trying out various places to drink. My favorites tend to be old-school local pubs, but these have two drawbacks: first, the clientele tends to be a bit older and second, the beer is often not well cared-for. This place has all the advantages of such pubs* but with a younger crowd and owners who really know and care about and for their beer. They have fostered a real community of regulars who come to eat, chat, play board games, discuss books and, of course, drink beer and cider. The place is reasonably large but feels intimate; the staff are friendly and knowledgeable; the prices are reasonable; and there is a decent selection of snacks (including a vegan sausage roll sourced from nearby Bean Social, plus guests are welcome to bring in their own food). *the minor exception is that it's in an old furniture store, not one of these buildings that's been a pub since the Roman Empire or whatever. If you're looking for that kind of charm in Durham, you should try out The Victoria.
8. Shakespeare Tavern
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
Famous for being Durham’s most haunted pub, The Shakespeare is set in a 12th century building with a Bar on the ground floor & Y'Bard Spirits Bar on the second floor. Recently refurbished, 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. Y'Bard spirits bar was formerly the Managers office of the historic 12th century building recently refurbished & turned in to an exclusive Spirits Bar.
9. Half Moon Inn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 181 reviews
The Half Moon Inn is a traditional public house in the heart of Durham city. We are a grade 1 listed building with many of the original works still seen today. The fireplace and back bar were put in in 1905 and the work is something to see. We have a fantastic outside drinking area leading down to the River Wear to enjoy a nice refreshing drink. With Sky TV showing all sporting events.
Reviewed By The_drayman
The Half Moon is always a good place to start and finish the night off, staff are always friendly and welcoming the pub is always clean and this pub has a great beer garden overlooking the river, the cask ales are kept to a high standard and always taste their best, I've drank in here a lot over the years and have always found it a place where you can relax and enjoy the night!
10. Tin of Sardines
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
Reviewed By LM559
Had a lovely visit to Tin of Sardines our host Mathew was so lovely and helpful and very knowledgable about the gins he made it a very enjoyable experience. Such a really cute little place would highly recommend! A mist visit if you are in Durham!
