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Swan and Three Cygnets
Elvet Bridge,
Durham,
DH1 3AG
Tel: 0191 3840242
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This large pub, with two floors and beer gardens by Elvet Bridge serves some of the best selections of beer and wine in Durham, from Samuel Smith’s brewery in Tadcaster. Recently refurbished, it is comfortable, in a traditional English pub style, with a good mix of students and locals enjoying the atmosphere. The Swan and Three also serves good traditional food at a reasonable price.
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Ye Old Elm Tree
12 Crossgate,
Durham,
DH1 4PS
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Ye Old Elm Tree is a warm and friendly pub with a good mix of clientele, being popular with students, locals and tourists. They are drawn to this traditional little pub by the excellent selection of quality cask-conditioned ales and by the good bar meals on offer.
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Dun Cow Inn
37 Old Elvet,
Durham,
DH1 3HN
Tel: 0191 3869219
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The Dun Cow, a small bar in Old Elvet, close to the Crown Court and University buildings, is home to the famous Dun Cow challenge – a drink from every pump along the bar – banned by University authorities for its very negative effects on student performance! For a taste of a very traditional English pub, in an equally old building, this is a great place to go. A little further out of the way than most Durham pubs, it is worth a visit nonetheless. With a decent range of real ales, but little in the way of modernity, the Dun Cow is a proper drinking pub.
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The Victoria Hotel
86 Hallgarth Street,
Durham,
DH1 3AS
Tel: 0191 3865269
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The Victoria, in Hallgarth Street, close to Durham University Student Union, is a fine example of a Victorian pub, without all the accoutrements of modern life – no TV, no jukebox, just a good old-fashioned fire. With three rooms to choose from, and an impressive range of beer and whiskies, this pub is a real must. Popular with both locals and students, The Victoria regularly wins plaudits from beer lovers for the quality and variety of its beer.
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The Half Moon Inn
New Elvet,
Durham,
DH1 3AQ
0191 383 6981
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The Half Moon, on the corner of New Elvet and Elvet Bridge, serves fantastic local beers – Durham Brewery’s finest are often available – and has a wonderful courtyard leading to the river that is great for summer evenings. A popular choice, with a sizeable bar, and an even bigger courtyard, this is a great choice for one or two drinks in the summer.
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The Market Tavern
27 Market Place,
Durham,
DH1 3NJ
Tel: 0191 3862069
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Conveniently located for a quick drink and a bite to eat at lunchtime – some respite from shopping in Durham’s specialist shops and markets – this pub forms part of a national chain that likes the spit and sawdust approach. Not the cheapest place you’ll visit in Durham, but the bar food is reliable and there are a number of beer and wine options to choose from.
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The Shakespeare Tavern
63 Saddler Street,
Durham,
DH1 3NU
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This late Victorian building houses a real gem – a pub from the old school. Close to a host of shops, try The Shakespeare for a taste of old-style drinking as a break from the shops, or on the way back from the Cathedral and Castle. Housed in an incredibly narrow building, and retaining many original features, the atmosphere of this pub is bound to impress.
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Varsity
46 Saddler Street,
Durham,
DH1 3NU
Tel: 0191 3846704
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One of a new breed of pub chains aimed at students, with keen prices and lots of room to stand and admire everyone else drinking standing up. Serving food at value prices, with TVs and music, and a terrace at the rear looking out across the Wear to the Students Union, it is worth a visit just for the view. Well located, close to a number of Durham attractions, if a little faceless.
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The Colpitts Hotel
Colpitts Terrace,
Durham,
DH1 4EG
Tel: 0191 3869913
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A short walk out of the city centre, The Colpitts is another Samuel Smith’s gem. Located by ‘the viaduct’ there is a great mix of locals and students, and the beer is very well kept. A more traditional pub than the Swan and Three, it is not too far from the railway station for a quick drink before making your way out of the city. Has been known to call itself ‘the most bohemian pub in Durham’ and only installed a ladies toilet in the 1990s, this pub is a real ale fan’s delight.
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The Water House
65 North Road,
Durham,
DH1 4SQ
Tel: 0191 370 6540
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This JD Wetherspoon pub offers cheap beer, regular guest ales, and decent food, with regular special offers, all in an old Water Board building in North Road. Conveniently located for the railway station, bus/coach station and the Millburngate Centre, you’ll know what you’ll get with The Water House: the same Wetherspoons offer available everywhere else in the UK. Modern interior fittings – lots of faux and real wood in dark colours – makes it an attractive choice, and it is very popular. Children are allowed in the pub, and it has a large non-smoking section.
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Brown Sugar
81-82 New Elvet,
Durham,
DH1 3AQ,
Tel: 0191 386 5050
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Brown Sugar is a funky coffee house, bar, and restaurant and is a relative newcomer to Durham’s nightlife scene. It has a very contemporary look, with leather sofas, laminate floors and a selection of premium drinks; this is the place to go for a special evening in Durham. Located just across from the Royal County and Three Tuns Hotels, Brown Sugar is a convenient alternative to the hotel bar.
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