The Best Pubs
in
Durham

Step into The Joiners Arms, where the crackling log burner and deep, homemade steak pie instantly make you feel at home. This is a proper local, buzzing with darts, pool, and live sports, while its dog-friendly beer garden and rotating street food vans keep every visit fresh. Whether you're here for a pint of well-kept ale, a cocktail with friends, or to cheer on the match, the welcoming buzz and lively craic guarantee a brilliant night out.

Tucked away on the scenic route from the moors to the dales, The Duke of York Inn is a welcoming haven for hungry travellers and their four legged friends. The kitchen turns out generous, freshly cooked dishes like succulent ribs and creamy pork loin, all made with local ingredients and served alongside a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails. With a cosy bar area, a warm fireplace, and plenty of room for groups, it’s a proper, dog friendly local where a great meal and a friendly pint are always on the cards.

The Green Tree is a cracking local where the welcome is as warm as the fire, with a superb range of beers, wines, and cocktails to suit every taste. Head to the back bar for darts, pool, and every football match, or grab a seat in the brilliant outdoor space when the sun's out. Live music keeps the energy high, and since dogs are welcome too, it's the perfect spot to settle in for a proper session with great company.

Tucked away in a charming village, The Victoria Inn B&B is a fantastic find where modern comfort meets classic pub warmth. With five clean, cosy en-suite rooms, it’s the perfect base for exploring, and the welcoming bar boasts a brilliant range of real ales, wines, and spirits. The outdoor seating is ideal for sunny afternoons with your dog, and with regular pizza nights, a lively buzz for sports, and a family friendly vibe, this spot is an absolute gem for a relaxing stay or a great night out.

This is a cracking traditional pub where the log fire, pool table, and dart board set the scene for a perfect pint. The friendly owners and welcoming locals create an instantly comfortable spot, especially on quiz nights when the place is buzzing. With a great selection of real ales, ciders, and wines, plus a dog-friendly policy and outdoor seating, it is an absolute gem for a relaxed session.

For a proper, no frills local where the welcome is as genuine as the pint, the Australian Hotel is an absolute gem. The friendly bar team and regulars create a wonderfully sociable spot, perfect for gathering with a group or bringing your dog along for a relaxed afternoon. With a fantastic selection of beer and wine at very reasonable prices, this olde worlde pub is the ideal place to settle in for a laugh and a great night out.

The Welcome absolutely lives up to its name, offering a genuinely warm and friendly local where every guest feels like part of the family. The beer is superb and reasonably priced, and the walls are covered with an incredible gallery of rock and cult movie memorabilia that adds to the pub’s unique character. With live music, outdoor seating, and a dog friendly policy, it is the perfect spot for groups, sports fans, or anyone looking for a cracking pint and unbeatable vibes.

The Blacksmiths Arms is a brilliant traditional local where the pint is always top notch and the welcome feels genuine from the moment you step through the door. With spotless surroundings, friendly service, and very fair prices, it’s the kind of place that rewards a detour off the main path. The beer garden is perfect for sunny afternoons with your dog, and the whole pub has a warm, sociable buzz that makes it ideal for groups or a quiet, satisfying drink.

The Kings Head is a brilliant, wallet friendly local where the drinks are top notch and the welcome is genuinely warm. With a cracking selection of beers, wines, and cocktails, plus live music and every match on the screens, it’s the perfect spot for a lively night out with friends or a relaxed afternoon with your dog. This down to earth gem delivers a fantastic, no fuss time that keeps everyone coming back.

Pull up a chair by the roaring fire at The Dun Cow, a wonderfully cosy family run pub where the welcome is as warm as the crackling logs. With a superb selection of beers and wines, plus sports on the screens and the brilliant addition of rotating food trucks, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed afternoon with your dog or a lively catch up with friends. This traditional country pub is an absolute gem, promising a truly satisfying and memorable visit every time.