The Best Pubs in Durham

Step into The Dun Cow Inn, a wonderfully quirky pub on Old Elvet that feels like a proper old worlde retreat. They pour excellent real ales like Castle Eden, and the kitchen turns out classic British fare including proper pork pies, chips, and corned beef. With a lively Monday quiz and regular folk nights, it’s a fantastic spot for groups who love good beer, hearty food, and genuine local character.

Come for the beer and stay for the community at this welcoming pub near the station. It offers a wonderful, rotating selection of well kept cask ales and ciders in a minimalist setting with no music. The friendly staff and simple decorations create a space perfect for enjoying great brews and veggie pastries.

This pub is a lovely, plant filled space with a covered patio and additional outdoor seating. They bake, brew, and bring people together, offering a delicious Sunday roast for both meat eaters and vegans. You can also enjoy divine coffee and sweets, a great Sunday lunch, and an excellent beer choice. The menu includes tasty options like Welsh rarebit and bacon sandwiches. Their passion for food and drinks creates an experience that leaves you satisfied and smiling.

Step into The John Duck, a truly welcoming spot where friendly staff and a superb range of real ales and ciders take center stage. This traditional pub charms with its comfortable, rustic feel and a fantastic outdoor beer garden perfect for relaxing. Don’t miss the excellent Thursday night pub quiz, a beloved local tradition that kicks off between 8 and 8:30. Recently refreshed and spacious, it offers a wonderfully relaxed alternative to the weekend crowds, making it a true Durham favourite.

This family run Victorian inn is an award winning free house that has been operating since 1975. It features open coal fires, hand pulled ales, and a well stocked selection of spirits with no jukebox, music, or pool table. The pub offers six high quality en suite bedrooms and is a 2025 Top 100 Bars in Europe award winner.

Step through the doors of this brilliant Victorian station pub and you’re greeted by two original fireplaces that crackle with warmth. The real magic is the view out onto the platform, giving you just enough time to drain your pint as you watch your train pull in. With a fantastic range of fresh real ales on offer and a wonderfully kitted out interior, it’s the perfect spot for a pre journey pint or a cozy railside retreat.

The Rose Tree Inn offers a warm welcome and serves good traditional pub food. The lunch light bites are great, with a highly recommended chicken and bacon sandwich featuring a full chicken breast and freshly cooked bacon on delicious bloomer bread. Diners also rave about the fantastic steak pie with great chips and the gammon. For sunny days, the pub boasts a great patio area with outdoor seating.

Step into Ye Old Elm Tree and you’ll immediately feel welcomed by its friendly, knowledgeable staff and the warmth of a true local gem. This lovely old pub is a haven for beer lovers, offering a frequently changing lineup of cracking real ales that make it one of the best spots in town for a proper pint. Whether you’re grabbing a seat outdoors or settling in for a few hours, the inviting character and reasonable two meals for £12 deal make it an absolute treat.

The Colpitts is a wonderfully unspoilt late Victorian pub where you can settle into a cosy snug with a cheap, fantastic pint from the Sam Smith brewery. It’s a perfect spot for a quiet drink, offering a friendly, no-fuss welcome and the added bonus of a decent pool table for a bit of fun. This place feels like a genuine local gem, ideal for anyone seeking great value and a relaxed, traditional drinking experience.

This pub is part of the Ember Inns family, offering a warm welcome with crackling fireplaces and a wide range of delicious dishes, including British pub classics, Sunday roasts, and vegan options. You can enjoy award-winning cask ales on tap, cozy corners, and a spacious beer garden with outdoor seating. It’s an ideal spot for quality family time, a weeknight catch-up, or a special quiz night, and you can even order takeaway for collection or delivery.