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BEST RATED DURHAM, UK PUBS

3 Best Pubs in Durham, UK

Expert-recommended Top 3 Pubs in Durham, UK. All of our pubs actually undergo a rigorous 50-Point Inspection, which includes local reviews, history, business standards, ratings, satisfaction, trust, price and their trading excellence. You deserve only the best!

The Library Durham
The Library Durham
The Library Durham
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THE LIBRARY DURHAM

(5.0 Score)
46 Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NU, UK Directions

Speciality:

✓ Coco Paloma ✓ Rumbungo ✓ Strawberry Bomb ✓ Passion on the Beach ✓ Mini Beer ✓ Berry Woo Hoo ✓ Skittle Bomb ✓ Cherry Cola ✓ Jäger Bomb ✓ Elderflower Spritz ✓ Baby Guinness ✓ Tommy's Margarita ✓ Espresso Martini ✓ Pornstar Martini ✓ Aperol Spritz ✓ Petal and Stem Sauvignon Blanc ✓ Jam Shed Chardonnay ✓ Reign of Terroir Chenin Blanc ✓ Pontini Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie ✓ El Velero Verdejo Blanco ✓ Luna Del Sur Malbec ✓ Campo Viejo Rioja ✓ Jam Shed Shiraz ✓ Flagstone Poetry Merlot ✓ El Zondaz Tempranillo

“2025 Update: The Library Durham is a modern pub with a terrace, serving cocktails, mocktails and 'fishbowls' alongside a comfort food menu. They operate as a late bar with craft beers from some of the favourite breweries in the country, cocktails, and a wide selection of premium spirits. The Library Durham features a welcoming and relaxed bar in a lively student area, open from breakfast until the early hours. The pub is a great place to relax, meet new friends and join in activities such as quizzing and retro-gaming. The Library Durham is also an ideal place to watch the big games on TV whilst eating and drinking from street food-influenced menus. The pub's lower level also has two pool tables and large tables for bigger groups that want to watch sports together.”

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Price:

Rated Plates
Fish & Chips £13.50
Avo Salad (Vg) £11.00
Tandoori Chicken £2.50
Italian Cheese (V) £1.50
Crispy Coated Smoked Tofu Bites (Vg) £2.50
Grilled Halloumi (V) £2.00
Karaage Coated Chicken £2.50
Smoked Chicken Thigh £2.50
Buddha Bowl (V) £11.50
Bbq Beef Burnt Ends £2.50
Slices Of Chorizo £3.00
Tandoori Chicken Skewers £13.50
Fajita Chicken Rice Bowl £13.50
'Nduja Ranch Chicken £13.00
Crispy Sweet Chilli Smoked Tofu Skewers (Vg) £14.00
You Wanna Pizza Me
Barbie Chick £13.00
Tandoori Chicken £13.00
Easy Cheesy (V-M) £11.50
A Load Of Pepperoni £12.50
The Mighty Meat £13.50
Swicy Plant-Based (V-M) £13.00
Doner Kebab King £13.00
Detroit
Sizzlin' Pepperoni £13.00
Classic Margherita (V) £12.00
Spice It Up (Vg) £1.50
Pimp Your Pizza
Spicy Pepperoni £1.25
Peppers (Vg) £0.

Contact:

0191 3846704

Mon-Thu: 10am - 12am
Fri & Sat: 10am - 1am
Sun: 10am - 11:30pm

TBR® Inspection Report:

The Bishops' Mill
The Bishops' Mill
The Bishops' Mill
3+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE BISHOPS' MILL

(4.9 Score)
Walkergate, Durham DH1 1WA, UK Directions

Speciality:

✓ Martini ✓ Gin ✓ Champagne or Sparkling Wine ✓ Whiskey ✓ Rum ✓ Vodka ✓ Gallon Casks and Real Ales ✓ Cider ✓ Hard Seltzer ✓ Beer ✓ Red ✓ White ✓ Rosé Wines ✓ Cocktails ✓ Margarita ✓ Mojito ✓ Fiesta Brunch ✓ Eggs Benedict ✓ Mushroom Benedict ✓ Miner’s Benedict ✓ American-Style Pancakes ✓ Small American-Style Pancakes ✓ Scrambled Egg on Toast ✓ Beans on Toast ✓ BBQ Chicken Melt ✓ Mixed Grill

“The Bishops' Mill offers various beverages, including real ales, craft beers, gins, and soft drinks. The pub's lunch and dinner menu includes lighter bites, deli deals, vegetarian options, gourmet burgers, and freshly crafted pizzas. Customers can enjoy table service facilitated by the Wetherspoon app and complimentary and unlimited Wi-Fi. The Bishops' Mill provides step-free access, baby change, racing TV, Sky Sports, children welcome, accepts debit cards, outdoor seating, serves great cocktails, and music.

2025 Update: The Bishops' Mill has step-free access.”

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Best Bar Award in 2017

Price:

Breakfast
Large Breakfast £6.59
Traditional Breakfast £4.99
Small Breakfast £2.99
Freedom Breakfast £3.10
Large Veg Breakfast £6.59
Vegetarian Breakfast £4.99
Small Veg Breakfast £2.99
Vegan Breakfast £2.99
American Breakfast £7.00
Small American Breakfast £5.14
Butties & Wraps
Bacon Butty £2.69
Sausage Butty £2.69
Veg Sausage Butty £2.69
Breakfast Wrap £4.51
Veg Breakfast Wrap £4.51
Muffins
Egg & Cheese Muffin £2.59
Egg & Bacon Muffin £2.79
Egg & Sausage Muffin £2.79
Egg & Veg Sausage Muffin £2.79
Breakfast Muffin £2.99
Extras
Black Pudding £0.80
Two Bacon Rashers £1.67
Lincolnshire Sausage £1.15
Vegan Sausage £1.15
Fried Egg £0.98
Poached Egg £0.98
Two Scrambled Eggs £1.73
Baked Beans £0.98
Hot Drinks
Flat White £1.81
Cappuccino £1.81
Latte £1.81
Mocha £1.81
Espresso £1.81
Black Coffee £1.81

Contact:

0191 370 8510

Mon-Wed: 8am - 12am
Thu & Sun: 8am - 1am
Fri & Sat: 8am - 2am

TBR® Inspection Report:

The Head Of Steam
The Head Of Steam
The Head Of Steam
11+ YEARS IN TBR
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THE HEAD OF STEAM

(4.9 Score)
3 Reform Place, North Road, Durham DH1 4RZ, UK Directions

Since 2009

Speciality:

✓ White Chocolate Raspberry Cherry Sour ✓ Serenity Cascade and Galaxy ✓ Cat Amongst ✓ Motörhead Röad Crew ✓ Head of Steam IPA ✓ Delirium Red ✓ Bigmouth ✓ Steamer ✓ The Head of Steam Lager ✓ Erdinger Hefe-weizen ✓ Guinness Draught ✓ Beer Cut With Peach ✓ Krušovice Royal Premium Imperial ✓ Nastro Azzurro ✓ Sagres ✓ Blackberry Blonde ✓ Plum Porter ✓ The Head of Steam Gold ✓ Landlord ✓ Gladiator ✓ Draught Cyder ✓ Rekorderlig Strawberry-lime

“The Head of Steam is a Vibrant pub with a roof terrace and a courtyard, serving real ales, pizza, burgers, and snacks. The pub also specialises in delivering multiple delicious dishes prepared with prime-cut steaks and seasonal ingredients. The Head of Steam has an extensive beer, wine and spirits range and great food. The pub is one of the best destinations for beer lovers and those looking to spend their downtime with friends and family. The pub provides quality live music and events. The Head of Steam is a pleasant little spot with tables, chairs, and cosy couches. The pub offers table reservations and online orders.

2025 Update: The venue features a stunning outdoor balcony offering the perfect spot to enjoy your favourite drink while escaping the hustle and bustle of the city. The upstairs area, spread across two floors, provides an ideal setting for after-work drinks or professional meetings.”

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Price:

Loaded Fries
Shawarma Loaded Fries £11.00
Buffalo Loaded Fries £11.00
Cheeseburger Loaded Fries £11.00
Chilli Cheese Loaded Fries £11.00
Sharing Plates
Chilli Cheese Bites Small £9.00 Large £12.50
Corn Ribs Small £9.00 Large £12.50
Nachos Small £9.00 Large £12.50
Spiced Beef Nachos Small £10.00 Large £13.50
Mozzarella Sticks Small £9.00 Large £12.50
Loaded Potato Skins Small £10.00 Large £13.50
Wings And Things
Chicken Wings £13.50
Cauli Wings £13.50
Chicken Tenders £13.50
Buffalo
Chilli & Lime
Bbq
Gyros
Chicken Shawarma Gyro £15.00
Falafel Gyro £14.50
Grilled Chicken Gyro £15.00
Sides
Sweet Potato Fries £6.00
Fries £5.00
Onion Rings £5.00
Salad £4.50

Contact:

01913 832173

Sun-Thu: 12pm - 11pm
Fri & Sat: 12pm - 12am

TBR® Inspection Report:

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THE LIBRARY DURHAM REVIEWS

We had a bottomless brunch here yesterday with Mikey hosting us. He was absolutely fab, attentive and funny! The best customer service we have had at a bottomless brunch and we have done most venues in Durham now. Food and drinks were nice. We had a great time! Thank you guys!

Fantastic hen party. Our waitress was absolutely amazin, friendly kind and perfect at her job. Thank you so much Bottomless brunch.

Denise behind the bar was incredible. Her customer service, especially with two young children and a dog, was top class. Nothing was too much. What an asset she is to your pub.

These reviews are provided for information purposes and to help you make informed decisions.

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THE BISHOPS' MILL REVIEWS

Fantastic atmosphere and no-one can complain about thr prices. This place is a great stop off or a good starting point for a night out in Durham. Staff are super friendly and there's plenty of space to grab a seat. The food is nice, basic food with a great price so you never feel out of pocket. Would highly recommend.

I went for a few drinks on Saturday around 10 pm. The atmosphere was buzzing very busy, and music was great. The service was great. The bar was fairly busy but got served within 5 minutes. I will definitely go back to try food on my next visit.

Everything about this place was spot on. Very spacious and comfortable had a chilled out chat with friends and some food that was nice and hot. Highly recommended if you are visiting Durham.

THE HEAD OF STEAM REVIEWS

I recently had the pleasure of dining at The Head of Steam in Durham, and I can confidently say that it was an outstanding experience from start to finish. The menu offered a delightful array of options that catered to various tastes. The service at The Head of Steam was top-notch. From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us with warm smiles and an eagerness to help. They were attentive without being intrusive. One of the highlights of the visit was the outdoor seating area, which is a true sun trap! On a beautiful day, there’s nothing better than enjoying a meal or a drink outside, basking in the sunshine while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a wonderful place to relax with friends or family, making the most of the lovely weather.

Since moving to Durham for university this has been my go to pub. The food is excellent. The staff are super friendly and very approachable when ordering. I have recommended this place to a great number of friends and they have all since become regular customers of the place.

Great place to meet for ales and ‘bar food’ - wings, pizza, burger etc. Tucked away just off the main drag, but well signposted. Highly recommended.

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE LIBRARY DURHAM Total Inspection Points: 119/120
Complete Info: 9
Acknowledgements: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Responsiveness: 10
Reviews Accuracy of 5.4K: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE BISHOPS' MILL Total Inspection Points: 118/120
Complete Info: 9
Reviews Accuracy of 4.5K: 9
Acknowledgements: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Current Evaluation: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Pricing: 10
Extensive Menu: 10

TBR® Inspection Score Report

THE HEAD OF STEAM Total Inspection Points: 117/120
Reviews Accuracy of 3.2K: 8
Complete Info: 9
Acknowledgements: 10
Business Hours: 10
Menu Images: 10
Contact Info: 10
Exact Services: 10
Legitimate Ratings: 10
Location Proximity: 10
Online Order: 10
Pricing: 10
Extensive Menu: 10
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