please note - reviews on this site are purely the opinion of site visitors, so don't take them too seriously.
Had a short visit in this cosy little Durhampub, with a couple decent cask ales on.
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Pleasant bar with a range of well-kept ales (incuding Reverend James and Deuchars IPA on my visit), friendly welcome and good service. Well worth a look. 8/10.
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Decent historic pub in the centre of town. Popular with tourists, but five good real ales, including an excellent pint of Landlord and Theakstons Black Bull. Proceedings were enlivened by a lady of a certain age who perched on our laps. Worth a visit.
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Rather quiet when I went in just after noon. Decent pint of Deuchars but a swift pint was sufficient.
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I visit Durham about 6 times a year. There are a number of pubs worth a visit and this should be one of them BUT the manager seems to close at random times and fails to stick to published opening hours. Either the GBG is wrong or he does not want the trade.
On the odd occasions that I have had a pint there, it was ok, not special and not much of a range to choose from, but I wont be trying again, as I will not waste time trying to get served!
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Agree...delightful interior, but a very uninspiring range: one from London, one from Cumbria and two from Scotland...what's that about, why no representation from local micros: poor.
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I'm afraid we were looking for some inspiring beers and as none on the bar did that we left. Interior looked nice though
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One of the better pubs in Durham with crooked walls and a cupboard in the bar that looks like I fitted it. Had 4 ales on when I was in, nothing too inspiring, Fullers London Pride, Waggle Dance, Deuchars IPA and Jennings Cumberland. The Cumberland was fine but a bit on the pricey side. Used to be an occasional haunt of Niall Quinn when at Sunderland, maybe because it looks a bit like several Dublin drinking emporiums.
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A lovely pub with its seprate areas. do not be put off if the front bar is busy, push through and there are several rooms to the back and you will often find a seat. The beer was a let down though, the range was uninspired and temperature it was served at was better suited to an Aussie lager than a British ale
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told by friend who lives in the durham that this was one of the oldest pub in durham.the jennings cumberland ale was a good pint but this was the most expensive of the 5 pubs i went in durham city centre
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This used to be one of my favourite Durham pubs - now the little snug has gone, the back rooms opened up and to crown it all, those wonderful windows seen on the photo above, have gone. The beer was average. It is now a superb example of how our heritage can be destroyed overnight and replaced with bland replication you can see anywhere. Disgraceful.
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Visited in late June, really liked the pub. It was quiet when we were there but had some amusing chat with the barman and another customer. There was a traffic jam outside - nothing moved more than a metre for 40 minutes - apparently this is a daily occurrence and it was quite fun to watch the manoeuvring as drivers tried to extricate themselves from the very narrow street (luckily we were on foot.) Gents' is on a slope. I'd never been there before so don't know what it used to be like but I thought it had character and would return, in spite of the rather uninteresting range of ales (in reasonable condition to be fair).
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A good pub, enjoyable time to be had here. The beer is a bit cold and the interior could do with a lick of paint. But that's being picky.
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Friendly but it could be so much better. Disappointed to see the old wooden screen has been removed from the bar. Just looks weird now. Could do with a sympathetic but major overhaul.
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The good point: It is atmospheric.
The bad points: The place stinks of bleach. The drink is average. The glasses are at best rinsed. the toilets are dark to say the least.
This place could return to its former glory if they did the simple things right (and carpeted the place). As it is, nah. Just pop along to the half moon.
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Good little pub for a quick stop-off providing it's not too cramped. Just as pretty much every reviewer has mentioned, it's size makes for a claustaphobic affair if even a gaggle of folk turn out!
The "old bit" is what you come in here for - the "new bit" just looks out of place and tagged on. Although this shouldn't be a problem if you just want a couple of pints as it makes a great addition to a pub crawl. Besides, I like the toilets which feel like they have been carved out of a cave... lol
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10 years ago this used to be the best pub in Durham with a good atmosphere and great beer but over the last three years it seems to have become a victim of its own success - it is full of Hooray henries and the last time I was in I got told off by a set of folk singers for talking whilst they were singing and I insisted on talking (in a whisper) whilst doing this. Avoid a Thursday evening if possible. The Shaekespeare used to be a top class pub but it has lost this.
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The review below are a bit unkind: I would certainly visit this pub if I were in Durham. Ok - maybe only for one pint - but it has a huge amount of character. The last time I was there a chap asked if a neighbouring dog liked bones and duly produced a mammoth's jaw from an M&S carrier bag. That doesn't happen so often in pubs down south, particularly if they have carpets.
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I can only agree with "johnbonser"'s review.
What an awkwardly arranged pub. No space to sit in the main area if busy, so people are forced to stand at the bar - making crowding appear worse, and getting served almost impossible.
Lots more seating out the back via needless corridors, but no bar?!
Whoever 'designed' the decor hates cloth and fabrics, or has an irrational fear of everything catching fire!. Bare walls, bare ceiling, bare floors, a stark pub alround. Feng Shui has yet to hit the Shakespear in Durham.
If it's crowded, you will feel too cramped to stay for more than 1 pint. Shame, cos i guess you never really get a feel for the pub if you're always thinking of leaving it.
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Early 19th Century CAMRA National Inventory pub in a narrow shopping street leading up to the cathedral.
The pub is larger than it looks from the outside as it extends back quite a way into several rooms behind the bar, including a small wood pannelled screened snug.
Taken as a whole, I found the pub a bit featureless and the pine floor boards and cream coloured walls made the pub feel a bit cold and uninviting to me. It lacks the cosiness of, say, the Victoria Hotel or the front bar of the Dun Cow nearby. It didn't help that, on a wet and windy evening, the barman insisted on having the front door open.
There was a reasonable range of real ales on - Deuchars IPA, Everards Tiger, Fat Catz Devonshire (?) - and the staff and locals were welcoming and hospitable, but, in all honesty, I didn't really warm to this place.
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This pub was recommended to us, and I enjoyed my Robinsons beer. We were in a small room, and it was very quiet.
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Seasons greetings Paddy & staff, will be up North soon & can't wait to see you again & enjoy your great ale & hospitality, never found any hostilries South that comes a million miles near to the Shakey. I wish sincerely it was still my 'local' Have a blast & every success for 2008. Kev Wilson (the student one lol)
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Great little pub. It's a bit cramped and labyrinthine, but that somehow adds to its charm. I had a guest ale that was first right.
I visited on Remembrance Sunday. A real mix of drinkers: blokes in suits, soldiers in uniform, folkies, middle-aged couples and a group of chav-ettes. Nice atmosphere, very relaxed.
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Small pub in a steep narrow street leading to the castle and cathederal. Beer range wasn't particularly exciting and my pint of Everard's Tiger was very mediocre.
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Visited the Shakespeare on the day of the miners gala and will never go back!
The beer was warm and flat
The staff were unfriendly
The prices were inflated
They charged extra to serve beer in plastic 'glasses', that was just an insult.
The only price displayed anywhere was the extra charge for the plastic drinking cups!
Shakespeare, you should be ashamed.
If in Durham give this place a wide berth, there are lots of good pubs in Durham, this is not one of them.
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To everyone who has put bad comments about the Shakey.
This pub used to be great, then the previous landlord (v tall, curly hair, large dog) didn't do so well and there were several occaisions when the beer ran out, was off, or the pub was closed for no particular reason. I did hear a tragic tale about this chap, so I won't go on about him.
Mow with the new landlord the place is fab!
Lovely 80bob, excellent guinness, a real turn around, well done landlord.
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Great pub. Would be perfect if it wasn't for the folkies.
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I've got to say this is a strong candidate for best pub in Durham. The locals are a bit despondent, but the alcohol is top notch!
Funnily enough, we encountered some of the 'Durham brats' students while in there, hilarious eavesdropping 'norm should be here, but he's shooting in Ireland'.
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Hmmm... someone obviously doesn't like any kind of disagreement around here. Went to Durham the other week and this place was great - restored to its former glory. All I can assume is that Kev (for it is he) never experienced the Shakespeare under its former owner. If he had, he's see what all the fuss is about. I remember it from way back when I was a student then (too long ago to mention) but it was a superb place, even if the back room was frequently full of uncle-daddy types from the Home Counties, then something happened... A new owner, I guess. The perm wearing cockney in the excised post (or shall we say 'censored'? Yeah, we will'. Now I know northerners like to joke about how southerners no nowt about beer, but this guy was taking it to extremes. Fortunately, order has been restored. The best pub in Durham is back. Great staff, great beer, great atmosphere. Geat place. Now don't get me started on the Elm Tree. What the hell's happened there?
anonymous - 28 Jan 2007 19:14 |
This is the best and friendliest pub in Durham. The pub is a little gem and Paddy and the staff are just about as good as the beer. If you want an excellent pint (usually four real ales) and a chat with the locals in a friendly little old fashioned pub this is the place for you.
rds10 - 28 Dec 2006 22:50 |
Hi guys one and all. Just like to say dunno whsat the comment on the 1st may 06 was all about I'm wondering if he got the wrong pub !!!!
I advised a group of mates to visit during the summer & despite it being a 'quiet' beginning of the week night it suited them all down to the ground as they soaked in the old charm of this cute n cozy pub, quoffed more than a pint or 2, enjoyed a 'toasty' & a few pickeled eggs were given an excellent welcome. More power to your elbow 'Paddy' you certainly know how to give us the kind of pub we want & the ale is as always excellent. Cheers Kev
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Superb! What a little gem. Pokey wee rooms - gents toilet floor slopes like the north face of the eiger - some strange locals - it's fabulous!
The only pub we bothered with in Durham once found!
Go see for yourself!
Wonderful
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Used to be a superb boozer with great atmosphere and well-kept real ales. Last time I went in, I think it had changed hands: the owner was rude to his staff and the beer was rank. Hope it was just an off night.
anonymous - 1 May 2006 21:49 |
Dear Shakespear Mates,
Si Mole has been keeping me up-to-date, but just wanted to say hello to all. I will try to call soon when friends are gathered together. I very much miss one of the best pubs I've ever been to...It was, of course, my living room away from home. I'm working hard on returning soon. I think another lecture position is possible after the first of the year. To anyone checking out this review: You could not find a better pub...Just don't tell anyone. I will need my seat in the corner shortly.
PS: To Chris: NO Division.
All the best,
Tom
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Hi fellow students & patrons of the Shakespeare Durham, just to say sadly I am leaving Durham Uni to move onto pastures new and further South therefore won't be returning to Durham for the new term.
I have had a blast in the town & by far my best times have been at the Shakey, may it go from strength to strength & be the great sucess it deserves to be. I certainly will miss it & hope to return for an excellent pint of 80 bob when visiting mates from Uni. Thanks & good luck to Paddy, George & all of the staff. Cheers
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Hi folks, just wanted to say that because of this site & the more recent comments made by other patrons, I have met up with Kev Wilson for a couple of 'sessions' at the Shakespear & once again had a great time. Hic, hic, LOL.
We are both in total agreement that it is by far the best hostelry in the town & although a cheaper pint can be found elsewhere in Durham it is worth paying more for the best ale we have ever had & the warmest welcome given. The refurb is continuing & it now has an impressive new bar top & lighting which all adds to the 'feel' of a proper good owld pub.
The atmosphere is much calmer & friendlier than it was with the former management & the new landlord is diligent in sorting the wheat from the chaff in his no nonsence attitude & approach to any unruly patrons which is appreciated by the more discerning drinker. Cheers!
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Hi all, just wanted to add some comments about the refurbished and newly owned 'Shakey'Durham in as few a words as possible so I can get back to the beer! Good atmosphere, great crowd, efficient & hospitable staff & good ale to boot. What more can one want it ticks all of my boxes. Well done. Keep up the good work. Kevin.
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I walked past the Shakespeare this morning to find several guys waiting outside for opening which in itself was a good sign so I thought I would have a look in again too LOL. Just to say the Cask beers are now available & what a selection. There is 80 bob,which I sampled rather more than I should have done! bloody lovely. Courage Directors,and Deuchards IPA.
The place was bouncing and well it should. It is the best beer I have had in a very long time and it is deffo going to be my 'local' Congratulations.
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I used to be a regular at the 'Shakespear' but over the last couple of years I experienced a decline in the standard of the beer and the welcome I received made me feel I was more like an inconvenience than a paying customer. Unlike Markre comments below I had no trouble with the 'regulars' just the staff.
I was therefore interested to hear it had been sold & re opened again, under new management earlier this week.
With a spring in my step & a feeling of hopeful optimism I visited the afore mentioned hostelry on 2 occasions this week & have pleasantly witnessed a complete transformation inside. Hard work & a total refurb was evident, although the new colour of the paint work was 'interesting'(but worth a visit just to see it)the surroundings far superceeded the previous dull & dirty interior without detracting from it's character within.
The original floorboards have been tastefully restored to their former glory & some of the previous 'surly' & disinterested staff (including the barman) have been replaced by far cheerier ones, I'm glad to report.
The 'team' is headed by the new landlord & owner, a knowledgeable & enthusiastic guy who emits a very warm welcome & an obvious passion for ale, gained by a lifetimes experience at the 'otherside' of a bar he told me LOL.
The keg beer shows great improvement & the landlord will soon be offering cask beers as soon as the old cellar re-vamp is complete. WATCH THIS SPACE.
The seating has been stylishly re upholstered, the inside walls are displaying fabulous photographs of Durham & Newcastle which were taken by a reknowned International photographer & are available for sale to locals & tourists alike. In the near future the pub will be open for coffee & freshly made to order sandwiches always welcome for a hungry student.
I was delighted with the new surroundings & will once again regularily be patronising the 'shakey' & would like to wish all concerned a successful & well deserved future. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK! from a very satisfied customer.
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I first went to the Shakespeare quite recently and I was shocked and appalled. Don't get me wrong - It's a wonderful pub, dark, grotty and fine beer... Exactly what I want. However, the attitude of the regulars at the bar was shocking, the barman was useless and made it very clear that he didn't want us students there. I resent that, as I may be a student, but I was born in Durham City and such an attitude is inexcusable. Without exaggeration it is the least friendly pub I've ever been to.
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Though I reviewed the Shakey quite favourably not long ago, I must concur with the recent postings. Something�s amiss. Last month when I had a cask beer there, it tasted full-on of vinegar, a radio was blaring away, and the barkeep (a young lady about 20 years old) acted as though she couldn�t be bothered, despite there only being about four customers. The last time I visited, there were no cask offerings at all.
The attitude of late got on the wrong side of the local CAMRA as well, and as a result, the Shakespeare was dropped from the latest edition of the Good Beer Guide.
I want the Shakey to be a good pub. It�s historic, quirky, and spot-on convenient for those of us around the Cathedral and Castle. Tonight I thought I�d give it one more chance � and found it closed. Refurbishment, someone said; will re-open at the end of the month.
Hope springs eternal.
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Pretty good pub - good atmosphere, usually good beer and a few weird little rooms to explore, especially 'the chokey' - an airing cupboard sized room covered with obscene graffiti. Last time I was there my mate was bargaining for beer mats off the walls to aid his collection by buying the rest of us pints! Never a bad thing...
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Very disappointed with my last visit here....Only 1 ale-a vinegary stout...on sale.Slack service from a young guy who was too busy talking to his mates...Pity because I`ve always liked this place...
Hopefully a one off.
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Five adjectives: Tiny; Old; Cozy; Historic; Quirky
Landmark city centre pub, popular with locals, Durham University students, and tourists alike. Charming exterior (with attractive sign featuring Shakespeare�s head). Hand pumped beer available.
One of only two pubs in County Durham on the Campaign for Real Ale�s �National Inventory� of heritage pubs in 2005, The Shakespeare boasts a rare and unspoilt pub interior of outstanding historical interest.
Welcoming to this non-regular; the small room in the rear is perfect for taking a book and having a pint in the afternoon (especially as it is a �quiet pub� free of recorded music).
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As can be read in the comments below, this is really one of the best, most pleasant and traditional, welcoming pubs in the very centre of Durham. Is quite small and intimate, with great beers, good setting, and really friendly staff and regulars. Recomend to all.
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First pub I always go to in Durham....love the front bar,....have the crack with the locals & drink some proper real ale...check the other rooms out too.
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I adore the 'Shakey' It serves up good Northern ale and the odd toastie but this place is sooo much more. A church is only as good as it's congregation and although this is not a church of god it is a temple to the drinker.
This is a real old fashioned pub, not a fake old fashioned pub. A small bar then through a doorway and there is a little snug on the left and on the right is a back room.
The toilets are as near to being an outdoor netty as you get these days.
I just love it and the folk in there.
TOP DRAWER! 10/10
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The best pub I have ever been in by far! I go there most Sunday nights, even though it's 50 minutes each way by bus! The Fives Room at the back is brilliant, it can be peaceful as yoou like, or sometimes packed to the (very small) rafters, like fitting 50 people into a Mini.
The beer is great, the staff very welcoming. And it's a nice place for me to do my Open University work with a few pints (which make maths much easier hehe)
I'd recommend this pub to anyone.
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Superb historic pub with fascinating history and fascinating regulars. Nice beer, and friendly atmosphere, with a layout as eccentric as the academics who frequent it.
anonymous - 25 Nov 2004 23:40 |
great little pub, very cosy and has a snug at the back. Friendly staff too.
Judith Cumming - 13 Nov 2004 14:30 |
old pub dateing back to the 11th century
alison dowson - 2 Nov 2004 16:26 |
