Varsity, Durham

Half decent chain pub. They have a couple of hand pumps, which never seem to be working. Slightly above average food. Couple of big screens, so good for watching sport, and a decent terrace out the back.

You need to purchase a V-card to get the best prices; but this has steadily increased in price, whilst the extent of the benefits have deteriorated over the past couple of years. Seems almost pointless now.

It has a large bar, but is staffed by numpties who only serve people who stand directly in front of the tills and shout louder than everyone else. The bar manager seems to think he's related to God, but is in fact a complete failure as a human being. If you see him throw you a disdainful look which says 'you should be happy I've acknowledged you exist', he's actually inviting you to order. Have you ever noticed how arrogance and stupidity often go hand in hand? This clown thinks he's hit the big time with his 14k salary, but fails to realise the manager of the local McDonalds is actually more successful than he is.

Avoid at peak times.

9 Jul 2010 22:40

Bridge Hotel, Durham

Very good pub. A couple of hand pulls on offer, one is usually Theakstons, always well kept. Food is always very good, but the person writing the blackboard should remember they're working in a pub in Durham, not Le Gavroche.

Slightly off the beaten track, but worth a visit.

9 Jul 2010 22:24

Market Tavern, Durham

Probably the best traditional pub in Durham, in an excellent location in the centre of the market place. Lots of dark wood fittings and a wooden floor, but a high ceiling which creates an airy atmosphere, even when it's packed.

A constantly changing selection of four of hand pulled ales on offer, often including unfamiliar brews. The usual selection of premium lagers and bottles are also available.

As Thethompson has pointed out, this place has an unbeleivable jukebox. You could probably type your own name in and come up with a couple of hits. It must have a hard drive the size of my living room.

Definitely recommended, day or night.

9 Jul 2010 22:16

The Water House, Durham

If you've been to one spoons, you've been to them all:

Good selection of drinks? Check.
Real ale pumps? Check.
Poorly kept? Check.
Cheap as chips? Check.

Located on North Road opposite the bus station. For those not too familiar with Durham, North Road is the backside of the town. So, place a cheap pub opposite the charver/scumbag magnet that is the bus station, and you get an, ahem, 'varied' crowd inside. However, a live and let live attitude generally prevales so don't worry too much about venturing in for a swift one before the bus turns up. But DO NOT be tempted by the ales on offer, as you will be disappointed, grab a bottled drink instead.

9 Jul 2010 22:05

Head of Steam, Durham

Easily the best selection of beer (and drinks generally) in town. 3/4 regularly rotated hand pumps, the usual top end lagers, one or two wheat beers on tap, and a couple of fruit beers for good measure.

However, where this place really comes into its own is its selection of bottled beers/lagers, many of which I haven't seen anywhere else in the NE. The fact that they have a beer menu speaks for itself.

Unfortunately, this place is located on North Road, but it seems to be going strong and deservedly so.

Highly recommended.

9 Jul 2010 21:56

The Swan and Three Cygnets, Durham

Fantastic Sam Smiths pub in a great location by the river, superb beer terrace when the weather allows.

No, they don't sell Fosters, or Magners, and if your too dense to notice this via the use of your own eyes, you deserve the curt response you'll receive from the manager when you request the same.

Unless your a pit yakka or a charver, you will find that this pub offers you the best service in town. Tremendously efficient and polite every time, even on Gala day.

Obviously the range of drinks is limited to SS products, but they're decent enough and a pound a pint cheaper than most other Durham watering holes.

9 Jul 2010 21:50