Having featured Darlington’s top places to have a drink and a night out, it’s only fair that we give Durham a go as well.

We’ve had a look through TripAdvisor to find the best places in the city to have a drink.

Venues on the list offer a range of options with some places offering a drink with a bite to eat, while others offer a casual night out with a  great range of drinks.

All businesses on this list have been picked for their great reviews and are regarded as some of the best places to have a drink, according to TripAdvisor.

Check out the top seven places to have a drink in Durham according to TripAdvisor (listed from worst to best)

7. Shakespear Tavern, Saddler Street, Durham

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Although it comes last place in our list, Shakespear Tavern has some great reviews landing it a four-and-a-half stars out of five.

The venue is famous for being Durham’s most haunted pub and has been recently refurbished and comprises a small bar and larger back lounge offering a cosy drinking experience.

It has received 45 five-star reviews, and 40 four-star reviews out of a total of 97 reviews all together.

One person said: “Best pub in Durham for real beer. Also a great historic atmosphere. Five mins from both the cathedral and the market place . Couldn't be better placed really.”

6. Viva Cuba, Sadler Street, Durham

Viva Cuba is technically the highest reviewed venue on our list, however, it only has 18 reviews all together.

The business is a tiny rum bar and offers a “great selection of rums” and “fabulous cocktails” according to one reviewer.

Viva Cuba has received 17 five-star reviews and 1 four-star review out of a total of 18 reviews all together.

One person said: “Firstly? The setting! A perfect juxtaposition of old and new. The perpendicular arrangement of spirits was great.

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“Secondly.. Adam the Host not only made my drink but talked me through the process and all other aspects of making a great cocktail.

“Head previously walked past thus bar but so glad I came in. Will return again and hope Adam is here to serve us.

“Would recommend!

“Also, door man was friendly and polite.”

5. The Station House, North Road, Durham

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Described on TripAdvisor as a quiet community micropub in the City Centre of Durham, the pub is found close to train and bus stations.

The micropub also supposedly “promotes an atmosphere of conversation.”

The venue has scored 41 five-star reviews and seven four-star reviews out of a total of 51 reviews all together.

One person said: “Well worth a visit. A great well kept selection of draught and keg beers / lagers. Simple, no nonsense - top notch.”

4. Old Tom’s Gin Bar, 33 Riverwalk, Durham

This venue is influenced from the fist ever Gin Old Tom which plays a significant role in the history of gin, according to its TripAdvisor description.

Reviewers have praised the bar for being “lovely and quirky” as well as it being in a “great location.”

One person said: “Great bar in great location , ordered a cheese /charcuterie platter it was fabulous.

“Couldn't have asked for more ,took a pic and put it on FB and it received many good comments, lovely staff too.”

3. Half Moon Inn, 86 New Elvet, Durham

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According to its TripAdvisor the Half Moon Inn is a “traditional public house in the heart of Durham.”

Found in a grade I listed building with many of the original works seen inside, the venue also has a “fantastic” outside drinking area leading to the River Wear.

Reviewers have praised the pubs “lovely service” leaving the pub with 157 five-star reviews and 30 four-star reviews out of 207 reviews all together.

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One person said: “This pub has something for everyone. A great range of real ales, gins and wines, TVs for live sport plus a fantastic beer garden which also has TVs.

“The staff have good banter and you get a great mix of people. I've never seen any trouble in here either. Winner all round.”

2. The Dun Cow, 37 Old Elvet, Durham

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Coming in second for the most well reviewed venue on this list, many have praised the Dun Cow’s real ale selection.

Others have pointed out that the pub’s “interior is fantastic” – with the venue even appearing in the Good Pub Guide.

It has received 77 five-star reviews and 20 four-star reviews out of a total of 101 reviews all together.

One person said: “Sat outside on a bench watching the world go by - Watched a bird on the chimney opposite on his nest feeding his young.

“Very friendly place enjoyed a Guinness and wine for about £5.

“Very old pub very welcoming. This is the kind of place that makes the UK great. Go there if you get a chance.”

1. Tin of Sardines

Last, but by no means least, is Tin of Sardines, which is the most well reviewed pub on this list and ranks number 1 for nightlife in Durham.

Reviewers have praised the venue for being a “gin lovers delight” and a “must visit in Durham.”

The venue has received 159 five-star reviews and 34 four-star reviews out of 220 reviews all together.

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One person said: “The guys here are the best. They were so lovely to my dog Jack who called in for a G & T. Fresh water and ice.

“I had a lovely gin and tonic in the sunshine doesn’t get any better. They also gave me 2 empty gin bottles for a project. Couldn’t ask for better service from two of the nicest guys.”
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