The Holy GrAle: Durham’s Premier Craft Beer Bar
Discover Durham’s vibrant craft beer scene at The Holy GrAle, a quirky bar with local brews, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Nestled on 57 Crossgate in the historic city of Durham, The Holy GrAle is a vibrant craft beer bar known for its extensive selection of local and international brews. Housed in a former board-games café, this open-plan venue offers a quirky, relaxed atmosphere with vaulted basement live music sessions and a well-stocked bottle shop. It’s a must-visit for beer enthusiasts seeking quality cask ales and craft beers in a friendly, welcoming setting.
A brief summary to The Holy GrAle
- 57 Crossgate, Durham, Saint Margarets Garth, DH1 4PR, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 3 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 3 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 3 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 3 pm-11 pm
- Friday 3 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
- Sunday 12 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Try the Durham Brewery special brews like Lumiere IPA and Temptation Imperial Stout for a true local taste.
- Visit on weekends for live music sessions in the vaulted basement to enhance your experience.
- Check opening times before visiting; the bar opens later on weekdays (3 pm) but earlier on weekends (midday).
- Explore the bottle shop at the rear to take home unique craft beers and rare finds.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
The Holy GrAle location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Rain / Wet Weather
Discover more about The Holy GrAle
A Hub for Craft Beer Enthusiasts
The Holy GrAle has established itself as one of Durham’s foremost craft beer bars since opening in 2019. Located on the steep hill of Crossgate, it occupies a former board-games café space, transformed into a lively and quirky venue. The bar features several keg taps and handpulls, with a focus on an ever-changing range of quality beers. Durham Brewery beers are prominently featured, including special brews like the Lumiere IPA, Temptation Imperial Stout, and the Titanic Plum Porter. A large fridge at the rear functions as a bottle shop, offering a wide selection of bottles and cans to take home.Atmosphere and Venue Character
Inside, the Holy GrAle boasts an open-plan layout with a relaxed and quirky vibe, highlighted by decorative heads and eclectic décor. The vaulted basement serves as a space for occasional live music, adding to the bar’s vibrant social atmosphere. The venue’s friendly and welcoming environment makes it a popular spot for locals and visitors alike who appreciate quality craft beer and a casual yet distinctive setting.Location and Surroundings
Situated in the Saint Margarets Garth area of Durham, the bar is easily accessible from the city centre. Its position on Crossgate means it sits on a hill, offering a unique setting away from the busiest streets but still within walking distance of key city landmarks. The surrounding area is steeped in history, complementing the bar’s blend of modern craft beer culture with Durham’s traditional charm.Opening Hours and Service
The Holy GrAle operates with a schedule tailored to evening and weekend visitors. It opens from 3 pm to 11 pm Monday through Friday, with extended midday openings on Saturdays and Sundays until 11 pm. This schedule caters well to after-work crowds and weekend leisure seekers. The bar serves one regular beer alongside a rotating selection, ensuring a fresh experience with each visit.Community and Recognition
The Holy GrAle is recognized in the Good Beer Guide and has garnered a strong reputation among beer aficionados. It was founded by the former landlord of Ye Old Elm Tree, bringing experienced stewardship to the venue. The bar’s commitment to quality craft beers and local brews has earned it a loyal following and a high rating among Durham’s drinking establishments.Visitor Experience and Amenities
Visitors can enjoy a diverse range of beers on tap or choose from the extensive bottle shop selection. The venue’s open-plan design and live music events create a lively yet comfortable environment. While primarily a craft beer bar, the Holy GrAle also offers a social space that encourages conversation and discovery of new brews. Seating is casual, and the venue’s staff are knowledgeable and passionate about beer, enhancing the overall experience.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Durham British Israel Fellowship
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Discover the Durham British Israel Fellowship: A historical church offering community spirit, stunning architecture, and a glimpse into Durham's rich heritage.
Framwellgate Bridge
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Durham’s oldest stone bridge, a medieval marvel offering iconic views of the cathedral and river, steeped in history and timeless charm.
Durham
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Explore Durham Cathedral, a Norman architectural masterpiece and spiritual sanctuary with stunning views, sacred relics, and rich medieval heritage.
Durham Viaduct
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A majestic Victorian railway viaduct soaring over Durham’s River Wear, blending engineering excellence with stunning historic city views.
Market place
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Medieval marketplace meets Victorian grandeur—Durham's beating heart of commerce, culture, and community.
Durham Town Hall
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Victorian civic landmark hosting culture, heritage, and community in Durham's historic heart.
Kathedra
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Explore the Kathedra in Durham, a stunning gothic stone chair by the river, perfect for history lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.
Durham Obelisk
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Maiden's Bower
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Explore Maiden's Bower, a serene Bronze Age cairn nestled in Durham's Flass Vale, where ancient history meets tranquil woodland beauty.
Durham Band Stand
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Maiden Castle Earthwork
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Explore Durham’s ancient Iron Age promontory fort with its impressive earthworks nestled in tranquil woodland overlooking the River Wear.
Ludworth Tower
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A rare 15th-century pele tower standing as a testament to medieval border fortifications
The High Level Bridge
21.3 km
A pioneering double-deck Victorian bridge uniting rail and road across the River Tyne, symbolizing Newcastle’s industrial heritage.
Tyne Bridge
21.4 km
An iconic steel arch bridge spanning the River Tyne, symbolising NewcastleGateshead’s industrial heritage and modern spirit.
Quayside
21.4 km
Quayside is a dynamic riverside district where iconic bridges meet vibrant culture, blending industrial heritage with modern art and lively waterfront life.
Unmissable attractions to see
The Riverwalk
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A vibrant riverside shopping and leisure destination in Durham, blending retail, dining, entertainment, and scenic charm.
Revolution Durham
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Riverside walk
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Explore Durham’s scenic 3-mile riverside loop with historic bridges, cathedral views, and tranquil green spaces along the River Wear.
Dun Holm House - Student Accommodation Durham
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Modern riverside student living in Durham with top amenities, vibrant community, and unbeatable access to university and city life.
Durham Castle
0.3 km
Explore over 1000 years of history in Durham Castle, a Norman fortress turned vibrant university college at the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beechnut park
0.3 km
A quiet, family-friendly green space in central Durham, perfect for picnics, play, and peaceful walks among trees and lawns.
Palace Green Library
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Explore Durham’s historic Palace Green Library, a treasure trove of rare books, exhibitions, and heritage in the heart of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Vintage Shop
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Discover timeless treasures and vintage charm in the heart of Durham at The Vintage Shop in Market Tavern.
Indoor Market
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Discover Durham Market Hall, a lively Victorian indoor market where history, local crafts, and vibrant community spirit come together under one roof.
The House of Eden
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Discover handmade treasures and personalised gifts in this charming boutique nestled in Durham Market Hall’s vibrant heart.
Durham Pointers
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Your welcoming gateway to explore Durham’s rich heritage, cultural events, and local insights from the heart of Market Place.
World Heritage Site Visitor Centre
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Free gateway to understanding Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval treasures
Palace Green
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Historic green heart of Durham, framed by Norman cathedral and castle, blending medieval power with academic heritage.
Museum of Archaeology • Durham University
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Explore northeast England’s ancient past in a historic university library at the heart of Durham’s UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Durham Market Hall
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Victorian market hall where 40+ independent traders celebrate Durham's heritage and local character.
Essential places to dine
Nadon Thai - Durham
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coarse
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The Curious Mr Fox
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TGI Fridays - Durham
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The Food Pit
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Durham’s first street food hall offering diverse global flavors, local vendors, and stunning views of the Castle and Cathedral in a lively, casual setting.
Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill - Durham
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Akarsu Turkish Restaurant & Grill
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Authentic Turkish flavors and vibrant dining in the heart of historic Durham with stunning river and landmark views.
Pizza Punks Durham
0.3 km
Unleash your creativity with unlimited toppings on award-winning sourdough pizzas in a vibrant riverside setting at Pizza Punks Durham.
Turtle Bay Durham
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Experience vibrant Caribbean flavours and tropical cocktails by the scenic Riverwalk in Durham’s lively Turtle Bay restaurant.
Gussto Tapas Bar - Durham
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Authentic Spanish tapas in a historic riverside setting at the heart of Durham.
PESTO ITALIANO
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Experience authentic Italian cuisine with warm hospitality in the heart of historic Durham at Pesto Italiano.
Uno Momento
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Generous Italian portions and vibrant atmosphere in the heart of historic Durham’s Silver Street.
La Spaghettata
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Spice Lounge
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Turkish Kitchen Meze and grill
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Scarlet Ribbons
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St News Durham
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Hidden Boutique at Age UK County Durham
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Discover unique vintage and designer fashion supporting Age UK’s mission in the heart of Durham’s vibrant city centre.
Collected
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A warm, independent bookshop in Durham with curated reads, coffee, cakes, and a lively events programme on The Riverwalk.
Cloth
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Discover Durham’s hidden basement gem for costumes, vintage clothing, fabrics, and party supplies all in one quirky, creative boutique.
The Cutting Edge
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Discover unique handmade gifts and local crafts in the historic heart of Durham at The Cutting Edge.
WHSmith
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Books, stationery, and local treasures in Durham's vibrant Market Place.
The Record Shed Durham
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Discover Durham’s vinyl paradise in the heart of Market Place, where music lovers find rare records, retro games, and expert media services.
Whittard of Chelsea Durham
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Premium tea, coffee, and gifts in Durham's historic Market Place—where expertise meets elegance.
company shop
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Durham’s Company Shop offers exclusive membership access to discounted surplus groceries, blending savings with sustainability.
The Edinburgh Woollen Mill
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Discover timeless Scottish knitwear and heritage fabrics at The Edinburgh Woollen Mill in Durham’s historic Saddler Street.
People's Bookshop Durham
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The Boathouse
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BEAR BOTTOM
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Gateway World Shop
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Holy GrAle
0.0 km
Discover Durham’s vibrant craft beer scene at The Holy GrAle, a quirky bar with local brews, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.
The Angel
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Ye Old Elm Tree
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Babylon Durham
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33 Durham
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The Three Bridges
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The Fighting Cocks
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A lively, affordable pub in Durham’s city centre, perfect for casual drinks and socializing in a friendly, unpretentious setting.
Old Toms Gin Bar
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The Station House
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The Shakespeare
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Blue Eye
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Osbournes
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The Library
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Champagne Bar
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Tin Of Sardines Gin Bar - Durham
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Loft Durham
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Fabio's Bar
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Bohemia Durham
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Bohemia Durham pulses with vibrant nightlife energy, offering dynamic music and a lively social scene in the heart of historic Durham.
Jimmy Allens
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Dive into Durham’s iconic vaulted nightclub where free entry, cheap drinks, and lively crowds create unforgettable nights beneath Elvet Bridge.
Klute
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7even Nightclub
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Sunderland’s alternative nightclub with two floors of indie, soul, and rock music, hosting themed parties and vibrant late-night events.
Warehouse Night Club(SR44)
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Experience Newcastle’s vibrant underground gay nightclub scene at Warehouse Night Club (SR44), where eclectic music and lively parties come alive.
Digital
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Experience cutting-edge nightlife with superior sound and vibrant energy at Digital, Newcastle’s premier clubbing destination in Times Square.
Powerhouse
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TheCUT Newcastle
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Tup Tup Palace
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Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife in style at Tup Tup Palace, a luxurious club blending exotic décor with pulsating beats until the early hours.
The Social Club
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Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at The Social Club, where music, cocktails, and dancing come alive until the early hours.
Bohemia Newcastle
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Neon-lit cocktail bar and compact club with graffiti murals, a mezzanine dance space and a sheltered courtyard terrace for late-night socialising.
TROPICANA NEWCASTLE
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Experience Newcastle’s vibrant nightlife at Tropicana, a lively nightclub blending cocktail sophistication with energetic club beats in the city’s heart.
Loca Loca | Newcastle
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A compact, neon-lit nightclub on Groat Market serving late-night dance, chart and urban sets in an intimate city-centre setting.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Quirky
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Fun-filled
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Quirky
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Festival / Event Nearby
- Photowalk
- Weekend Getaway
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Adult Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- LGBT Friendly
- Senior Friendly
