The Library, Durham Travel Guide

Free Guide: A lively pub and social hub in Durham offering quality drinks, creative vegan dishes, and a quirky, welcoming atmosphere from morning till late.

A brief summary of The Library

A lively pub and social hub in Durham offering quality drinks, creative vegan dishes, and a quirky, welcoming atmosphere from morning till late.

Located at 46 Saddler Street in Durham, The Library is a lively pub and sports bar known for its extensive drink selection, creative vegan options, and welcoming atmosphere. Open from morning until late, it offers a casual spot for locals and visitors to enjoy quality food, drinks, and social events in a quirky, student-friendly setting.

1–3 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
IndoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Information boards
4.2 Very good · 2,081 Google reviews
Plan your visit

Opening hours

  • Mon10 am–12 am
  • Tue10 am–12 am
  • Wed10 am–12 am
  • Thu10 am–12 am
  • Fri10 am–1 am
  • Sat10 am–1 am
  • Sun10 am–11:30 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address
46 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NU
Phone
Website

Getting there

Bus

Durham City buses serve Saddler Street with frequent routes from the train station and city center, taking approximately 10-15 minutes. Tickets cost around £2-£4. Buses run regularly but check schedules for late evenings.

Train and Walk

Durham Railway Station is about 1.5 km from The Library. A 20-minute walk through the historic city center brings you to the venue, passing landmarks and shops. The walk is mostly flat and suitable for most travelers.

Taxi

Taxis from Durham Railway Station to The Library take about 5 minutes. Fares typically range from £5 to £8 depending on traffic and time of day, offering a convenient option especially for late-night visits.

Discover more about The Library

A Dynamic Social Venue in Durham’s Heart

The Library stands prominently on Saddler Street, a bustling area in Durham known for its vibrant student population and lively nightlife. This pub and sports bar combines a relaxed yet energetic atmosphere, making it a popular meeting point throughout the day and into the early hours. Its location ensures it is embedded in the city’s social fabric, attracting a diverse crowd from students to locals seeking a comfortable place to unwind.

Eclectic Menu and Drink Selection

The Library is celebrated for its broad and carefully curated drink menu, featuring a wide range of beers, spirits, and cocktails that cater to varied tastes. Alongside drinks, the food offerings are notable for their quality and creativity, including thoughtful vegan options that have earned praise for being both inventive and reasonably priced. The menu balances casual pub fare with dishes that appeal to more discerning palates, making it suitable for different dining preferences.

Atmosphere and Interior Character

Inside, The Library embraces a quirky and informal style, highlighted by humorous signs and decor that add charm and personality to the space. The ambiance is lively and friendly, with a student-friendly vibe that encourages socializing and community engagement. The venue often hosts events and activities, enhancing its role as a hub for entertainment and connection.

Service and Community Connection

The staff at The Library are known for their welcoming and knowledgeable approach, particularly regarding dietary needs such as veganism. This attentiveness contributes to a positive visitor experience, fostering a sense of belonging. The venue’s commitment to quality service complements its role as a social cornerstone in Durham’s nightlife and daytime scene.

Operating Hours and Accessibility

Open from 10 AM daily, The Library welcomes guests from breakfast through to the early morning hours on weekends, closing around 1 AM Friday and Saturday and midnight on other weekdays. This extensive schedule supports a flexible visit, whether for a casual lunch, evening drinks, or late-night socializing. Its central location ensures easy access for pedestrians and those using public transport.

A Local Favorite with a Distinctive Edge

The Library’s blend of vibrant social energy, quality food and drink, and quirky character make it a distinctive fixture in Durham’s hospitality scene. It offers a space where tradition meets contemporary tastes, appealing to a broad audience looking for a casual yet engaging venue to relax, celebrate, and connect.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Dec · at 1am or at 2am or at 6am

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated
  1. Jan: 60% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  2. Feb: 60% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
  3. Mar: 70% of the busiest month
  4. Apr: 80% of the busiest month
  5. May: 90% of the busiest month
  6. Jun: 100% of the busiest month
  7. Jul: 100% of the busiest month
  8. Aug: 90% of the busiest month
  9. Sep: 80% of the busiest month
  10. Oct: 80% of the busiest month
  11. Nov: 70% of the busiest month
  12. Dec: 60% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated
  1. 12am: 30% of the busiest hour
  2. 1am: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  3. 2am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  4. 6am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
  5. 7am: 20% of the busiest hour
  6. 8am: 30% of the busiest hour
  7. 9am: 40% of the busiest hour
  8. 10am: 60% of the busiest hour
  9. 11am: 70% of the busiest hour
  10. 12pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  11. 1pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  12. 2pm: 60% of the busiest hour
  13. 3pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  14. 4pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  15. 5pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  16. 6pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  17. 7pm: 100% of the busiest hour
  18. 8pm: 90% of the busiest hour
  19. 9pm: 80% of the busiest hour
  20. 10pm: 70% of the busiest hour
  21. 11pm: 50% of the busiest hour

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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