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Bistro 1819

Training restaurant serving fresh British cuisine with local ingredients and genuine hospitality.

★★★★★5 (5)

Bistro 1819 is a training restaurant at New College Durham serving wholesome British and European cuisine. Located on campus, this welcoming establishment offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner prepared by keen chefs using fresh local ingredients. Open to both students and the general public, it provides an affordable dining experience in a relaxed environment. The restaurant operates as a working kitchen where culinary students gain practical experience while delivering quality food and attentive service to guests.

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A brief summary to Bistro 1819

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
New College, Durham, Campus, Durham, DH1 5ES, GB
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Budget
🏛
Indoor
📶
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Tuesday
10 am-11 am
Wednesday
10 am-11 am
Thursday
10 am-11 am

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    Getting There

    On Foot from Durham City Centre

    From Durham Market Place, walk northeast toward the cathedral and castle area. Continue toward New College Durham on the north side of the city. The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes on foot. The college campus is clearly signposted, and Bistro 1819 is located within the main college building. Use the side entrance to the right of the main building for direct access to the restaurant.

    By Bus from Durham City Centre

    Several local bus services connect Durham city centre to New College Durham. Journey times range from 5–10 minutes depending on the route and traffic. Buses stop near the college campus. Check local transport timetables for current routes and frequencies. Once at the college, follow signage to the main building and use the side entrance for restaurant access.

    By Car with Parking

    New College Durham has on-campus parking available for visitors. Drive to the college address at New College, Campus, Durham DH1 5ES. Parking is typically available in designated visitor areas near the main building. Once parked, use the side entrance to the right of the main building to access Bistro 1819. Note that parking availability may vary during peak college hours.

    By Taxi from Durham Railway Station

    Taxis are available from Durham Railway Station, located approximately 1.5 kilometres south of New College Durham. The journey takes roughly 5–10 minutes depending on traffic. Provide the driver with the postcode DH1 5ES or the college name. Taxi fares typically range from £6–12 for this journey. Once at the college, use the side entrance to access the restaurant.

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    Local tips

    Call ahead before visiting, as the training restaurant may need to close at short notice due to educational scheduling or kitchen operations.
    Use the side entrance to the right of the main building for convenient access to the restaurant.
    Arrive early during breakfast and lunch service, as seating is limited and the kitchen operates on a training schedule.
    Check opening hours before visiting, as the restaurant is closed on weekends and during college half-term breaks.
    Expect a relaxed, educational atmosphere where service may be slightly slower than commercial restaurants, reflecting the training nature of the establishment.

    Discover more about Bistro 1819

    A Training Kitchen with Purpose

    Bistro 1819 operates as a working training restaurant within New College Durham, where culinary students develop their skills while serving the college community and general public. The establishment combines educational mission with genuine hospitality, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy meals prepared by enthusiastic chefs learning their craft. This dual purpose creates an authentic atmosphere where quality and affordability go hand in hand, making it an accessible dining destination for visitors to the campus.

    Seasonal British and European Flavours

    The menu showcases wholesome British and European-inspired cuisine, with particular emphasis on soups packed with flavour and a variety of tempting desserts. Chefs work with the finest and freshest ingredients sourced from local suppliers, ensuring seasonal menus that evolve throughout the year. This commitment to quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation reflects the college's dedication to culinary excellence, even within a training environment where learning remains central to daily operations.

    Flexible Dining Throughout the Week

    Bistro 1819 welcomes guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner service across multiple days. Tuesday through Thursday offer breakfast and lunch options, with extended hours on Thursday to include dinner service. The varied schedule accommodates different dining preferences and allows the training kitchen to operate at manageable capacity while students develop competency across different service periods. This flexibility makes the restaurant accessible to campus visitors, staff, and members of the public seeking quality meals at reasonable prices.

    Welcoming Environment for All

    The restaurant maintains a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere designed to make everyone feel comfortable. It regularly hosts special events, including the Memory Café, which provides a supportive space for those with mild cognitive impairment. This commitment to community care extends beyond standard dining service, demonstrating the establishment's broader role in campus life and social wellbeing. The side entrance provides convenient access, and staff offer warm welcomes to all visitors regardless of their connection to the college.

    A brief summary to Bistro 1819

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