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Coarse: Modern British Tasting Menu in Durham

Michelin-recognized modern British tasting menus in a cozy Durham setting, blending seasonal flavors with playful presentations.

★★★★★4.9 (375)

Coarse is a Michelin-recognized restaurant in Durham offering an affordable, informal dining experience with a focus on modern British cuisine. Known for its imaginative six-course tasting menus, Coarse combines technical skill with playful presentations and seasonal local ingredients. The intimate setting features a rustic yet simple décor, creating a relaxed atmosphere where guests enjoy carefully balanced, flavourful dishes and attentive service.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to coarse

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

Plan your visit

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Reform Pl, North Rd, Durham, DH1 4RZ, GB
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Mid ranged
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Indoor
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Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Wednesday
5 pm-10 pm
Thursday
12 pm-10 pm
Friday
12 pm-10 pm
Saturday
12 pm-10 pm

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    Getting There

    Bus

    Take the local bus service from Durham city center to North Road, with a journey time of approximately 10-15 minutes. Buses run frequently during the day but reduce service in the evenings. A single ticket costs around £2-£3 GBP.

    Taxi

    A taxi ride from Durham city center to Coarse on Reform Place takes about 5-10 minutes depending on traffic and costs approximately £6-£10 GBP. Taxis are readily available in the city.

    Walking

    If you are staying in central Durham, Coarse is reachable on foot within 20-30 minutes via mostly flat and paved routes. The walk offers views of the city’s historic architecture and is suitable for most fitness levels.

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    Local tips

    Book in advance as Coarse is popular and seating is limited due to its intimate size.
    Try the optional wine pairing to enhance the tasting menu experience with carefully selected local and international wines.
    Arrive with an appetite for small plates that are thoughtfully portioned and designed to be savored slowly.
    Visit on weekdays for a lively but less crowded atmosphere compared to weekends.

    Discover more about coarse

    A Culinary Gem in Durham’s Dining Scene

    Coarse has quickly established itself as a standout restaurant in Durham, gaining a Michelin mention within just four months of opening. Its mission to deliver affordable yet high-quality informal dining is realized through a carefully crafted six-course tasting menu that showcases modern British cuisine with seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s intimate size and rustic décor provide a cozy backdrop that complements the culinary experience, making it a sought-after destination for food lovers in the region.

    Innovative and Playful Modern British Cuisine

    The menu at Coarse is a celebration of contemporary British flavors, presented in small plates designed to delight and surprise. Dishes often feature local produce and inventive combinations, such as slow-braised pork belly with scallops and chilli caramel, or a modern take on haggis with neeps and whiskey onions. The kitchen’s technical mastery is evident in the balance of flavors and textures, with highlights including a delicate plaice dish with Exmoor caviar and a rich, sticky miso reduction that ties the meal together.

    Seasonal Menus with Thoughtful Pairings

    Coarse’s menu evolves with the seasons, ensuring freshness and variety. Optional wine pairings are thoughtfully selected to enhance the tasting experience, offering good value and complementing the dishes perfectly. Desserts continue the theme of classic flavors with a modern twist, such as peanut butter, banana, and bacon combinations or rhubarb with meringue, providing a satisfying conclusion to the meal.

    Atmosphere and Service That Enhance the Experience

    Guests at Coarse enjoy a relaxed and lively atmosphere, with a friendly and knowledgeable staff who are attentive without being intrusive. The restaurant’s layout is small but comfortable, fostering a buzzing environment that reflects the passion behind the food. This welcoming vibe, combined with the quality of cooking and presentation, makes dining at Coarse a memorable occasion.

    Value and Accessibility in Durham’s Food Landscape

    Despite its Michelin recognition and sophisticated cuisine, Coarse maintains an accessible price point, with tasting menus priced around £40 per person and optional wine pairings available. This balance of quality and affordability contributes to its popularity among locals and visitors alike, positioning Coarse as a must-visit for those seeking modern British dining in Durham.

    A Destination for Food Enthusiasts

    Coarse is more than just a restaurant; it is a destination for those who appreciate culinary creativity and seasonal British ingredients. Its playful yet refined approach to food, combined with a warm atmosphere and excellent service, ensures that it stands out in the region’s dining scene. Whether celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a weekend treat, Coarse offers a unique and rewarding gastronomic experience.

    A brief summary to coarse

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