The Boathouse, Durham Travel Guide

Free Guide: Riverside gem in a 500-year-old haven: cocktails, dry-aged steaks, and Elvet Bridge views fuel vibrant brunches and lively nights in Durham's historic embrace.

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The Boathouse

A brief summary of The Boathouse

Riverside gem in a 500-year-old haven: cocktails, dry-aged steaks, and Elvet Bridge views fuel vibrant brunches and lively nights in Durham's historic embrace.

Nestled on the banks of the River Wear in a 500-year-old building, The Boat Club offers a vibrant cocktail bar on the ground floor with a heated riverside beer garden, while the upstairs Tomahawk Steakhouse specializes in Himalayan dry-aged steaks. Enjoy panoramic views of medieval Elvet Bridge, bottomless brunches, creative cocktails, and hearty meals in Durham's historic heart. Perfect for lively evenings, family gatherings, or romantic dinners with excellent service and a welcoming atmosphere.

1–3 hrsTime to spend
$$Mid-range
Indoor & outdoorSetting
5 / 5Mobile signal

On-site amenities

  • Restrooms
  • Drink options
  • Food options
  • Seating areas
  • Sheltered areas
5.0 Excellent · 3 Google reviews
Address
59 Saddler St, Durham DH1 3NP
Phone
Website

Getting there

Walking

5-10 min walk from Durham Market Place or train station; follow signs to Elvet Riverside (£0, easy riverside path).

Bus

Bus 21/22 from city center to Elvet Bridge stop (5 min, £2 single, frequent service).

Taxi

3-5 min ride from Durham station (£5-8, available 24/7 but limited late night).

Discover more about The Boathouse

Historic Riverside Setting

Perched along the River Wear, this 500-year-old structure commands stunning vistas of Elvet Bridge and Durham's medieval skyline. The ground-floor Boat Club buzzes as a cocktail haven, spilling into a heated outdoor beer garden ideal for al fresco sipping. Upstairs, Tomahawk Steakhouse delivers premium cuts, drawing food lovers with its focus on quality grilling and shareable plates.

Cocktail Bar Excellence

The Boat Club shines with its extensive drinks menu, featuring 2-for-1 cocktail deals from Sunday to Friday and late on Saturdays. Patrons rave about expertly crafted beverages, from classic Peroni pints to innovative mixes. The bar's lively vibe pairs perfectly with bar snacks, making it a go-to for after-work drinks or pre-night-out gatherings in Durham.

Tomahawk Steakhouse Highlights

Savor Himalayan dry-aged steaks, burgers, and brunch favorites at Tomahawk. Bottomless brunches stand out for generous portions and value, often praised alongside attentive service. The menu leans toward bold flavors—think perfectly cooked steaks, parmigianas, and wraps—set against river views that elevate every meal.

Ambiance and Service

Warm lighting, riverside charm, and friendly staff create an inviting space across both floors. Whether celebrating an anniversary or enjoying a casual brunch, guests appreciate the accommodating team and thoughtful touches like complimentary treats. The venue hums with energy yet offers cozy nooks for intimate moments.

Practical Visitor Info

Open daily from morning till late, with extended hours on weekends. Book ahead for peak times, especially brunches. Its central Elvet Riverside spot ensures easy access, blending historic allure with modern hospitality for an unforgettable Durham experience.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from Google
By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Mar · at 1am or at 2am or at 8am

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