The Rabbit Hole
A 1920s Shanghai supper club with live jazz, Cantonese fusion cuisine, and intimate vintage elegance.
Tucked down a cobbled side street in Durham's town centre, The Rabbit Hole is a 1920s Shanghai-inspired supper club and live jazz venue serving high-quality Cantonese fusion cuisine. The intimate, dimly lit space evokes a members-only speakeasy with vintage-chic decor, candlelit booths, and an atmosphere of understated luxury. Known for generous portions, attentive service, and expertly crafted cocktails, it's an ideal destination for special occasions and romantic evenings.
A brief summary to The Rabbit Hole
- 17 Hallgarth St, Durham, DH1 3AT, GB
- +441913865556
- Visit website
- Duration: 1.5 to 3 hours
- Luxury
-
Indoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 5 pm-11 pm
- Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Wednesday 5 pm-11 pm
- Thursday 5 pm-11 pm
- Friday 5 pm-11 pm
- Saturday 12 pm-11 pm
Local tips
- Book well in advance. The restaurant's popularity and limited seating mean tables fill quickly, especially for weekends and special occasions.
- Share main courses to sample more of the menu. Portions are generous, and sharing allows you to experience a broader range of dishes.
- Try the dim sum during daytime service for a more casual, vibrant experience with excellent small plates at lower cost than evening mains.
- Don't miss the signature dishes: crispy chilli beef, monkfish Thai red curry, and house special fried rice are consistently highlighted by diners.
- Arrive early or check live music schedules in advance if the jazz performances are a priority for your visit.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
The Rabbit Hole location weather suitability
-
Any Weather
Discover more about The Rabbit Hole
A Shanghai Speakeasy in Historic Durham
The Rabbit Hole occupies a hidden corner of Durham's medieval town centre, accessed via a narrow cobbled side street near the historic cathedral quarter. Opened in its current format in 2023, the restaurant reimagines a 1920s Shanghai supper club aesthetic, complete with dark wood panelling, soft candlelit ambiance, and intimate booth seating that creates the sensation of entering an exclusive members-only establishment. The venue's warren-like interior—with its interconnected rooms and atmospheric lighting—justifies its whimsical name while maintaining an air of sophisticated elegance throughout.Culinary Excellence and Generous Portions
The kitchen specialises in Cantonese fusion cuisine, blending traditional dim sum expertise with creative Asian fusion dishes. Signature offerings include crispy chilli beef, monkfish in Thai red curry, salt and pepper squid, and the house special fried rice, all prepared with meticulous attention to quality ingredients and presentation. Dim sum service is available during daytime hours, featuring an extensive selection of small plates. Main courses are notably generous in portion size; the restaurant actively encourages sharing to allow diners to sample a broader range of the menu. Dietary requirements, including allergies, are handled with care and transparency by trained staff.Atmosphere Enhanced by Live Music
Evening service frequently features live jazz performances, adding an authentic supper club dimension to the dining experience. The combination of sophisticated vintage styling, candlelit tables, and live music creates an environment that feels both romantic and celebratory—particularly suited to anniversaries, birthdays, and milestone occasions. The dark, intimate lighting and booth-style seating ensure privacy and a sense of exclusivity, even when the restaurant reaches full capacity.Service Standards and Attention to Detail
Staff demonstrate exceptional attentiveness throughout the meal, with water glasses refilled promptly, used plates cleared efficiently, and special requests accommodated gracefully. The team's knowledge of the menu and wine selection is evident, and their ability to navigate complex dietary requirements with professionalism has earned consistent praise. Service remains seamless even during peak periods, though advance reservations are strongly recommended due to the restaurant's popularity and limited seating capacity.Pricing and Value Proposition
The Rabbit Hole positions itself as an upscale dining destination, with main courses and cocktails reflecting premium pricing. A typical three-course dinner averages around £53 per person before drinks, though special occasions with multiple courses and beverages can reach £90–£120 per person. Wine bottles start at £26, and cocktails are crafted to a high standard but command prices consistent with upscale venues. Despite the cost, diners consistently report that the quality of food, service, and atmosphere justify the investment, particularly for celebrations and memorable evenings.Recognition and Culinary Reputation
The restaurant has secured inclusion in Hardens, one of the UK's most authoritative dining guides, reflecting its standing within the professional culinary community. The venue maintains a 4.6-star rating across hundreds of reviews, with particular praise for its unique atmosphere, food quality, and service consistency. It has become established as one of Durham's premier dining destinations, attracting both locals seeking special occasion venues and visitors exploring the city's food scene.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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 Band Stand
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A peaceful riverside bandstand with one of Durham’s most iconic cathedral views, perfect for quiet moments and photography by the River Wear.
Maiden Castle Earthwork
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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.
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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Durham British Israel Fellowship
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Durham
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Durham Viaduct
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Durham Obelisk
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Maiden's Bower
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Ludworth Tower
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The High Level Bridge
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Tyne Bridge
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Quayside
21.9 km
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Unmissable attractions to see
Department of Classics and Ancient History • Durham University
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Durham Museum
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Durham Cathedral
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Department of History • Durham University
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What Lies Beneath Us
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Explore the hidden layers beneath Durham’s historic streets and discover the city’s rich geological and cultural foundations.
Elvet Bridge
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A medieval stone arch bridge over the River Wear, now a lively pedestrian walkway with cafes, restaurants and stunning views of Durham Cathedral and the city’s dramatic river gorge.
Elvet Waterside
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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.
Palace Green
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Historic green heart of Durham, framed by Norman cathedral and castle, blending medieval power with academic heritage.
World Heritage Site Visitor Centre
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Free gateway to understanding Durham's UNESCO World Heritage Site and medieval treasures
The Count's House
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Escape Rooms Durham
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Palace Green Library
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Durham Castle
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Essential places to dine
The Rabbit Hole
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A 1920s Shanghai supper club with live jazz, Cantonese fusion cuisine, and intimate vintage elegance.
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The Boat Club & Tomahawk Steakhouse
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19Twenty Bar & Grill
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
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The Georgian Window
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Discover stylish ladies’ fashion, unique gifts, and elegant accessories in the heart of Durham at The Georgian Window.
Italian Clothes Room Inside Georgian Window
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Discover elegant Italian fashion in Durham’s historic Georgian window boutique, blending timeless style with personalized service.
The Cathedral Shop
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Curated gifts and books supporting Durham Cathedral's conservation, housed in medieval undercroft spaces.
Circle Vintage Durham
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Discover Durham’s largest curated vintage clothing collection in a charming historic boutique on Saddler Street.
The Mugwump
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Oxfam Shop
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Waceland Durham
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Rohan Durham - Outdoor Clothing & Walking Gear
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TJ Hughes
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Elvet & Bailey
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Prince Bishops Place
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
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Fabio's Bar
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Bohemia Durham
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7even Nightclub
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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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Powerhouse
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Bohemia Newcastle
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Loca Loca | Newcastle
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Romantic
- Honeymoon-worthy
- Relaxing
- Lively
- Entertaining
- Unique
- Boutique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Art Deco Styles
- Minimalist Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Art & Design
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
