Best Bars near Zen

Nestled on Old Elvet in Durham, The Dun Cow is a historic pub renowned for its traditional character, excellent cask ales, and welcoming atmosphere. This Grade II listed building dates back to the 15th century and features period interiors including Tudor Revival bar fittings. Visitors enjoy a cozy setting with a rich heritage, complemented by a selection of well-kept ales and a friendly local vibe.

Nestled in a Grade I-listed Tudor building on New Elvet, The Half Moon Inn is a renowned pub in Durham celebrated for its rich history, excellent selection of real ales and craft beers, and welcoming riverside courtyard. Known for its lively local atmosphere and friendly staff, it offers a quintessential British pub experience without serving food, focusing instead on quality drinks and conviviality.

Nestled at the end of Elvet Bridge beside the River Wear, the Swan & Three Cygnets is a charming, traditional Samuel Smith’s pub known for its cosy interiors, no-technology policy, and affordable drinks. Popular with students and locals alike, it offers a welcoming atmosphere with leather seating, framed old photographs, and a riverside outdoor area perfect for sunny days. The pub serves classic pub grub including a notable Sunday roast, making it a beloved spot in Durham’s historic city centre.

Nestled on the scenic Elvet Riverside in Durham, The Boat Club & Tomahawk offers a vibrant cocktail bar and a renowned steakhouse in a historic 500-year-old building. With panoramic views over the River Wear and medieval Elvet Bridge, this venue blends riverside charm with modern dining, featuring Himalayan dry-aged steaks and a lively beer garden atmosphere.

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.

Nestled on Durham’s iconic Elvet Bridge, Tin Of Sardines Gin Bar is reputedly the smallest gin bar in the world, renowned for its intimate atmosphere and vast selection of over 200 gins. This quirky, cozy spot offers expertly crafted drinks tailored by passionate ‘Ginologists’ in a space licensed for just 16 guests, making it a unique and memorable experience for gin lovers and visitors alike.

Osbournes is a lively bar and small club located at 21A Elvet Bridge in Durham, known for its vibrant music nights, intimate atmosphere, and a strong local following. It offers a varied selection of drinks including a notable gin collection, and hosts popular DJ nights featuring drag queen performances. With late-night opening hours on weekends, it is a hotspot for nightlife enthusiasts seeking a fun and energetic venue in the heart of Durham.

24 North Bailey Club, affectionately known as 24s, is a vibrant bar and social club located on Durham's iconic North Bailey. Open primarily to Durham University students, it serves as a lively venue for bar crawls, karaoke, film nights, and quiet drinks alike. The club is deeply embedded in student life, with profits reinvested to support the Durham Union Society and its events. Its classic yet cozy décor fosters a relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Durham's historic center.

The Shakespeare Tavern is a beloved traditional pub located on Saddler Street in Durham, known for its cozy atmosphere, rich theatrical history, and reputation as one of the city’s most haunted pubs. Housed in a 12th-century building, it offers a welcoming space with real ales and a quirky, authentic vibe cherished by locals and visitors alike.

Blue Eye is a vibrant cocktail bar located at 25 Elvet Bridge in Durham, UK. Known for its creative mixology, stylish decor, and welcoming atmosphere, it offers an extensive menu of classic and signature cocktails. Open late into the night, it serves as a lively social hub, especially on weekends, with friendly staff and themed events enhancing the experience for locals and visitors alike.