Where are the best cocktail bars in Durham?

Durham's standout bars include Old Tom's Gin Bar on The Riverwalk, with over 250 gins and a riverside terrace; its tiny sister bar Tin of Sardines on Elvet Bridge; and The Boat Club by the river, which pairs an extensive cocktail menu with a heated terrace. Turtle Bay on the Riverwalk adds Caribbean rum cocktails.

Is there a gin bar in Durham?

Yes, two run by the same team. Old Tom's Gin Bar on The Riverwalk stocks more than 250 gins with a terrace overlooking the castle, and Tin of Sardines on Elvet Bridge is reputedly one of the smallest gin bars in the world, seating just sixteen but stocking over 200 gins.

Where can I drink by the river in Durham?

Several of Durham's best bars are on the River Wear, including Old Tom's Gin Bar and The Boat Club near Elvet Bridge, both with riverside terraces, and Tin of Sardines has a few outside seats on Elvet Bridge itself overlooking the water.

Food & Drink

The Best Bars and Cocktails in Durham

From a riverside gin bar with 250 gins to one of the world's smallest, our guide to the best bars and cocktails in Durham.

durhamcity.live·9 September 2026

Beyond its historic pubs, Durham has a lively bar scene, with a particular soft spot for gin and some genuinely characterful spots to enjoy a well-made cocktail. Several of the best sit right on the river, making the most of the city's setting. Here is our guide to the best bars and cocktails in Durham.

Old Tom's Gin Bar

The pick for gin lovers, Old Tom's Gin Bar on The Riverwalk stocks more than 250 gins from around the world, served by bartenders who call themselves Ginologists, alongside a proper cocktail list and cheese and charcuterie boards. Its riverside terrace, looking across to Durham Castle, is one of the loveliest places in the city for a drink, and it runs gin-tasting experiences for groups.

Best for: Best for a serious gin selection and a riverside terrace.

Tin of Sardines

For something quirkier, Tin of Sardines on Elvet Bridge is the sister bar to Old Tom's and reputedly one of the smallest gin bars in the world, seating just sixteen. Despite the tiny footprint it packs in over 200 gins and 50 mixers, with a few outside seats on the bridge overlooking the Wear. It is a fun, intimate spot for a carefully made gin and tonic in the heart of the city.

Best for: Best for a novelty gin stop with genuine character.

The Boat Club

Down on the riverbank by Elvet Bridge, The Boat Club pairs an extensive cocktail menu with a heated riverside terrace and happy-hour deals through the week, plus the Tomahawk Steakhouse upstairs. Its five-hundred-year-old building and prime waterfront position make it a favourite for cocktails with a view, whether in summer sun or on a crisp evening.

Best for: Best for cocktails with a heated riverside terrace.

More places to drink

Durham's Riverwalk development has brought further options, including the Caribbean flavours and rum cocktails of Turtle Bay, while the city centre and Bailey have plenty of student-friendly bars and late spots around North Road and Walkergate. For a more traditional pint, our guide to the oldest pubs in Durham covers the historic side of the city's drinking scene.

Run a great bar in Durham we should include? Get in touch.