Where is the best Sunday roast in Durham?

Ye Old Elm Tree on Crossgate serves a traditional roast in one of the city's oldest pubs, while the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse at Hotel Indigo and country pubs such as The Rose Tree Inn at Shincliffe are also popular choices.

Do you need to book a Sunday roast in Durham?

Yes, Sunday roasts in Durham sell out, particularly the lunchtime sittings, so it is wise to reserve a table ahead, especially at weekends and during university events.

Is there a country pub roast near Durham?

The Rose Tree Inn at Shincliffe, in a pretty village just south of the city, is a popular spot for a leisurely Sunday lunch and is an easy walk or short taxi from the centre.

Food & Drink

The Best Sunday Roast in Durham

A proper Sunday lunch is a Durham institution. Our guide to the best roasts in the city, from historic inns to riverside steakhouses and country pubs on the edge of town.

durhamcity.live·31 August 2026

Few things beat a Sunday roast after a walk along the Wear. Durham's pubs and hotels do a fine version, from historic city-centre inns to country dining pubs a short drive out. Here is where to book.

In the city centre

Ye Old Elm Tree on Crossgate, one of Durham's oldest pubs, serves a traditional roast in a genuinely characterful setting of low beams and open fires. For something more polished, the Marco Pierre White Steakhouse at Hotel Indigo on Old Elvet turns out a well-executed Sunday lunch, while The Boat Club and Tomahawk Steakhouse by Elvet Bridge does hearty roasts with a riverside outlook.

Just outside the centre

The Court on Court Lane, a short walk from the peninsula, reopened in 2026 after a major refurbishment of the former Court Inn and is a relaxed local option close to the centre. A little further out at Neville's Cross, The Stonebridge Inn is a comfortable dining pub that fills up on a Sunday, so booking is wise.

Worth the drive

For a country setting, The Rose Tree Inn at Shincliffe sits in a pretty village just south of the city and is a popular spot for a leisurely Sunday lunch. It is an easy taxi or a good walk out along the river, and rounds off a weekend in Durham nicely.

Booking

Sunday roasts sell out, particularly the sittings around lunchtime, so reserve ahead wherever you go. For more of the city's pubs and restaurants, browse our directory, or read our guide to the best pubs in Durham.