Old Tom's Gin Bar
Riverside gin bar on The Riverwalk with more than 250 gins, cocktails and charcuterie boards, and a terrace with castle and river views.
About Old Tom's Gin Bar
Old Tom's Gin Bar sits on The Riverwalk beside the River Wear, one of the most enviable drinking spots in the city, with a terrace looking out over the water to Durham Castle. It is a serious gin destination, stocking more than 250 gins from around the world served by bartenders who style themselves Ginologists, alongside a full cocktail list and artisan cheese and charcuterie boards to go with them. The riverside setting and relaxed, characterful interior make it a favourite for a special drink rather than a rowdy night out.
As one of the anchors of the Riverwalk leisure development, it works equally well for an afternoon on the terrace or an intimate evening indoors, and it runs gin-tasting experiences for groups. Being a popular spot in a prime location, it gets busy at weekends and in fine weather, so booking is sensible for tastings and larger parties. Check current opening hours before you visit.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Old Tom's Gin Bar.

Date Night in Durham: Romantic Restaurants, Bars and Things to Do
Where to eat, drink and wander together in Durham, from riverside fine dining and hidden gin bars to a twilight walk beneath the cathedral.

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.
More Food & Drink in Durham
Biedronka
Polish-British tasting-menu restaurant in the farmhouse at South Causey Inn near Stanley, from former Restaurant Hjem head chef Marek Dziedzic.
Coarse
Independent Durham restaurant serving a six-course tasting menu of modern British small plates using local, seasonal produce, changing every few weeks.
Faru
Fine-dining restaurant near the cathedral quarter offering five- and ten-course tasting menus of local and British produce from an open kitchen.
Never miss what’s on
Join the weekly Durhamcity.live digest — the best events, news and local tips, straight to your inbox. Free, one email a week.
What's On
Marvin Muoneké and Strictly Smokin' Big Band
7:30 PM · Gala Theatre, Millennium Place, Durham, DH1 1WA
Interface Arts at The Story
10:00 AM to 4:00 PM · The Story, Mount Oswald, South Road, Durham, DH1 3TQ
October Half-Term at Beamish Museum
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM · Beamish Museum, Stanley, County Durham, DH9 0RG