Ye Old Elm Tree

About Ye Old Elm Tree

Ye Old Elm Tree sits on Crossgate, just across the river from the city centre, and claims to be one of Durham's oldest inns with origins going back to at least 1600. It has an L-shaped bar with a top room reached by stairs, a real fire, and an outdoor heated patio, giving it a cosy and traditional feel spread across a couple of levels.

The pub is firmly focused on cask ale, typically pouring several changing beers alongside guests from breweries such as Durham and Camerons. It hosts acoustic live music and a weekly quiz, welcomes dogs and families, and has been named local CAMRA City Pub of the Year in recent years. That combination of history, atmosphere and well-kept beer keeps it popular with locals and ale drinkers.

Featured in These Guides

Blog posts and guides that feature Ye Old Elm Tree.

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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.