Ranked: Here are the 11 places Durham students cry about not having in their city

Yes, Durham is charming. Yes, we love our cobbled streets and cosy independent shops and restaurants. But sometimes a student just wants to cry into a Five Guys burger or bulk-buy socks from Primark without a 40-minute train journey. Surely that’s not too much to ask?

With this in mind, I spent some time muling over exactly which shops and restaurants would make Durham student life 10 times easier. Since students usually operate in such radical circles anyway, a petition for each one opening in our city really doesn’t seem off the cards.

11. Taco Bell

Coming in at number 11 is Taco Bell, because sometimes cheesy chips after every night out just don’t cut it. Durham’s late-night food scene would be infinitely improved by a cheap taco you immediately regret ordering. Imagine SNK ending with an entire crowd descending on Saddler Street for Crunchwrap Supremes — chaotic, greasy, perfection.

10. Joe & the Juice

Like Pret, Durham students seem to me the perfect audience for a Joe & the Juice. I can already picture people waiting outside of Elvet Riverside with an A Hell of a Nerve or their matcha and Tunacado. It’s almost abnormal that we don’t have one.

9. Urban Outfitters

The archetypal Durham student is kitted out in Urban Outfitters clothes. So it’s basically the uniform. It’d frankly just be convenient to have one nearby for all our shopping pleasures.

8. Primark

Primark is a student essential: Cheap, chaotic, and somehow always exactly what you need for a last-minute going-out outfit. Imagine not having to plan a day trip just to buy a pair of tights. Revolutionary.

7. Wingstop

Most Read

Dean speaks out after MAFS UK exit and makes surprising comment about Sarah we didn’t see

Everything Dean has been up to since leaving MAFS UK 2025 with his pride intact

‘Inclusivity has gone too far’: These awful Victoria’s Secret fashion show takes are worrying

Where else can one get sensational dips and 14 different flavours of chicken? Exactly. Quite frankly, Wingstop is just in a league of its own. Sometimes there really is no substitute when craving its garlic parmesan chicken and otherworldly ranch.

6. Five Guys

The people want cajun fries. The people also need a takeaway that’s in town but hasn’t got “I’m sloshed and am acquiring a post-Jimmy’s scran” vibes. Five Guys is genuinely delicious, has so many good burger toppings, and some of the best chips on the market. And don’t get me started on the mayo – there’s some kind of magic folded into it.

5. M&S

Before anyone says it, I know there’s one in the Arnison Centre because I have travelled there by bus with the sole aim of acquiring crisps and dips. But sometimes the people want fancy picky-bits for pres or their picnics within walking distance. Would I be doing my weekly food shop here? No, but it’s the perfect place for a leng little snack. Durham students need Percy Pigs.

4. Wagamama

Because nothing about “I want a ramen, let’s get on an HOUR BUS TO NEWCASTLE” is convenient or casual. Picture Castle students with their gyoza and Collingwood lads inhaling katsu curry before training — it just works.

3. Pret-a-Manger

This one is self-explanatory. If Pret were a person, it would have a Durham University degree (you cannot convince me otherwise) – sightly too expensive, a bit boujee, but always there when you need it. Durham students were built to live off coffee subscriptions and tuna baguettes. Pret has amazing food that is perfect for taking to the Billy B. A seat in the library and a chicken bacon caesar baguette? Utter bliss. Plus it’d remind the Durham students of home (London…).

2. Franco Manca

Franco Manca is absolutely one of the best chains. Absolutely divine, affordable pizza with a chewy, bubbly crust, and a glass of sweet, Sicilian lemonade. The perfect vibe for any kind of outing, whether it’s a first date or a takeaway by the river. And student discounts?? It deserves its place on this list. Plus, Durham students love anything that screams “I studied abroad in Italy once.”

1. Flat Iron

Unfortunately, I am one of those people who is unhealthily obsessed with Flat Iron and goes way too much for my their good. But who can blame me? Their bone marrow mash, their rare Sirloin, their truffle mac and cheese? It’s not just a want, it’s a need. And it’s the perfect vibe for a Durham date night for all of those trying to be part of the 72 per cent.

For more of the latest news, guides, gossip, and memes, follow The Durham Tab on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.