An updated definitive ranking of Durham’s college bars

It’s Michaelmas term, formative season is looming, and the only thing on anyone’s mind is: Where is the best place to drink in Durham?

With 17 college bars across the uni, choosing your favourites is a rite of passage.

So, whether you are embarking on a 17-college bar crawl or looking for inspo for your next drink here is an updated ranking of Durham’s college bars. Some bars are hidden gems, others are absolute skips, but every single one is part of the unique Durham student experience.

Warning… this may be controversial.

17. Ustinov

No undergrads allowed?

Ustinov, Durham’s postgrad only college automatically takes 17^th place for one very simple reason: Unless you are a member, you can’t even get into the bar. Rumour has it the bar exists, but to most of us, it’s basically Narnia.

16. St Aidan’s

Not worth the glute workout

St Aidan’s bar is so far uphill it counts as cardio day, once you’ve conquered the hill, you’re sober again. Also, their college drink, ‘Unicum’, tastes like regret and herbal medicine. The bar may be fine… who knows… but the journey there is not.

15. Hild Bede

Lovely renos, inconvenient location.

Despite its recent upgrades, Hild Bede’s bar is too far removed from the rest of college life. You’ll likely only end up here if you’re already in the area – or lost…

14. St Mary’s

Dingey, dark and shots that cost more than your degree.

Whilst it is the home to the iconic Mary’s mile this shoebox sized bar is a let down from the stunning exterior of the college. The ceilings are low, the stairs into it feel like a nuclear facility, and the shots are oddly expensive…

13. South

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Just scroll and see the description for Snow college – it’s basically the same.

12. John Snow

Seriously… what is the difference?!?

We’re not entirely convinced these are two separate bars. Both South and Snow give sixth form college common rooms, and you might feel like you’re intruding on a group project meeting. Functional, sure, and fine for a chill catch-up, but if you’re after energy or atmosphere? Keep moving.

11. Trevelyan

Just a bit odd.

Trev’s Bar fully commits to the college’s chaotic hexagon aesthetic. Whilst the space is a bit odd, and the vibe can feel awkward at times, the bar does pull itself back with frequent student run live music and bands and a genuinely excellent toastie bar.

10. Stephenson

Train station chic.

There’s a weird train station vibe going on here, think exposed brick and industrial touches.  While it doesn’t have the same buzz as some of Durham’s bigger college bars, it’s definitely underrated. The real highlight however is the outdoor space. On a summer day, it’s a strong contender.

9. Grey

Solid, safe, slightly forgettable.

Grey’s bar is functional but doesn’t stand out in terms of atmosphere or offerings. The drinks are cheap, the space is functional, and it’s perfectly decent for a lowkey pint or a quick crawl stop. It may not steal the spotlight, but Grey quietly does its job well, and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

8. St John’s

Low ceilings, lower prices.

John’s cellar bar may not be as hyped as the other Bailey bars but it’s certainly not one to skip. The ceilings might be low enough to bang your head after one too many drinks, but the cheap prices make up for this design flaw. However, when it is busy the space goes from charming to claustrophobic…

7.Butler

Like a high school cafeteria, but you are at the cool table.

Like Stevo, outside and in good weather, it’s genuinely a great spot. But since it feels like it’s always winter in Durham, it quickly loses its charm when the cold sets in. Inside, it’s like someone turned an American high school gym into a bar and hoped no one would notice.  All this being said JB’s is underrated, the huge space is ideal for a social and a good place to start on a college bar crawl.

6.Mildert

Come for the drinks, stay for the ducks.

Perfectly placed, always lively, and surprisingly reliable. It’s not the most glamorous bar on the list, but that’s kind of the charm. What it lacks in fancy cocktails or architectural flair, it makes up for in solid vibes and proximity to half of Durham’s other colleges. The regular duck sightings only add to the experience. Do they improve the atmosphere? Unclear. But they are iconic.

5.St Cuth’s

Effortlessly cool.

Much like the students who call it home, Cuth’s Bar exudes that rare kind of effortlessness. It’s not flashy. It’s not massive. But somehow, it’s one of the best.

4.Hatfield

We hate to say it… but it’s actually quite good.

Ignore the college’s reputation for a second… Hatfield Bar is fun, functional, and surprisingly a great vibe. It feels like an airport lounge with the ceilings of the TLC, but somehow it works.

3.Castle

The most Durham bar you will ever go to.

The famous Undercroft, or affectionately nicknamed ‘undie’ is undeniably beautiful. I mean, it’s in a Castle. Tucked beneath Durham Castle’s Great Hall, it offers the most unique setting of any college bar. Sure, the drink prices are a bit steep compared to other college bars, but you are paying for the atmosphere. This is for sure one to show your friends from home!

2.Collingwood

Smug… for a reason?

There is a reason Collingwood students act like they own the place. The Stag’s Head is one of the biggest and busiest college bars. Spacious, lively and always busy, it’s the ultimate spot for predrinks, socials, or a pitstop on a crawl. Their signature drink, ‘The Stagger’ (a mix of a VK, Jägerbomb and vodka), is infamous across Durham. It’s not classy, but it gets the job done. Fast.

1.St Chad’s

Small college – elite bar.

Taking the top spot is Chads. Its ‘Instagramable’ courtyard coupled with both an upstairs and downstairs bar marks it’s as a firm favourite among many. Affordable, iconic, and consistently packed – all for a good reason.

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