Durham Cathedral Undercroft restaurant in County Durham

Cathedral cafes all seem the same. Disorganised but worth it in the end. Staff friendly but seemed a tad stressed. Didn’t seem to be adequately staffed. Food very nice and a decent price. Lovely filled rolls and the salad with dressing was so tasty. Scones and tea lovely. Not easy to find a table but perseverance won the day.

Visited the Undercroft restaurant for the first time today, even though we live in County Durham. We wish we had gone sooner as it was a fabulous, atmospheric place with friendly, helpful staff members and the most amazing freshly baked scones and coffee. All the other homemade food on offer looked fabulous too. My friend and I have been visiting different Durham cafes on a weekly basis and this is our favourite by far. We felt we had value for money and a thoroughly enjoyable visit. We will be coming back...maybe on a weekly basis!

We came in for afternoon coffee and cake. The cherry cake was excellent but the coffee was straight from a machine which requires no skill to use. It was ok but not great.

1st time visit Thursday 11th Sept 2024. Gotb table ok. Service was very slow, at 10.34 in the morning only had one large cup left for a coffee. Coffee was weak, the toast half toasted. Wasnt inspired with the whole thing.

This cafe is very appealing aesthetically with all the stone and wood surroundings. Lovely atmosphere and both the scones and coffee we had were delicious. Cannot comment on any other food as we didn’t have a meal there. Well worth a visit and a delightful end to visiting the absolutely wonderful Durham Cathedral.

Great visit to the cathedral then to the cafe. Amazing amount of scones and cakes absolutely mouthwatering. Asked re GF options unfortunately I was offered pre packed biscuit! Or a baked potato and beans- not all beans are GF. Staff stated that they usually have something. Not good enough very disappointing! Staff really couldn’t care to be honest.

Service was friendly and it was a nice spot to eat. However we missed the lunch slot and so the food options were very limited. It would have been so good if there had been a prepacked sandwich choice available as we'd travelled a long way and it was a long time since breakfast. We settled for cheese scones as we'd missed the proper lunch options (lunch finished at 3pm and we got there at 3.07pm) and drinks and cake.

On our walks around Durham riverside we always call in here for a quick cuppa and tasty treat, and we’re never disappointed. Gorgeous scones, cakes and biscuits (they must have a great baker/chef) and the staff are all really pleasant and friendly. I’d recommend this place to anyone visiting Durham.

Been here a few times now. Always a lovely rest break from walking around the Cathedral and Castle. Just have to mention the wonderful Jonathan. What an absolute credit this young man is to this place. Always smiling and happy to help. Always goes above and beyond. Go. Enjoy.

On our weekly walk in Durham we always stop here for a scone & cup of tea/coffee. Always find a table & never feel rushed. Scones are usually great, (unfortunately last week’s cheese scone rather peppery) and drinks are tasty.

This is a lovely, warm, friendly cafe/restaurant with good food and drink and stunning architecture. I also enjoyed seeing the artwork on the walls.

We went for a mid afternoon snack...sandwitch and tea.My wife asked for an extra tea bag..which she was given.Minutes later the very sheepish assistant came to the table and said we owed 2.50£ for the tea bag !We refused to pay and told him to take it out..He came back and told us we did not have to pay because it was "my mistake"...Even with thee"extra" bag the tea was disappointing.

I do not normally write reviews, however I feel compelled to do so given the comments left here by another poster with regard to the graduation dinners. I attended one with my family, and I would like to say how appalled I was - not at the staff, or the undercroft, for the staff were lovely and the venue very good indeed, as was the whole meal itself. No, I was appalled at the treatment that the staff were given by those who were at the dinner who treated them like dirt. It might pay some to understand how difficult it was for them, what with guests turning up incredibly late and demanding the full 3 courses, others abruptly changing their minds and wanting another dinner instead of the one they had ordered, and wasting food (such as one person who demanded a vegan dessert and only took the cherry from the top! ) To the staff - you did an amazing job, and kept smiling despite the difficulties presented and the prevailing attitudes you had to suffer. I would heartily recommend anyone to visit...

I booked a table for my family for graduating and expected a decent meal and service for the price of £50 per plate (we were about a party of 10). The service was slow to bring out food and drinks. The food was painfully bland and incredibly overpriced for what it was. The ambiance was nice but that’s the only positive thing I can say about my experience with the restaurant. I would absolutely not recommend anyone eat here.

The cafe has a fantastic setting in the undercroft and its cakes etc are fine - its just a bit misleading to call it a restaurant since its offerings don't stretch that far

Cannot fault the scones here, I’ve had both cheese/herb and fruit, both delicious. Great atmosphere and staff are really helpful. Hot drinks are ok, despite being from a machine.

I had the quiche. Not particularly tasty and no vinaigrette dressing for the salad only salad cream or mayonnaise. I also had the lemon meringue pie. The lemon layer was overly gelatinous and the meringue actually welded itself to the spoon. Just feel it could all be much better.

If you are visiting Durham Cathedral, you won’t have to go far for a tasty snack or lunch. There is a lovely restaurant right inside the cathedral. It serves delicious food in a medieval setting. We enjoyed cappuccinos, soup, and tea breads.

The cafe is situated inside the cathedral and next to the gift shop. The toilets are outside and look rather like a sports ground. Plenty of space but not a huge selection of food. The staff are friendly but the prices are not. I may have been forced to pay American prices for snacks, but no way am I paying that in the UK.

We visited it with our friends from Australia during our visit to the Cathedral. We needed a break and something to eat and drink. It was very busy during lunch time and luckily two tables became suddenly free. We had cappuccino (£3.10) Latte (£3.10), wedge sandwich (£5) and baguette (£5). We got 10% discount presenting our tickets to the Cathedral Museums (£7/per person) which we used. Our friends had soup of the day, cake and I think tea - they also used discount from tickets for the Museum. During our stay there many visitor left and the restaurant was nearly empty and we saw couple of young mums coming just for coffee with kids in the pram. There are toilets outside the cathedral but very near to the restaurant and also nice shop which is just opposite the restaurant.

Durham Cathedral one of the most iconic sites in the North East. We took two of our grandchildren and spent a good couple of hours here and had a light lunch which was inexpensive. They have a well stocked little shop for souvenirs and of course it is packed with history. The only down side is they now have a one way system and ask you for a donation before you enter the body of the cathedral which while I do not mind leaving a donation I don't think it is correct to try and "pressgang" you into making one.

Staff seemed harassed and were unfriendly. No tables free, visited with disabled friend and found it hard to find anywhere to sit. Lots of reserved tables. No help from staff. Food was nice though. Generally underwhelmed with cafe and toilets shabby. Embarrassed to bring friends from USA.

Reasonable priced good food and drink with good service. The scones and sausage rolls were very nice, we’ll recommended.

Lovely cafe! The cheese scones with sun dried tomatoes were delicious and one was plenty for lunch. Highly recommended.

Popped in the Undercroft for tea & cake, they all looked amazing, but went for the cream scone. They were the best we had ever had, anywhere. Cannot recommend them enough. Tasty jam on top and bottom with plenty of cream in the middle. Perfectly...

I think your review will depend on the time you visit, we stopped here three time on our two day tour of Durham! We found it either very busy and had to wait for a table or quiet! The food is simple, plentiful, tasty and...

Visited during a day trip to look at the cathedral. Food was excellent and very good portions. Staff all friendly and helpful.

Been here on a few occasions with various family members. Food is overpriced and not worth the money. Staff are hit & miss - mainly miss. Coffee is very unpleasant tasting. I’m deaf on one side and in noisy places where the sound bounces back...

Surprised how the prices are so high in this cafe and you would expect the food you are served to reflect this. Sadly quality is not there. Bought a cake was hard and dry and service was not as it should be.

Yes again, the creamed scones here were divine. Always call in here for a treat when we’re in Durham. Staff always pleasant.

The café is located in Durham Cathedral. It is a very atmospheric, large and pleasant space. It is counter service and we enjoyed two flat whites which cost £6.

Lovely Tea-Room in a beautiful setting, however during our visit here on 19th February 2023, we witnessed a young female member of servery staff having an intermittent sneezing bout of at least 30 minutes duration. During this time, each sneeze was surpressed by holding the...

I normally have the strawberry and cream fruit scone but today I tried the lemon curd drizzle and cream fruit scone and so pleased I did as it was delicious. My husband stuck with his usual cheese scone which as always he enjoyed. Not only...

We went in here for lunch while visiting the cathedral and were very pleased with what we had (baked potato filled with tuna and mayonnaise). The filling was generous and tasty. The staff were also very helpful and friendly.

Why go outside when you can get refreshed just below the nave and Galilee Chapel of the magnificent cathedral? For a light meal or welcome tea break, this is a perfect addition to your visit. Pick up a tray, get in the short line, make...

Great service from a lovely waitress. Tea and a 🍒 scone hit the spot with a 9 out of 10 score ! No cheese scones left to try so I must return sometime.

On our usual Saturday walk around Durham we called in here for a quick drink. The creamed scones looked so tempting, and at £3.30, they were absolutely amazing. Loads of filling and plenty of jam and fruit. This, alongside a cup of tea and a...

We only ordered coffee, two Americanos, one black, one white. The coffee looked muddy. Neither of us could tolerate more than a couple of mouthfuls. Service was friendly though. The machine upon a closer look did not look like a ‘barista’ machine, more of the...

The Undercroft is beautiful, clean tidy and an amazing setting. The staff are welcoming and the selection of cakes and scones is excellent. The baked potato was very much enjoyed as was the cheese and ham flan and the salad was crispy and fresh. The...

I have been going to Durham Cathedral for man years, as one of my Highlights when on holidays in The North.. Before Covid. The Menu selection was excellent. With a Hot lunches all frshly prepared. When I visited with my partner in September, for the...

We ordered two Jacket Potatoes. They were both not heated up adequately and the fillings were far too stodgey. A shame as it's a nice ambience. Nothing worse than a cold 🥔

Delicious quiche and salad. Decaf coffee very good. Cakes looked wonderful! Staff very helpful and welcoming. Lift for wheelchairs, prams and those who can’t manage the steps.

After a visit to the castle and before a visit to the cathedral we needed some refreshment. What a lovely surprise to find the Undercroift. We enjoyed a slice o quiche each together with a very acceptable cup of coffee. All very reasonably priced and...

We arrived at 3.45 and wanted coffee. We were made to feel that we were being a nuisance turning up at that time and we were told that they closed at 4pm. With hindsight we should have found somewhere else more welcoming but we felt...

A recommendation to try the cream scone in the Durham cathedral cafè was absolutely spot on. Amazingly light scone ,beautiful cream and fantastic strawberry jam.Heavon on earth in an ecclesiastical setting. To be repeated.

Visited today for coffee and cake. Table was very sticky and there were crumbs all over the chair. The coffee was okay, but the cake was very stale. Considering the prices that they charge here you'd think their cakes would at least be fresh. They...

Excellent food. Very good value. Eat indoors in a spacious covid-aware undercroft under the cathedral, oreat under shelter in the cloistered passage just outside the door. Some menu items e.g. soup, quiche, cakes change daily. Soup & ssandwiches or a filled cheese scone £7. Soup...

Convenient place to have lunch while visiting the cathedral. Food is always good and inexpensive. We make a point of eating here whenever we visit Durham.

A nice eating place in the centre of this famous cathedral .It's next to the gift shop so you can buy a reference book to read while eating

The cafe is in the basement of the cathedral and serves mainly snacks, But there is a good selection. Good place to visit if you do not require a main large meal. Staff helpful and can bring food to the table if required.

Have passed the cafe previously but never stopped off, today was different as we’d been listening to the choir in the cathedral. The queue was long when we initially went past but as it had just turned 3 it was much quieter, we ordered a...

Visited for the day needed a light lunch. The soup was excellent and good value for money. It was busy but managed to get a table ok.

Sitting out in the cloister was lovely but that was the best part. Things went wrong when I joined the queue at the wrong end - one couple in front of me already being served and I missed the signage (if there was any). I...

Smashing cafe in great location within the Cathedral. Covid secure, pleasant staff, good menu and reasonably priced choices. My wife and I had a very nice visit and sure to return when next in the area.

We always come here to have meal or cup of tea when we are in Durham. Today we had tea and homemade cherry and almond cake which was excellent quality.

Went in for lunch before visiting the cathedral, limited choice of sandwiches,had to ask them to make me one. Think they concentrate more on hot meals.

We visited here twice- once for coffee before our tour, and then for afternoon tea ( using a voucher ) afterwards. On both occasions we were impressed. They have interesting and tasty home made cakes- a St Cuthberts slice ( dried fruit and nuts on a shortbread base) and a banana, cherry and walnut cake with our tea. None of the nonsense about only providing paper cups and plates which the NT persist with!

Decided to get lunch here as we were visiting the cathedral and the menu looked good. I have to say that it was the best quiche and hot chocolate I have had for a long time. The quiche was homemade and beautifully cooked. The hot chocolate was so chocolatey and came with lashings of cream and marshmellows. The price was very reasonable and there are places to sit inside and out. Really quite impressed!

As regular visitors to Cathedrals, we always like to support their refectory, Cafe or other eating places, and we were not disappointed here. Our lunch of jacket potatoes was delicious and well-served. The tables were cleaned as soon as we left ours and signage put on to indicate that. Judging by the numbers of Cathedral personnel we saw eating there, the good standard that we found is consistent. There were numerous specials and a good selection of cakes if that was your inclination.Just to clarify there is no charge to enter the Cathedral, and therfore to access the cafe, though our donation was gratefully received.

Sadly there was a very limited choice in the Undercroft. A choice of 3 filled rolls (tuna, savoury cheese or creamed cheese), 2 choices of crisps & expensive cake (£2.60 for a small slice.) the service was not its usual efficiency either. We got the feeling that the staff didn’t want to be there.

Called here after visiting the main part of the cathedral. Good selection of cakes etc but lunch items were really appetizing and reasonably priced

Called in for coffee and cake. Very nice venue, but a little disappointed that our coffees were rather small for the price we paid. The tea bread was however delicious. Staff need to smile !

Arrived just as breakfast menu was coming to an end but had a very nice large well stuffed bun full of lovely smoked bacon. Coffee nice as well. Wife had piece of orange cake which was yummy. Lunch was just being displayed and that looked very nice as well.All cakes and scones looked delicious and everything seemed to be quite large portions.Prices very reasonable and quality of ingredients seemed excellent.The only downside is that access to the cafe is through the cathedral so bear in mind that there is a recommended donation of £3 each to get into the Cathedral which you need to account for.Would be an idea to be able to use the cafe without having to visit the cathedral, perhaps increase the food prices a little.

Sunday lunch looked lovely and was tasty but unfortunately barely warm! Not helped by waiting in a queue for hot drinks after the food was served.Like another reviewer we had the coffee and walnut cake, it was very dry and we left it. The cakes are uncovered unfortunately. The scones are much tastier.

Visited the cathedral today with my husband and decided to have a tea in the cafe, the cakes looked lovely but we decided to have a cream scone instead. We were not disappointed, they were amazing!!! A pot of tea for two and two huge cream scones for under a tenner, bargain! Probably the best scones I’ve ever tasted . The cafe itself is lovely, stone walls, arched ceiling, nice and cosy and not cold as you would expect with all the stone, really nice setting.However, having read previous reviews I would agree customer service needs some work. Not very welcoming and no interaction with customer, just simple things like a smile, and directing customer to milk, sugar and spoons without them having to ask. Little extras which go along way.

Popped in here for a late lunch. Wish I’d not bothered. Cheese & Onion toastie, tasted ok but probably the thinnest bread ever! Tomatoes were vile...mushy & tasteless. Still hungry so decided to ‘treat’ myself to coffee & walnut cake.....unbelievably dry. Couldn’t finish it . It’s a while since I’ve been there, will be longer before I’m back....

We had lunch here a few times and found it to be a delightful cafe tucked away in Durham Cathedral. The self service queue moved quickly with all hot drinks prepared while you wait within a few minutes of ordering. We can recommend the baked potatoes, ham and cheese sandwich and the scones. The enormous cream scone was a definite highlight. Great place to pause before resuming your walk around this magnificent cathedral.

There were four of us visited. We had teas and coffees. Each of us had a slice of cake, each one being a different flavour. Three of said cakes were like eating sand. They were so dry and flavourless. I took one of the cakes back to the till area and explained to one of the girls that they should taste this cake before selling anymore as it was disgusting and she said " sorry " and took it away. There was no question of another or to have something else or even a refund, as said cake had only one bite out of it! We left very disappointed and will never return even though we visit Durham regularly. Disgusting customer service.

Visited with my husband and son. Woman serving spoke to me sharply because I wasn't standing exactly where she wanted me. She appeared huffy and not interested in serving. I felt very uncomfortable and didn't enjoy my visit at all. Even my son noticed that the staff weren't very friendly. I'm a local, but haven't been here for a while and won't return now. It's a shame because the coffee and scones are nice.

Food was fresh and tasty, and a lovely place to enjoy it. We visited in early April, so not as busy as it could get, I'm sure. But everyone working there was helpful and happy. Highly recommended to visitors to the beautiful Durham Cathedral.....

We stopped here for a coffee, a pot of tea and cakes after exploring the cathedral. The price was reasonable for two persons and the cakes tasted good. They serve lunch too.

Clean & pleasant surroundings through cloisters at Cathedral. Lovely fresh home baking for morning coffee. Friendly helpful staff. Stayed so long it was time for lunch. The leek & potato soup was delicious, the tuna baked potato huge and the roast beef meal also generous portion. Prices very reasonable too. Caught glimpse of party having the afternoon tea which also looked very tempting.....

Morning coffee here was good value for money, certainly you get great portions up in the north. Pleasant surroundings and staff.

My friend & I arrived at the cafe just before 16.15 for a cuppa & cake. As we walked in all the counters had been cleared of any remnant of food. We asked if we could have cake & were told no, we then asked if they were still serving drinks & were told we could have filter coffee only or tea. We asked when they closed & they said 16.30

We stopped by to eat after a tour of the castle and cathedral. It is a very popular spot--not sure if it were all tourists or locals. I had soup, my husband had a good sandwich and we shared what I think was a slice of fruitcake. All very good. Because it is so busy it was difficult to find a table but we persevered and were lucky enough to be seated. Very reasonable prices too.

This was a lovely and convenient place to have a cup of tea (and a cheese scone) during a visit to the Cathedral.

I was very upset today when visiting the undercroft to be greeted by possibly the rudest staff member I have encountered in my life. I wandered to the hot food counter at 13.53 and she said "do you want anything or what because I'm taking it off." Quite taken aback I asked if the hot food finished at 2pm to which she replied "yes" and started clearing it away. She was unbelievably hostile in her attitude and actions and continued to give me filthy looks throughout my time there. I pointed out that she I felt she was being unnecessarily rude and asked her why, but she just sneered at me. I asked if there was any quiche but she said "no" and offered no help at all. I'm fact, for dietary reasons I cannot eat cake or bread so there were no suitable options on the cold counter. I didn't feel that I could ask her if there was anything else as she was so hostile. I bought food for my children as I had promised that we would climb the tower but was only able to have a coffee myself. The member of staff in question had an orange buzz cut. I only mention that for the purposes of identification. I'll try not to come back as I felt quite upset by the experience.

Having enjoyed the absolute splendour and beauty of the cathedral itself, we wandered down to the shop and then the cafe for well earned refreshments. There seemed to be a good choice on offer, but as we didn't want anything too filling opted for a quiche, a cheese savoury sandwich and shared a bowl of chips.

Just perfect for a quick lunch while visiting the Cathedral. Particularly liked the sandwiches. Very reasonably priced.

Stopped for a break whilst visiting the cathedral. A nice pot of tea and some great scones at a reasonable price.

A brief break while visiting the amazing cathedral for tea and scones. Excellent tea and delicious scones. Highly recommended

Went to Durham cathedral bad ate in their restaurant. Food was good, unfortunately no coleslaw even though on the menu. Good value for money. Staff very helpful.

Located (obviously) under the Cathedral, the Restaurant is bright, with an unusual vaulted ceiling. The soup was light, but very tasty. The remainder of the meal was to a good standard with ample proportions. Very reasonably priced.

Just had coffee and a scone here, but it was reasonable and excellent. The entrees at other people’s tables looked very tempting.

We stopped here for coffee after visiting the cathedral and was very impressed. The service was great with the staff very friendly. We only had coffee which was delicious but the food we saw being served looked scruptious

This pleasant stop came at the end of a tour of Durham Cathedral and the attached museum. It is located across from the requisite gift shop and situated under old arched ceilings. I was surprised at the quality of the food that is served and found that it not only looks good it tastes good too! There is plenty of seating and priced well. Definitely worth you while to try this restaurant.

Eat here during a visit to the cathedral. This restaurant offers a good selection of hot and cold food, cakes and scones. Very reasonable prices. Did not try to cakes but they looked excellent.

Great setting - what is there not to like about dining in an undercroft. The atmosphere oozes from the stone walls and, if commensurately busy, that atmosphere is undeniable. Vegetarian friendly although I felt my butternut and stilton quiche was heavy on butternut and light on stilton. But then I am not a vegetarian but just branching out for a change. Cappuccino was a tick as was the walnut and coffee cake although my wife found hers a tad dry? Service was friendly and most helpful in that eternal dilemma - which cake??

A warm, cosy and relaxing cafe, ideal for a light meal or coffee and cake after exploring the cathedral. The Sultana Scones were excellent today, and clearly freshly baked. Great coffee made our Sunday afternoon visit complete. By the way, look out for the mouse....!

Visited the Cathedral with my daughter Lara on 27/12/18 and was amazed of the incredible Cathedral . We had lunch in the Undercroft Restaurant and thoroughly enjoyable

Good choice of food. Home baking, nice atmosphere, clean and airy. Well worth the visit whether visiting the Cathedral or not.

Found this restaurant by accident. Pleased we did. The food was lovely and tasty. We didnt try the cakes because we were full off our dinner, but they looked lovely. The overall price was a bit expensive but the atmosphere and eating area was relaxing.Enjoyed it.

Lovely setting for a coffee and cake.Friendly staff and well kept eating area. Nice place to end your visit to the Cathedral.

I've been here twice, and there always seemed to be something wrong. First and most important: the food is good (but just good, nothing special), but a bit over-priced for what it is. Second, it's always packed, so finding a table to sit (while holding a tray at the same time, as it's self-service) isn't always a fun time to spend your lunchtime. As a result, the air seems to be a bit stuffy.

We called in for drinks whilst looking around the cathedral. We opted for hot chocolate and cake though you could get a full meal if required. Our drinks weren’t very hot and the thick wedge of cake was on the dry side. It was on the expensive side but the setting was lovely.

Visited today whilst at Christmas market after standing in the queue for 20 minutes to be served I asked for a bacon sandwich only to be told breakfast menu finished at 11.30. I asked what time it was and the reply was 11.32. I then asked for a toasted tea cake only to be told it’s 11.33. Had they served a little quicker I would have been in time. My friend asked for a pot of tea which was served in a teapot with the spout all chipped. All in all the service from the staff was atrocious.

Went to the Undercroft restaurant at Durham Cathedral for sunday lunch last weekend. I had the roast beef dinner. I have to say it was delicious and there was plenty of it. The beef was flavoursome and tender, the veggies were really tasty and the enormous Yorkshire pudding a triumph. We also had excellent service from the young lady who took our order. Will definitely be visiting again.

Although this is a very busy restaurant, we managed to get a table for lunch , the food was very very good, my husband had liver, bacon and sausage with mash and veg, which he thoroughly enjoyed, I had black pudding and egg sausage roll with some very tasty salads , chilled water is available to help yourself to, and the coffee very nice too

I had a full day at Durham Cathedral (guided tour, northwest tour trip, and exhibition) and decided to eat there too! I enjoyed the jacket potato and veg that I ordered. Very fresh and flavorful. A good stop if you're looking for a meal during your time at the cathedral.

After visiting the cathedral you may want to visit the undercroft restaurant. It seemed very popular but there is a reasonable amount of seating. Lots of good choices and not too expensive. Its self service but the staff are very efficient so the queue isn't too long. Tables are cleared and cleaned regularly.