Market Tavern in County Durham - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

I booked a table on line and when we arrived we were told that they don’t take bookings on a bank holiday. Would have been helpful to know this beforehand. Lucky for us we went to a Turkish restaurant nearby and had a wonderful meal. So thank you Market Tavern for not honouring our booking.

Visited the Tavern while visiting Durham. I ordered the food and drinks via the app. However, after some time the barman said he had not been notified on the system about the order and only found out when the food was ready. He bought the food out and then says he had to check he had the drinks in stock. I used the same app in one if your other pubs in my hometown on the Friday before this visit and they didn’t have any problems. I don’t know if the system in this pub is faulty. The barman did say he was on his own trying to cover the bar as well. Hopefully some more staff will be recruited to support him.

What a lovely pub. The staff were very friendly. We had a lovely meal. We did not have to wait long for it and it was really nice. Service was excellent. I would recommend this place.

Hot food, great location, overall experience, it hit the spot as we were hungry. Nice. Would definitely recommend this place for a lunch stop.

Excellent clean bar, good atmosphere a bit on the expensive side for 2 pints of Fosters, I didnt try the food. BUt the food did look lovely so will try next time I go

Came into this establishment few days ago and enjoyed every second of it, the pub is ran by great management and very friendly staff who go over the top to deliver top quality service and great drinks. Chef is also very friendly and made me amazing quality food which was amazing and was definitely worth the money.

We arrived in Durham and saw Green King pub and as not had chance to explore thought safe late lunch. How wrong,all seats at front fraying. wine on menu not stocked so up priced £5 Then food appalling. I’m trying describe how bad but lost for words £50 later going home for sandwich.Really give this a miss. Told bar man at time in person and couldn’t care less .

Stopped in for a Pint while Visiting Durham. Good Pub In A Great Location in the Heart of Durham. Friendly Staff and a great selection of Beers on Tap and a good selection of spirits.

Yesterday a group of us went in for a couple of drinks, regulars were sat at the bar, who were very rude to one of my friends. She stood up for herself and the bar lady asked her to step away from the bar which she did and came back and sat with the group. The lady behind the bar stuck up for the regular who made the rude comment even though she hardly behind the bar to hear what was actually said to my friend. We were never asked to leave and continued to buy drinks. After we left we were stopped by a doorman as we entered another area of Durham the lady behind the bar had reported us to the pub watch team which stopped us gets into any other establishment. If we were that much of a risk why were we still being served in The Market Tavern and why were we not asked to leave? I feel very poorly let down by this establishment and it absolutely ruined our day out. Be very careful of staff attitudes as they are very - happy to take our money but not happy to allow us into any other bars. Many of us who were out are very experienced at bar work and understand the process for customers who are rude/had too much to drink - the policies were not followed correctly if that is how we were viewed. Safe to say I will not be back.

Thoroughly recommend, great place for food and drinks. Staff were great, the bar manager Ryan made the visit for me and my friends extra special

Tried to have lunch here but kitchen closed unexpectedly. There were people eating but we could not order which was odd as it was prime lunchtime. Good selection of drinks but seemed to be short staffed as we had to wait for ingredients to be fetched to complete two drinks. Very small inside. Liked the historical decor.

This is a lovely historic pub bang in the centre of the town and has a lot of history attached to it. When inside you Marvel at the walls which speak of the development of Durham and its community. This Pub is perfectly placed really on the market Square but I feel it lets itself down. Both of us commented on the ladies and gents toilets which were smelly and had mould in them. You are pretty glad to get out and back into the normality of the main room. It was quite expensive compared to other pubs as well and the service left something to be desired. if you're paying this much for a pint you really do want it full and not one third of it being head. It was topped up when asked but without a word being exchanged. Simple things to fix and it wouldn't put me off coming back as it has a terrific atmosphere and it's very cosy indeed.

We popped in mid January whilst up n Durham for the weekend as we overlaid we missed breakfast menu by 10 minutes, so with it being the wife’s birthday and going for restaurant meal in the evening I wanted something light. At first i thought £4 plus for a sausage roll but when it came it was 2 sausage rolls which had a nice flavour to them. My wife and daughter had a sandwich whilst the son in law had a burger. The pub is heaped in history which is nice to read about and inside has that feel about it. The pub is very clean and the staff very friendly and welcoming

A quick drink before we went out to eat. Early evening and the pub was pretty busy. The staff still found time to make us welcome and have a short chat. Like most places in Durham, dogs are very welcome - so we made a few licky friends too. A nice no frills place to go for a drink.

Went into the bar ordered 1 pint of Peroni and one Madri, peroni was flat no head disgusting, I drank most of it as I normally dont complain, when I left I mentioned to the barman about the beer at 6.00 a pint it was flat. He admitted he had a gas bottle problem and the manager was fixing it, why did they serve me then his attitude stunk not offering to apologise that's it with this place absolute joke of a barman I would dismiss this guy if he worked for me my wife was shocked horrible human.

We came here while visiting Durham for illuminate. Very welcoming, cosy place right in the middle of the market Square. The food was nice and not too expensive, we especially liked the maple tossed pigs in blankets.

Came to the market tavern on Friday night, very busy. The chicken wings hit the spot. Good selection of ales.

Came into the pub during Lumiere and got an fantastic dinner service by the lovely team here at the market tavern, service was quick even though it was busy and full up, the team was lovely and helpful when it came to getting a table at the establishment, give me great recommendations and decided to give Rudolph a try and was not disappointed, manager’s definitely keep the beer lines clean and show they care about us he business and the customers.

This pub's central location - and its quaint appearance - make it a popular venue. It is my local within the city centre, and I visited yesterday (Halloween) to meet my youngest son who'd been overseas. A great place for a chinwag, characterful, a good range of well-kept ales, a decent Greene King menu, and a convivial atmosphere. Dogs are welcome, and their presence added to the homely scene. The pub is, apparently, due to a refurb which will no doubt add to its charm. The ales yesterday included two from the Maxim Brewery (based just outside Durham at Rainton Bridge), the Swedish Blonde being on top form.

Great traditional pub in the centre of Durham. Excellent cask ale, friendly staff and very dog friendly.

Lovely little bar, friendly staff, plenty food and drinks choices. Clean toilets which is always appreciated. Will definitely be returning.

Very nice little bar in the market square. Atmospheric, with much respect given to the areas coalmining past. I thoroughly enjoyed the booth seating, the ambient lighting, and the cask beers (Bishops & Double Maxim).

I've been to this pub many times, however ive never eaten here before, and i won't be repeating the exercise. The food was all of the previously frozen and of poor quality. The portions were small and disappointing. £3.50 for a pathetcally small bowl of fries was quite frankly an insult, and the portion of onion rings was a joke.

Really nice in here. Staff service was brilliant especially James! Will come back again, Diolch :))))

Okay pub, bit of a chain feel to it, sport on TVs ruined the atmosphere a bit & the choice of draught ales was limited.

Great pub - all Covid safe, great atmosphere and lovely staff! Thought Izzy was especially friendly ... I will be back 🍺

I had a fantastic time visiting the Market Tavern pub in Durham town centre last weekend. A lovely pub with great atmosphere (and beers). Izzy, who served me, was welcoming and friendly and offered great service. She talked about the history of the pub and the successful new covid-secure measures in place. I had a lovely afternoon on a busy Saturday and I will certainly be coming back!

On a lovely sunny day, with the bustling market, this was the perfect place for a refreshing pint of beer. Sitting outside in the sun watching the stall holders going about there business, drinking a nice pint at a reasonable price my wife and I enjoyed a lovely couple of hours. We returned in the evening, This time we entered the pub and were quite impressed with lovely comfortable high backed leather seats and a great view out the window we enjoyed another couple of pints. We would definitely use this pub again

I have been here before.Before the lock down found the staff are excellent always welcome you.Very friendly pub.Food is ausome.The pub is self reminds me of an old traditional pub.On Friday 18/9/2020 I will visiting this pub again looking forward to visiting it.This pub should be rated a 5 star pub

Had a great night, staff were amazing, great whiskeys. Matthew and James behind the bar were amazing and to top it off the food was great!!

All safe with covid, food came quick and was good as well as cheap. Staff totally made the experience though, great craic

Went in with my partner and the lovely blonde girl named ailish gave phenomenal service, so welcoming and kind, will definitely be back here because of her!

Went in for just the one drink and ended up having a few. Lovely decor inside the pub and the staff were extremely helpful and friendly. Felt very safe with the COVID procedures too. Would definitely recommend!

Went for a drink with family. Young staff who were very rude, goading and unprofessional. Covid safety guidelines were also poorly followed. Will not be returning.

We visited here for a drink after dinner. They had really good social distancing processes in place. The staff were friendly and kind and the wine was excellent!

After visiting this establishment with my family I discovered that they have the most rude and surly staff. This came about when I went to report it seen a RAT under my table. I was berated with abuse from this horrible girl at the bar and then told to get out of the pub. They either don’t like to receive complaints or the staff just don’t have the brain capacity required for good customer service. I would strongly advise all to give this pub a wide berth when visiting the beautiful Durham City.

Really like the decor and general feel of this pub and the location is excellent. If you sit at the front you can people watch over the market square. If you sit at the back you have views of the indoor market. Friendly and quick service but very disappointed at pricing. £7.60 for a pint of IPA and half an Aspall cider. We would've stayed for more than one had the prices not been as steep.

Socialist themed comfortable pub, shame IPA was off, usual varies and classic menu but all done with the friendly north east manner.

Had the best night an amazing staff so attentive good prices for prosecco taj k you great family and friendly atmosphere

Yet again another great visit to this place! The staff here are fantastic and go out of their way to make sure a visit here is perfect. Great food and drink too but the staff make it extra special.

Nice visit to a quintessential English pub, I was like cry to go when it was reasonably quiet I could see it getting busy and it’ll be a scrum as the bar is a bit on the small side, definitely go again

Really lovely place, very friendly staff and food really good, my partner had the loaded burger and I ate the halloumi and fries, would definitely come back

Great staff, really friendly and always a good atmosphere. Well priced varied drinks, good seating area

Our family went in here for a drink at the weekend. There was a good selection of drinks available and the pub had a nice feel to it. The staff were great at clearing up although a little too efficient as my wine glass was taken with wine still in it!

Hemos venido el 1 de enero tras pasar el día paseando por Durham y visitando la ciudad.Primero hemos tomado unas pintas de cerveza y sidra, después la cena, 2 Hunter's chicken muy ricos y con un plato muy completo con patatas y ensalada; 1 baked potatoe con bacon y Mayonesa también acompañado con ensalada y por último 1 Mac & cheese servido con pan de ajo y ensalada, todo muy rico. De postre una trata chocolate fudge. Todo estaba muy bueno la atención ha sido estupenda el servicio muy amable y atentos en todo momento. Además el local es muy acogedor y calentito

Dont be fooled by the "olde world" look of this pub it's as rough as a council estate pub - when we visited there was some smack head running around shouting and bawling and to make it worse it looked like he was friendly with the bar staff who were laughing along with his antics - I notice what looked like a couple of foreign tourists nervously finishing their drinks and heading for the door - there are loads of nice pubs in Durham so do yourself a favour and stay well away from this one

I love this place! I love the atmosphere and the friendliness of the place. The Manager is a star and helped make our birthday weekend tradition of sitting in our favourite booth drinking too much wine possible! This is a proper pub and I love it!! Happy Christmas to all the hardworking staff from a very happy customer!

This is undoubtedly the best pub in Durham for me! It has everything, quirky style, fantastic accommodating staff, excellent food and amazing drinks.

The Market Tavern could not be in a better location in the centre of Durham. A Greene King establishment. It’s not a spacious bar but none the less cozy with friendly attentive staff. It has a fair bit of history relating to the miners in the area dating back to the mid 1800’s. Went here three times over a two day break in Durham. Once just for drinks and the second time for a sandwich lunch. Everything was fine, food tasty and service good. The Sunday Roasts being served to an adjacent table looked amazing. Would definitely go back, for further visits

... was the bar maid? We are still in the Market Tavern sitting having our second drink, we were going to stay for lunch, but the barmaid is perhaps the most perfunctory, unfriendly, un-smiley (is that a word?) staff member, that we will not stay in such an unwelcome environment.

We enjoyed a lovely return to the Market Tavern restaurant and Sarah, the new manager could not have been more helpful or welcoming. We had not booked but all the staff were most accommodating and organised a fabulous table in the restaurant. The food and service were excellent as always and it makes such a difference to feel so well looked after and not rushed, particulalry as it was a busy Saturday night.

made a visit on Sunday afternoon, didn’t have food on this occasion but will certainly be returning for it, the drinks were served perfectly by very friendly staff, great little boozer

Great location, traditional interior if a bit worn and cramped.

Quite busy for 4pm on a Saturday. Good atmosphere. Sport on TV.

Just had Sunday lunch here and was extremely pleased. Food was very good - plenty of meat and fresh vegetables, with Yorkshire pudding and gravy. Staff very friendly and it is a good old-fashioned pub, but with plenty of room and atmosphere.

We popped in for soft drinks (two cost £5 which regardless of being prime city location is still expensive), apart from that the venue has loads of charm, old fashioned in respects, but stylish and spotless with it. From the outside it looks like a small one room pub but it has a Dr Who Tardis transformation inside with two levels. Football was on and a good selection of drinks available. No one was dining at the time but we always check the menus and would have had a few options we would have liked (again, prices are city centre ones). There were plenty of drinkers and shoppers in and there was a good friendly buzz about the place despite this being 2.30pm in the afternoon. We both thought it would be a great night time pub if we lived closer by.

Decided to call in for drinks on 20/09/19 for an afternoon drink with a friend. Took one drink and it was disgusting, bitter, horrible taste. Took it back to the bar and I was made out to be a liar. Anyway I did get it changed the new drink was slightly more palatable. 2 day's later and my throat is burning and painful, spoke to a friend who works for a pub and he said it sounds like cleaning chemicals or even line cleaner! Will never recommend or visit this outlet again. Horrible horrible experience.

Lovely olde worlde pub . Nice friendly welcoming bar lady and very good food . I had the pie and it was delicious . Will definitely visit again.

The reason it gets 3 stars is that I thought the guy behind the bar was really good and I liked the ambience. The guy was concerned when I mentioned the food, and dis offer a refund. If I was tating the food alone it would be 1 or less. I was told that kitchen was closing even though the sign outside says food served to late - it was 7.30. Cannot help bit feel the person in the kitchen wanted away asap - you shouldn't really be able to get scampi and chips wrong bit they did.

Been to this pub a few times, and I love the atmosphere, great ales from maxim brewery, great food selection ( good old pub grub). It’s an old building with many quirks, busy on a weekend but I have to say the staff handle it really well. Thanks for a proppa pub and some good times.

located in the Market square hence its name is this old traditional style pub serving a good selection of beers and traditional food, it's a long narrow room when entering which leads to a second floor with another narrow room quite large showing sky sports.

Right in the city centre market square. An old traditional type pub with range of drinks and pub food. Lots of local "characters". Some seats outside for people watching and listening to musicians, especially "Elvis" on Sunday afternoon.

Me and my sister come here every time we’re in Durham and we love it. Friendly staff, great food, great service and a good laugh. A brilliant gem of a place and not to be missed !

Me and my sister live in Newcastle and York so chose to meet up in Durham every few months to catch up and spend the night away. Our favourite place by far and the pub we spend most of our time at is the Market Tavern, we just cannot fault it. The pub itself and its history, the friendly welcoming staff, the real ale, the outstanding food, the night atmosphere, all make it’s our number 1 place. We’ve been coming here for a few years now and have been here in every season, the seasonal real ales are a must try and their food menu has always been exceptional from great pub grub like fish and chips, pies and burger to lighter bites like sandwiches and jacket potatoes. We shop a little then stop for lunch and drinks there and then later we always go back out and spend the rest of the evening there too..... you just can’t beat it!

Called in for a quick drink to kill an hour while in Durham which ultimately I didn’t have. All I can say is really bad attitude from girl behind the bar and the self proclaimed chef who was sitting at the bar. Won’t bother going back, plenty of other options.

Called in by chance, with family on Sunday afternoon loved the old world style of the place. Greeted warmly by the staff working the time by the young girl with dark hair, she was very helpful, took our order promptly as we were all eating, it was well presented and good by pub food standards, well worth a visit!

Went here for drinks with a friend and genuinely think it was the least welcome I’ve ever felt somewhere. The girl behind the bar was chatting with her mates and seemed very inconvenienced that we wanted a drink. She then really smugly asked us if we had ID which isn’t in itself an issue, I guess if anything a compliment but we are both clearly in our 30s and the way she asked and then sniggered to her friends suggested that she was trying to mock us in some way. She didn’t say thank you after we showed it and her and her friends continued to share glances and looks to each other and then us. We felt really uncomfortable and didn’t stay for more than the one drink.

Popped in for a drink with a friend as it was nice and sunny and there were tables free outside overlooking the market square. That’s where the positives end!

Called in a couple of times on our weekend in Durham. A great little pub, good choice of drinks reasonably priced, friendly bar staff who serve in order without favouring locals. Great atmosphere, plenty of friendly locals and interesting decor worth checking out. A proper pub and would return again and again.

Been in the Market Tavern on many, many, occasions and never had a bad reception or bad time on any visit ! Staff excellent, cheerful and polite. Beer spot on !!!! Carry on The Market 😃😃😃😃😃😃😃

Decient pint, however horrific service. Never known a staff member looking so disgusted to be behind a bar. Didnt even greet us, and when we asked for a drink scowled at us and pulled it. Had the one then left, very unwelcomming .

Nice little bar, lots of traditional features. Friendly staff, good choice of drinks. Serve food but we didn't partake on this occasion. Comfortable stop off point right in the Centre of town.

Great little pub in the market Square. I went with a few friends & had quick friendly service by Jess on the bar.

So , a meal before a concert at the gala . Classic pub grub it declared , that will do for us !

Cannot rate this pub low enough.The stench as you walk in from the mens toilets hits you immediately. Then as you approach the bar the smell from the kitchen of fatty fried food takes over. The young barman looked totally disinterested. Once at the bar you realise that your feet are sticking to the floor, which looked like it hadn't been cleaned all day. The bar area also looked grubby and the bar top looked as if it was rarely attended to as it was also either sticky or still wet with the overflow froth from the drinks rested on it from previous customers. The bar staff obviously have no pride in their workplace and very little interest in their customers. The drinks prices are relatively expensive compared to other pubs in Durham. I will never visit this pub again, especially as there are far superior pubs in very short walking distance.

Called into this great old fashioned pub for a pint and was not disappointed - excellent real ale, lovely decor and wonderful atmosphere. Very polite and friendly bar staff who brought my friends coffee to the table. Highly recommended.

Enkle greie lokaler. Lun pub med god service, mye øl og særdeles god fish & cips. Liten sitteplass utvendig. Anbefales

Decided to take advantage of 2 for 1 Happy Hour deal. Authentic old time pub convenient to public market.

I could not see a 'no dogs' sign on the door but nevertheless I and my well behaved small dog were given the boot. A place to avoid!!!

Called in for a quick pint and food. Fair selection of real ales and ciders. They will also prepare cocktails as well. I ordered a steak and red wine pie with mash and vegetables with my wife the hand pressed burger with bacon and cheese. The burger was very good though the chips that came with it a little disappointing ( basic Mac Donald type fries). If the burger had come with decent quality chips I could have scored the food higher. The pie meal was good. Hot and tasty and I could not fault it.

Called in for drinks on Saturday and had a lovely couple of pints of Raspberry porter which was well kept and very tasty, the atmosphere was jovial and friendly and staff welcoming, we didn't have food but it did look very nice and appetising ( maybe next time). This pub has about 4 real ales on pump and is an old Durham watering hole worthy of a visit if in the city.

A historic pub located in the market square with a small ouside seating area.

This a nice pub right outside the indoor market in Durham very clean but far to expensive for drinks when compared to others such as a The Bishops Mill .Food quality good but again for Durham expensive

Stopped in here for quick drink and lunch. Nice place yes there was sport on but volume was muted, the kind of place you could sit and read a book over a nice pint. Loved the little two seater booths. We had pint and half pint of Aspall cider very nice but my husband had a pint of another one and not so keen we ordered lunch I had full serving of nachos, should have had starter size too too much even after giving a few to hubby, he had falafel burger said it was ok.

Only had a drink so can’t comment on food.

To serve beer as flat as a pancake is one thing, to repeatedly do it is inexcusable.if you’re looking for a none flat beer there are lots of local bars better than this.

As the title suggests we just called for a drink whilst visiting the beautiful town that is Durham.

Nice enough pub, situated in the heart of the Market Place. But it is a place for tourists, real ale drinkers, and not much else. The lager is best avoided. Possibly the worst pint in Durham. Pubs are a matter of taste, so give it a try.

Visited here previously for Mum’s birthday, but just for drinks. This time was with my husband and son for food. Great choice, fresh food and amazing choice of drinks. A really homely pub and a joy to have visited.

Popped in for a drink whilst stopping overnight in Durham - good selection of real ales and a couple of ciders on draft, also 18 gins to try, great place to relax and enjoy a drink. After our meal we went back again - although a lot busier the owner moved some students over who had spread out over 3 tables so we and another couple could get a seat. Recommend trying. Didn't try the food so can't comment but it looked OK.

Another gem in Durham city. Good choice of beers in an old fashioned pub, a little bigger than some of the other quaint pubs in the city.

We went to the pub with some friends when we arrived to Durham and the pub was really nice. Music was lit and the waiters were so polite

Had an amazing night with the Durham Uni Irish Society! Amazing place for both students and locals. The owner is really friendly and helpful, made the night run so smoothly and even stayed on past the 11pm close just for us. Great selection of drinks too, with a really nice Guinness! Definitely one of the best spots in Durham.

I went to the pub with some Spanish friends after a long day visiting Durham and we felt really confortable there.I love the music,the ambient and the beers.Nice place to hang out with friends. 100% recommendable

We popped into the Market Tavern for a vegan meal. Great food, warm and cosy place. The Manager was absolutely first rate. Really friendly and helpful.

My wife & I popped in here for a bite to eat and a drink on a Saturday afternoon. Place was busy as usual. My wife’s fish n chips were nice, however my burger was way over-cooked, and the bun didn’t feel as fresh as it should. Not as nice as the last time we ate here. Staff were nice as usual.

The best aspects of the Market Tavern are its bar person and the quietness as a place to eat and drink. Our experience was satisfactory but not memorable in any way, not unusual for a pub lunch.

bar staff are extremity unprofessional cannot even pour a good pint . without it looking like a 99 ice cream . and don't bother mentioning it to them as i found out. if you do mention it you will find that the staff became very condescending and Leary to the point of arrogant . turn your back on them and they will think your talking about them and go in a huff like juvenile child would. simply not worth it. will never give them my business again and would strongly advise everybody else to do the same

The Market Tavern is just what you need on a cold wet evening in Durham, it is ideally situated and so welcoming, the atmosphere was great, busy with folk of all generations, but the staff were attentive and service was excellent, my other half said it was a particularly good pint, and the food was brilliant as well as being very reasonably priced.

A pint at this pub is a must every time I go into Durham. Located in the main market place, they serve great real ales and the food is really good too. Added bonus this time as the Street Food Market was on; it all made for a great trip into Durham.