The Swan & Three Cygnets in County Durham

Good pints and good vibes. This pub doesn't deserve less than 5 stars

Nice, cheap pints. But the service isn’t great, I was threatened to be banned for life and called a rude word for simply drinking my beer fast after being told to leave in 10 mins for close.

The pints were cheap but a bleach blonde member of staff with a combover was very rude. Swearing at us and being very rude!

Great bar, great prices and great for people watching, staff provide a service above and beyond. Well done guys.

Recently renovated Sam smiths pub, which has been done up very well with a northern theme to each saloon. As a southerner, I nearly fainted at the cheapness here as a pint cost 2.80 on average. I had to ask the bar staff if I had been undercharged. No named brands here. However, all their beers are quality and equally go toe to toe with named brands. Didn't sample the food, and I'm not sure if they do any, to be honest. Overall, it was a cosy and nice place to hang out, perfect for a pint with friends or on your own.

Cheap, really nice Sam Smith's pints! Can easily get a round for three under £10 which is a rarity nowadays

Nice pub with garden and cheap beer.

Students mainly but great beer garden over looking Durham

I've already posted a glowing review about Culpitts Hotel, the other Samuel Smith pub in Durham. The Swan, as it is affectionately known, has the same great beer and amazing prices, but lacks some of the personal touch. Where it makes up for it is with the outdoor seating by the River Wear, which is most welcome on sunny days. It's right by the university, so it can get crowded with students during the academic year, so much so that they'll resort to using plastic pint "glasses". (The solution: order the Old Brewery Bitter, which always seems to come in real pint glass.) Mildest reservations aside, if you want a terrific cheap beer, particularly during the summer, the Swan is tough to beat.

Excellent love this pub great atmosphere staff were great to really busy

Great returning to the Swan & Three for a pint after many years. Hasn't changed a bit. Lovely spot down by the river, especially nice on a sunny evening.

Sam Smith's pub, good beer really reasonable and a great location on the river.

When I visit Durham this is always the first pub we visit weather it be friends or family but never again. I purchased 2 lagers and 1 bitter. The bitter had a sour smell and taste ( one mouth full) Ok I thought not a problem I will ask to change it . However the lad behind the bar said “yes you can change but you will have to pay for another one “ I was totally took back by this and asked if he was calling me a liar to which he more or less said yes. I left the pint with him and went back to sit with my wife and son without a drink. I have always worked in the public sector and I have never seen such bad public relations

Lovely helpful staff, always happy to answer questions. They didn't serve Guinness but had their own house stout, which I didn't find enjoyable; just not to my personal taste, much more sharp and bitter than Guinness. So apart from the beverage, service, location and atmosphere was marvelous.

Sat outside and inside. Not much seating. Pints were fine but bottled beer in bottles of 330 ml. We were advised about this before purchase

Not bad , people are sociable. Friendly.x

Fun spot for real old style local

Great pub. Love the no mobiles/tablet ban. "Just beer and conversation. " Of course great beer garden with good phone signal!

Warm cosy traditional type public house situated in an ideal position on the banks of the River Wear in Durham. It is one of very few Samuel Smith's houses left in the North East of England. Staff are very hospitable and friendly as well as being knowledgeable on their cask ales. It was my second visit this year, just for a refreshing pint on a warm day. Last time I had the Dark Mild, this time I opted for the Old Brewery Bitter hand drawn from the wooden cask. Shame I couldn't stay longer, I could have quaffed a gallon it was that nice. Beautiful colour and clarity a hint of malt and hoppiness and more important it was not so cold as to kill the taste. Both pints were priced under £3.50. I honesty don't know if they have a food offer the beer was sufficient to satisfy me. I'll certainly be returning on my next visit to Durham.

Absolutely class mate. Pure nice weather, sound pint. Few poshos in cricket gear who I instantly didn't like but the staff were proper nice and lovely venue. Belta atmosphere think a couple of engineering nerds came out of their uni exam, who would of thought they'd make a nice atmosphere hehehe.

Took a while to get served but worth the wait the real ale was beautiful

The pub is clean and well maintained. Samuel Smith pubs have a couple of enforced rules. No smartphone usage and no swearing. It’s designed to enhance conversation. Nearly all of the criticism is by kids addicted to smartphones and their restricted usage

Great beer cheap prices will defo be back

Variety of beers and at unbeatable prices!! I recommend to have a beer! They range from £2.5 to £4!

Great traditional pub. Perfect beer garden for watching the world go by. One of my favourites

Very good place to sit out and have a beer while watching rowers and river boats. Organic lager is very crisp and cold, proper lager unlike mass brewery swills.

Sam smiths pub. Lovely chat with the bar lady / manager / very friendly. Beer good. Cheap as with all Ss pubs. Quite quiet for the time. No phones obv as with all SS pubs.

Usual digital detox sam smiths pub, liked beer and place was full on my sat aft visit.

Called in tonight as it was raining and wanted to get a drink after being out for food. We didn't realise it was a Sam Smith pub until we went inside. Let me begin by saying we all agreed with the premise that talking more over being on phones is a positive...however not in here! I had received a voice note whilst in the restaurant (where we couldn't hear to play it) but obviously didn't want to stand in the rain to listen. As there was a man a few tables down using his tablet we didn't think that the digital ban was super strictly enforced. I therefore started playing the voice note for us to listen to with the intention of discussing afterwards as it was a continuation of a conversation we had been having earlier. Mid-way through I hear from across the bar "girls...GIRLS...NO." My friends and I honestly felt like we were back at school being scolded. Never in my adult life have I been spoken to in that way. This was our first visit to the pub and we would have been more than willing to put it away had we been approached politely and reminded that those are the rules, they are strongly enforced so would we mind doing that or going elsewhere. Instead we were spoken to like children, loudly across the bar by what I can assume to be the manager. Meanwhile around the corner a group of 6 male (i assume university students) sat and played on their phones, showed each other pictures, took pictures and not a word was said to them. I am yet to decide whether it was because they had the sense to sit slightly out of sight or whether it was because male patrons (tablet user and them) are exempt from the technology use ban, that they avoided a scolding. One thing is certain I will not be returning to this venue or any of the Sam Smith pubs if this is what to expect. I should also note that whilst again I agree with the premise to an extent, devices are an integral part of most people's lives and I am yet to enter any other pub that is silent due to phone use. They are not conquering anything other than reducing their customer base.

Called in tonight as it was raining and wanted to get a drink after being out for food. We didn't realise it was a Sam Smith pub until we went inside. Let me begin by saying we all agreed with the premise that talking more over being on phones is a positive...however not in here! I had received a voice note whilst in the restaurant (where we couldn't hear to play it) but obviously didn't want to stand in the rain to listen. As there was a man a few tables down using his tablet we didn't think that the digital ban was super strictly enforced. I therefore started playing the voice note for us to listen to with the intention of discussing afterwards as it was a continuation of a conversation we had been having earlier. Mid-way through I hear from across the bar "girls...GIRLS...NO." My friends and I honestly felt like we were back at school being scolded. Never in my adult life have I been spoken to in that way. This was our first visit to the pub and we would have been more than willing to put it away had we been approached politely and reminded that those are the rules, they are strongly enforced so would we mind doing that or going elsewhere. Instead we were spoken to like children, loudly across the bar by what I can assume to be the manager. Meanwhile around the corner a group of 6 male (i assume university students) sat and played on their phones, showed each other pictures, took pictures and not a word was said to them. I am yet to decide whether it was because they had the sense to sit slightly out of sight or whether it was because male patrons (tablet user and them) are exempt from the technology use ban, that they avoided a scolding. One thing is certain I will not be returning to this venue or any of the Sam Smith pubs if this is what to expect. I should also note that whilst again I agree with the premise to an extent, devices are an integral part of most people's lives and I am yet to enter any other pub that is silent due to phone use. They are not conquering anything other than reducing their customer base.

A bit dated, very spit and sawdust. Staff nice, prices reasonable but general ambiance OK for a group of guys on a Saturday afternoon, probably wouldn't recommend for older ladies or families

Lovely old style traditional pub. Clean, warm, and friendly. Love the fact the pub is a mobile/laptop free zone. Good prices too.

Lovely warm pub with a good selection of beers (that I've never heard of) and they have a digital detox policy meaning that you aren't supposed to use your mobile device in the bar or swear, which is nice.

Good proper pub, beers abit expensive to what it used to be, pre covid it was only £1.69 a pint

I love the digital detox. Sure you do see the odd person using their phone, but overall the spirit of the phone and screen ban is really great!

Popped in for a pint and wasn't disappointed

Excellent beers great staff good prices

The pub was quiet, as expected on a January weeknight. The offerings of draught drinks is predominantly the brewery’s own offerings with otter else on offer draught wise. The pub is trying to promote personal engagement and has signs everywhere banning the use of mobiles or other ‘transmission devices’. Not sure how this is enforced, however we decided to adhere to the rule for the single pint we had. It’s a pub with a good setting, right beside the water, however I’ve been a few times over the course of a year and it never seems to be booming. Perhaps all my mid-week visits coincide with quieter times. Overall it’s an OK pub, somewhere to bob in for a pint. Staff on hand at the time were pleasant and friendly, which does fly in the face of other reviews. Monday nights don’t seem to have any issues with friendliness from my experiences. Will call back in for a pint or two again when back in the city.

Good pub and an excellent pint. Been a while since I was last in.

Very weird atmosphere. Not just because of no phone rule ! Bar staff need to crack a smile or even try & converse with punters. Looks decent from outside. Will not return.

absolutely fantastic pub in central durham. I’d have tried to get a few pictures as the interior as well as views from the pub itself were gorgeous. views of the castle were superb. It’s a pub and that doesn’t allow technology of any sort and promotes social communication. Fellow pub goers and staff all lovely and welcoming. the no phone rule is an incredible concept and is followed by all. Craft beers and not the usual beer sets the pub apart and makes it unique the lager was nice and the Sam Smith Ale was nice too. definitely return

Lovely little pub in Durham, cheap and great tasting beers, always a go-to on a night out.

Not a lot of gluten free choices

Nice inexpensive pub.. decent beer and atmosphere

Great value Sam Smith's pub serving a good range of their own beers, ciders and spirits. Lovely and warm with a fire upstairs, pretty cold downstairs.

Sam smiths pubno food .carnt use phones laptop etc 👍👍beer and conversation

This pub is great and has amazing atmosphere but is ruined by the grump behind the bar, who is so rude permanently. It has the potential to be a great pub but the service from him is ridiculously rude and off-putting. Im sure he has to deal with a lot of difficult customers, but that happens anywhere, especially at a pub which is so popular for university students, and no one else seems to struggle to not be unbearable.

A bit of an oddity. Only sells Sam Smiths beer and the first thing you see is a very large poster informing that you can’t use your phone. The beer selection didn’t cut it for us so we left, sadly.

Great city centre pub. Lots of seating inside and out with views over the river, cathedral and town. Prices have gone up but short of going to spoons you won't find a cheaper pint in town. Always decent people from students to visitors and locals with no idiots I've ever seen. Wonderful on a sunny summer afternoon but just as good on a cold winters day. Service is always spot on, as is the beer.

Had a couple of drinks and it was clean.

Digital detox pub where they encourage beer and conversation rather than sticking your head in your phone or laptop! Great idea 💡

Loved the vibe of the place. I wish the staff were more friendly and warm. Loved my apple cider too.

Nice to be at a pub where every couple hasn't got a smartphone glued to the palm of their hands as if they don't want to be there or even talk to each other!! . Sit in the beer garden with the river flowing nearby, get a pint of Sam's beautifully made stout and a Raspberry G and T and just enjoy each others company.!!!

Terrible pub, terrible owner. The whole business model is dire. Staff are not looked after and customers are treated horrendously. Avoid.

Always great beers. Top location. I recommend

The staff are always brilliant here and the drink selection is different to anywhere else in Durham but has a few unique and different things available. Definitely worth a visit

Real beer and the prices are cheaper than anywhere else I've been. Nice choice, friendly staff and dog friendly, at least outside. Would visit again.

It's a Sam Smith pub, don't let Humphrey catch you on your phone, he won't be happy....

Lovely pub. No swearing, no mobiles allowed.

Rammed upstairs (ground level with the bridge), but absolutely deserted downstairs where all the comfy chairs are for some reason 🤔

Old school pub. Cider is definitely 10/10.

We just had a drink here before we went for something eat . Large outside seating area.

The worst customer service I’ve ever experienced. The seating outside was wet from the rain so I asked a sullen faced female bartender if she could give me something to wipe it with. Her reply, ‘we don’t have anything’. Avoid this unfriendly pub !

Say what you want about Sam Smith's as a franchise, but this particular venue has everything going for it. Never had any real problems, sometimes it's hard finding a seat but that only speaks to how popular the place is, as there is ample seating both indoors and outdoors. (I don't recall downstairs being open very often but my best memories of the pub are from when the downstairs bar was open). Recently Mr Smith changed the rule that dogs are no longer allowed inside, big shame but what the captain says goes. Still worth a visit if you're new or passing through.

Just had beer. Good vibe. Friendly bartenders.

A few decent beers all Sam Smiths so little choice. No music and the place needs decorating. Location is nice enough along side the river. Doesn't allow dogs which is big negative for us .

Excellent beer in a technology-free environment.

This is a great pub to push social interactions as phones are banned meaning you have to have real conversations. The outside area overlooks the river and is very scenic, meaning this pub is especially good in summer months.

Great friendly atmosphere next to the river. Cheap prices on beer so lots of students. Visited last year and this and would visit again.

Great pub this,great ale,and quiet sections for no tech,well done ✅

The Swan is a tradional pub with a welcoming atmosphere. Staff are great. Good price for a pint.

A Mobile Phone, Tablet & Laptop free bar. The bar staff were outstanding serving a vast crowd in the correct order quickly and efficiently.

Had an amazing time enjoying a few pints and the lovely sun in the outdoor area. Highly recommended and very affordable prices.

Terrible place. Happy for you to have your phone out to pay at the bar, but banned once you sit down. Enforced inconsistently, and while regulars had their phones out at the bar we were rudely approached mid conversation by staff and asked to put ours away. Do not go to this ‘pub’.

I understand that Sam Smiths pubs ban tablets/phones, but there is no need to be surly and rude when enforcing that rule, and combining it with a rule against swearing (equally rudely enforced) makes for a ridiculous 'theme pub' experience. Avoid until the weather is good enough to drink outside.

I used to love this pub, both as a student and on a nostalgic return to Durham 12 years ago. Now it has a weird, gulag atmosphere, surly staff, and signs everywhere banning phones and tablets. We went elsewhere to avoid ruining our fond memories of the place.

Went back again and absolutely loved still. Staff are friendly and chatting. Pub was clean but starting to show its age in places. 3.40 for the taddys had gone up since my last time, however wondering around the town, most places were charging almost 5 a pint. So actually they were still very cheap in comparison. We will be back.

Great place to sit outside and have a few taddys in the sun, our favourite place at the moment! Loads of character and friendly staff this place is great and I’ll keep returning

The one thing you can guarantee with a Samuel Smith pub is reasonably low priced drinks (compared to other places). The Swan and Three Cygnets is in a lovely location. On the afternoon we were in (a Saturday afternoon in February) the place was quite full and the atmosphere buzzing. There was a constant stream of people coming and going. The downstairs was closed so the upstairs was packed with most people standing. Enjoyed the pint of well kept lager though and i am not normally a lager drinker.

Cheap Boozer, usually full of students and can be relentless during term time Decent atmopshere, cant complain for a cheap pint or two.

My twin brother Stephen and I were pub hopping around Durham when we crossed Elvet Bridge and the first pub we visited was The Swan & Three Cygnets Pub and what a pub . This is a Samuel Smiths pub ,its a proper pub ,the interior is fantastic, pubby decor and furnishings and plenty of seating options spread throughout this pub both inside and outside looking out onto the busy and bustling Elvet Bridge, as its a Samuel Smiths pub no photography is allowed or mobile or laptops allowed, conversation is king in this pub ,I still managed to sneak some photo's in here to go with review . We were here on a Thursday afternoon, we ordered Samuel Smiths cider ,these were served in excellent condition, we just kicked back, chilled out and took in the great pub we were in. My cider was really good,a crisp, effervescent cider, so tasty, cut through the thirst on a hot afternoon, it was just what we needed. We really enjoyed our ciders in here before we moved on and for a first time visit to The Swan & Three Cygnets Pub we were totally impressed. The Swan & Three Cygnets Pub is easy to locate along Elvet Bridge. Opening hours are; Monday to Sunday, Midday till 11pm. A great pub ,most definitely well worth checking out if you're in the area.

Looks like a nice friendly village pub and inside it seemed nice at first but we were told by some jumped up barman to put our phones away or will refused service now I'm sorry I'm an adult if i want to use my phone in a pub i will pathetic rule will not be back

The Swan&Three Cygnets is a brilliant pub by Elvet bridge that offer's a superb range of Samuel Smith's brewery beer's.Located in an excellent area of Durham were there are many pubs and bars'this fantastic pub was by far the busiest pub we visited while in Durham as they offer superb beers that are inexpensive. Housed in a traditional pub building with a superb multi-roomed interior with fantastic seating options throughout the whole pubs interior and a superb outside seating area which was very busy when we went here as it was a roasting hot day. I thought this pub was superb as there was a great atmosphere in here and was really lively when we visited.When here we had a couple of pint's of Samuel Smith's brewery ciders which where superb and really well priced. The Swan&Three Cygnets is a brilliant pub and well worth visiting and is easy to get to from Shire Hall bus stop it's only a minute's walk away.(This is my first review of the The Swan&Three Cygnets). Opening Hours. Monday-Saturday-11.00-23.00. Sunday-12.00-22.30. Nearest Bus Stop. Shire Hall bus stop.

Sam Smiths pubs are usually really good in my experience. This one sadly wasn’t. Beer was mediocre and it is a cash only bar which to me is bonkers during a pandemic. I only stopped for a pint, sadly one too many.

The staff were friendly, enjoying their own banter but never rude or discourteous. Decent lager, but a very limited wine selection. Good for people watching and not as crowded as some of the brash party pubs over the bridge.

This looked rather inviting from the opposite side of the river and the tables looked empty despite Google Maps showing it was open. We approached the front gate which displayed a large sign instructing visitors to wait to be seated by a member of staff...

Just not good, crap low quality beer and mixers and expensive crap, double whammy crap product and expensive what more could you not wish for?

Absolutely disgusting, refused entry as they DO NOT ACCEPT YOUR medical EXEMTION CARD STAFF had horrible atitude when challenged walked away from me. DO NOT GO TO THIS ESTABLISHMENT

Been drinking at the swan for years and will definitely be drinking there again. However, the blonde haired highlights bloke (Craig) represents what is wrong with the swan. After one of my friends went downstairs to check if there was space, Craig blatantly lied (while...

Popped into this pub with my elderly mother, staff were extremely nice and friendly to us on arrival, we luckily got a table as it seemed quite full, they kept everyone at social distance which in a venue we had visited beforehand certainly did not!...

This has to be the best covid secure pub in Durham. Yes you are require to wait to be seated. But this is down to them sanitising areas ready for new customers. Staff are lovely , if not very over worked due to all the...

Pub was dead 11:30am, stood outside 20 minutes waiting for the barman to allow entry. He did every action imaginable to avoid allowing the 3 parties waiting outside. To the point we made off eventually. For 15 years punters have been moaning about the attitude...

Expensive for drinks. Very grumpy staff. No price list. No card machine especially for what’s been happening over the past year. Would never come here again.

The front of house man is the rudest man I have ever come across. We came from the river and didn’t realise we couldn’t just grab a table so we just sat down. He wouldn’t accept this was a mistake and was very rude. As...

Stopped for a drink while visiting the city, covid rules followed guidelines and felt safe and comfortable, had nice chat with lady who served us and had a lovely hour there. Will call in again when next in City thank you

One of your employees (Craig) absolutely laid into a young customer, leaving her in tears and swearing about her once she left with regulars who were also swearing. We were simply in for a quiet pint and staggered by the lack of professionalism shown and...

Came here a couple of times during early August, being a Sam Smiths pub its all their own produced / supplied beers / ciders etc. The prices are reasonable, beer excellent (cider too). Its just near Elvert Bridge - well worth a visit.

Visited on a quiet Tuesday afternoon around 4pm. Surprised at how lively it was with a mix of students and grown ups alike. Less than a fiver for a pint and a half, over a pound cheaper than other pubs in the area. The husband...

Was in here last Tuesday night for a drink. Its fine and in a great location on a nice day with lots of outside seating!

Yes, it's different. No screens allowed, and no cards accepted. But the beer was excellent, service lovely, and setting just perfect. Prices very good. We visited as often as we could on our trip, and can't wait to go back.