Ye Olde Elm Tree in County Durham - Phone Number, Reservations, Reviews

What a great pub with log burner fire. Loved the decor and only 5 mins walk from main walkway. Thanks to the volunteer people in the main square who pointed us in this direction. Like someone else said, we will go back to this pub as it has old photos and old brick walks. Perfect

Surly Staff, No Food I don’t normally write reviews, but I write this to warn anybody expecting to be fed and treated with courtesy at Ye Old Elm Tree. Their Facebook page shows photographs of food and all Google reviews state that Ye Old Elm Tree serves great food. After ordering our drinks we asked about the menu and were bluntly told there was ‘No food.’ No apology or explanation was offered. When we asked for an explanation the staff mumbled and shrugged. A staff member then added that there hadn't been food for ages - as if we were stupid not knowing that. We took our drinks and later I used the toilet. A urinal was overflowing. On leaving the pub I told the staff about the urinal. The response was ‘What?’ I repeated, and the staff member immediately turned away and began a conversation with her colleague. No, ‘Oh thanks for letting us know.’ The staff at Ye Old Elm Tree generally appeared incapable of smiling and any warmth in dealing with customers.

Despite reviews and on line menu, we arrived around 5.15 pm to be told no food was on offer and that kitchen had been closed since March (2024). Its now mid August.

Manager had a little power trip but that’s okay they have alright pints

Very disappointed with this pub as when you look on the internet, it shows that this place serves food. Infact one comment was how wonderful the steak pie was - March 2024. We were so looking forward to trying the pie with a couple of beers only to find they do not do food.

We visited here and this place is great atmosphere excellent haven't tried food yet but will on next visit staff were really pleasant to great job well done

Didn't have food so can't comment on that. Beer and craic was great, brilliant atmosphere.👍

Wish I'd found out about this place earlier! It's a relaxed, traditional atmosphere. People know each other, there's a friendly feel to the place. Comfortable chairs, quiet but homely, great decor. Definitely a must see on your visit to Durham! I wish I'd come here for dinner too - next time!

Pint expensive v other pubs in area... Sat out the front... Good time

Twice awarded CAMRA city pub of the year and it's easy to see why. A warm welcome on arrival, three or four cask ales including offerings from local breweries, a gentle hum of conversation and unobtrusive folk music eminating from a side room. Everything a good pub should be. The only pub in Durham we went back to.

Very nice ambience, friendly staff. Outdoor seating available with rain cover

Good pub with a good selection of drinks. The hike up the hill to get there was worth it!

Always a great pint of ale. Especially when it’s Old Peculiar

Called in for the first time yesterday afternoon for a few drinks with the lads...its a proper pub...excellently done out...clean and a great choice of drinks...definitely will call back in

Fabulous place although it was unfortunate that they didn’t serve lunch - it was a beautiful place and the staff were so friendly:-) looking forward to a return trip

Love this pub, great beer, good people, great outside space weather permitting 😁

It was packed out great atmosphere

Never been in. But looks a lovely pub.

A lovely rustic hide gem that serves Stella unfiltered

Easy to understand why this pub is CAMRA pub of the year again. Historic building with a good ambience serving excellent real ales well. Friendly efficient staff.

Lovely friendly pub, visited 3 days ago and great to see the food menu back on, we had not been for a while. Dog friendly, always find someone nice to chat to, a lovely couple with a dog this time. We had a really tasty Bolognese on chips, good choice of different lagers and ale. Great location as well, wonderful view of Durham Cathedral from St Margaret's church just a few yards along. Staff extremely personable.

Went in for a drink nice place good atmosphere

Walked in at 19:14, got drinks and menus, and then told us we had 5 minutes to order if we wanted food. The creamy mushrooms were watery and luke warm. Hallumi bites were OK, and the chicken wings were good. Mains The rib eye was more medium rare than medium well, no steak knife, but it wasn't needed. Tomatoes were raw but had a black middle as if they had cooked it. Chicken burger was solid. I could have used a hacksaw to find the dried chicken inside. The chicken curry was bland and watery. Poor choice of non alcoholic beers. Monday night is folk night, and the calming music calmed the savage breast after that burger. I don't like leaving reviews that are not glowing, it is a good pub that could be great with a bit of attention to detail in the food you serve.

Well this is a splendid place. Choice of real ales, food was good, hot and fast. Old style pub. Nice space / deck out the back Away from city centre, but not that far (bus station is near, rail station not far)

Superb steak pie made with crust pastry not that flaky rubbish. The meat just melted in the mouth perfectly cooked and generous portions. The lady who served us was friendly and polite, we will be back.

Proper Sunday lunch, huge yorkshires, homemade sauces and extra gravy ❤️ Came here today for the second time as it was just as good. Very reasonable price and meat that just falls apart when you cut it. Lovely atmosphere, very cosy and super friendly staff. Dog friendly and good for everyone. Nice outdoor terrace, we will be back to try for summer drinks. I’m reluctant to share incase they run out of gravy! ❤️

The home cooked food is 10/10 (especially the sticky toffee pudding!!) and the staff are always so warm and welcoming. Lovely cosy pub and dog friendly

If there was a ramp in the beer garden for wheelchair access I'd give it 5 stars 😀

Reasonably priced , quality food and drink. Along with a good service and pleasant atmosphere 👌

Warm friendly welcoming feel, staff couldn’t be more helpful. Log fire on and lovely lunch. Can’t wait to be back, Durhams best pub.

This is my favourite pub and although it’s not technically my local, it’s so friendly and welcoming that I really do feel like a local. It’s dog friendly with indoor and outdoor space, good selection of drinks and the best thing is the Sunday dinners. 4 out of 5 of my family are vegan and the Sunday roasts are fab and very filling. My number one pub in Durham. Oh the log burners in winter are just so cosy too. Proper traditional local pub.

Amazing choice of ales, staff are very helpful and friendly. the food is 10/10 would defiantly recommend. Sundays dinner is my all time favourite!

Gorgeous little pub, great reasonably priced selection of drinks. Food is unbelievable. Staff can not do more for you if they tried. Lovely little fire to sit by on the colder days. Warm Cosey environment

Had a great experience here. Friendly staff and good food, along with a nice selection of drinks to choose from. Will definitely be returning

Warm, Cosy, Super friendly traditional pub.

This is my favourite pub and although it’s not technically my local, it’s so friendly and welcoming that I really do feel like a local. It’s dog friendly with indoor and outdoor space, good selection of drinks and the best thing is the Sunday dinners. 4 out of 5 of my family are vegan and the Sunday roasts are fab and very filling. My number one pub in Durham. Oh the log burners in winter are just so cosy too. Proper traditional local pub.

Fabulous pub, fabulous food, fabulous staff and atmosphere. Always our favourite in Durham made even better now with the new delicious home cooked food! Always a fab range of beers, gins etc! X

Lovely friendly staff, always a warm inviting atmosphere and great food through the week especially Sunday lunches.

Best ales in Durham, great staff and cracking food

Gorgeous little pub, great reasonably priced selection of drinks. Food is unbelievable. Staff can not do more for you if they tried. Lovely little fire to sit by on the colder days. Warm Cosey environment

Absolutely amazing place , people and food. Highly recommended

Amazing service, amazing food and amazing drink choice. What more could you want?

Amazing place going there for over 25 years and never had anything but a fabulous time. Clean, great food, the choice of Ales and Beers are wonderful , locals are lovely. Highly recommend that you give it a visit, you won’t be disappointed. Jo from Durham.

Only had a glass of sauvignon blanc unfortunately it was cheap, nasty wine. Couldn't drink it

Cool and nice vibes. Good place to chill!

Always one of my stopping points when out in Durham, great place and something for everyone

Friendly staff and good choice of beer

Looked for a dog friendly pub and came across this one, fully recommend this pub, friendly atmosphere and the food was the best I have eaten in a long time.

Cracking little pub, with an excellent choice of ales which is always changing. Well worth a look in if you get the chance...

Visited at a very busy time but the staff were friendly and patient . Service was very good and didn't feel rushed. Real hand pump beer which was vy good and the food was exceptional. Thank you everyone at the pub. You are a great team and have a lovely pub.

Great pub and really good service

Really oldy worldy very friendly atmosphere lovely

Best pub in Durham. Always nice people in there & Atmosphere. Great news Sunday dinners back on and it's damn nice.

It's a climb to get there but we go every time we are out. Well worth a visit.

Fantastic pub, such a warm welcome. Had the most amazing steak pie. It was legendary!

One of Durham's gems. Off the beaten track so it keeps the nuggets out. Proper pub atmosphere. Never eaten there so can't comment on the food

I visited this pub twice while in Durham, nice locals pub with a friendly welcome.

Fantastic traditional city centre pub. Excellent real ale and real fire. Now doing bar food which is superb. Dog friendly.

Always a pleasure in ye good old elm, proper authentic feel, plenty choices, roaring fire and a sheltered beer garden. What's not to love?

Lovely pub, friendly staff good beer

Quirky ,oldy-worldy joint with plenty of character and characters lol ..Andy has an awesome selection of ales, dude's a legend 💯🍺 Only had a swift half while passing,kinda glad we called in and the folks there 🤝

Friendly and atmospheric pub . 10 / 10 !

Great choice of tasty ales. Friendly staff and comfortable environment.

Quiet bank holiday but nice pub, great pint.

Bit off the beaten track if you like, but it's a lovely pub. Traditional inside like a proper pub should be but also a modern terrace type beer garden out the back . Super friendly staff and top rated ales. Search it out on Google and pay a visit. Absolutely recommended.

Great pub, great beers on selection. Staff are very friendly, was a really relaxed atmosphere. Outside seating area was covered and comfortable. Very much recommend this pub.

Friendly staff, good selection of real ales and ciders. Dog friendly. Lovely sunny beer garden.

Great pub. Great beer and selection 👌 👍

Thursday 11th May 2023, we visited this proper local real ale pub in Durham What a great pub The owners are proper real ale conifers of hand pumped ales 6 hand pumped real ales on from near and afar and all well looked after Pub does a CAMRA DISCOUNT AND IT IS A ESSENTIAL VISIT TO DRINK REAL ALE WHEN IN DURHAM

Really good range of beers, the staff were very welcoming and friendly reasonabily priced would definitely recommend going in

A classy pub, that is warm, clean, and with a stellar selection of beers. The patio is great for sunny days. And Wednesday night trivia is an essential experience.

A really nice old English pub....

Awesome ale selection. Friendly staff. Great setting.

We popped in here with our dog for a quick drink but in reality didn’t want to leave in a hurry due to the warm atmosphere, blazing fire and great beer.

Fantastic pub, always liked it, but marvellous at the moment. Timothy Taylors range of beers excellent and not to be missed!

Fantastic traditional pub, great atmosphere and excellent staff, good selection of Real Ale.

Lush old pub, friendly barmaid, good beer and cheerful happy punters.

Nice old proper pub! Proper beer.

Nice local pub with good range of beer

Best pub in Durham. Dog friendly. Great staff. Wish it was my local pub as it was a gret atmosphere and feels like a local pub should. Log burners for winter and a sun spot beer garden for summer.

Nice and friendly staff with good drink selection. Honestly it's just a lovely pub to have a few drinks in

Great old pub .... if its icey, watch how you go downhill.

Nice range of drinks on tap and the outside area was spot on even in the winter

Mint bar Staff great Beer good selection Prices good

A lovely friendly pub in a beautiful part of Durham!! Staff and locals were brilliant and we had two great evenings!! Dogs are very welcome and greated with treats and a bowl of water!!! It's a real shame theyhave stipped doing food... But it is made up for with a brilliant selection of real ales, wines... and whiskies!!! We will be back next time we're in Durmam!!! Thank you staff!!! 🙏🙏🙏😁

best pub in Durham by a mile. can recommend the wednesday quiz and the local brews you have to go!!!

Great selection of beers. Lovely old pub and a nice fire to warm up in front of

Best bar in Durham. Second to none. Great selection of ales, lagers and ciders. Very accommodating and the atmosphere cannot be beaten. Not many proper pubs like this left in Durham!

One of the best "classic" pubs in Durham. Good atmosphere with brick walls and some eclectic decoration pieces. Usually a good range of beers from Keg or Cask which are often from local breweries. Pub quiz on Wednesday is very good but it tends to get quite packed on those days.

Just off main high Street. Great place occasionally spoiled by uni students. But hey-ho that's Durham for you.

Great outdoor seating area. Loved it.

Beer is nice, but they haven't served food for years.

Friendly place with outdoor seating in a lovely part of Durham city. Lots of choice on tap for real ale enthusiasts.

Great bar. Good selection of Ale and beer

Love this place, great beer in lovely atmosphere, worth a visit 👍🍻🍻

Good range of local craft beer in cask and keg.

Great pub quiz on Wednesday nights.

Super pub, great craic, great staff. Newly extended outdoor area at the rear is great!

This is the best pub in Durham. Mint staff, great beer, lovely beer garden. Love taking my dog here as there are always lots of friendly dogs and people for her to socialise with, staff always give her treats and water. I’m coeliac too and there’s always gf beer and sometimes great gf ales. Great live folk music during the week and Durham’s toughest pub quiz on a Wednesday. Lovely mix of students and locals. Can’t think of a better pub tbh!

As a real ale fan the quality is excellent with a good choice Friendly staff and regulars and huge beer garden at back.