Quick info
About Swan & Three Cygnets
Swan & Three Cygnets is a pub on Elvet Bridge in Durham that runs a no-technology policy, with smartphones banned so a visit happens without screens. Beer leads the drinks list, with Samuel Smith's beers and a selection on offer, and wine is also served for those who prefer it. The room is a traditional pub interior with old-style seating. Dogs are welcome, so owners can bring them along. Entry is limited to adults, as no under 18s are allowed.
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention samuel smith's beers, phone-free policy, no under 18s and competitive prices.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention samuel smith's beers, phone-free policy, no under 18s and competitive prices.
Customer Review Summary
The caveat is service that splits sharply. One reviewer says a barmaid refused a taste of wine before buying and described it as a beer pub when asked about wine. Another reports an off beer with no replacement offered, and a third describes a rude older bartender with blond hair, though the rest of the team is usually great.
Customer Review Summary
The caveat is service that splits sharply. One reviewer says a barmaid refused a taste of wine before buying and described it as a beer pub when asked about wine. Another reports an off beer with no replacement offered, and a third describes a rude older bartender with blond hair, though the rest of the team is usually great.
Featured reviews
- Google user
“Worst pub in Durham. Staff are simply aweful . Particularly mr grumpy who I actually feel sorry for because everything in his life is misery so he will treat you with disrespect. Beer today was off, I did not get a replacement. It is really disappointing. Becky is delightful. We will not be back.”
- Google user
“Good drinks and usually good staff, but I had a very poor experience with one of the bar men. The older bloke with blond hair. He was incredibly rude during our interaction, which was a real shame as the rest of the team is usually great.”
- Google user
“Good place for food and drink staff helpfull and polite 👌”
- Google user
“Old coffee machine still serving a grand flavour. Lovely staff and beautiful spot.”
- Google user
“The barmaid mentioned that it was a beer pub when asked about wine, even though they served wine. She refused when asked if the wine could be tasted before buying. Not customer friendly at all. It seems bar staff are not properly trained by the management. Customer service is not their primary concern. I very much hope that not all Samuel Smith pubs' bar staff are as poorly trained as this pub.”
Highlights
- Great beer selection
Amenities
- Outdoor seating
- Dogs allowed
- Alcohol
- Cozy
- Beer
- Food
Show more amenities
- Seating
- Restroom
- Offerings· 2
- Hard liquor
- Wine
- Crowd· 2
- Groups
- Tourists
- Highlights· 1
- Great beer selection
- Atmosphere· 1
- Casual
Location
Bars near Swan & Three Cygnets
- The Bishops' Mill4.13,9530.2 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
halloumi fries, jaipur pint, outdoor terrace seating
- The Holy GrAle4.83660.3 mi
rotating keg taps, canned and bottled beers, open mic nights
- Broomside park - Queensway Inns4.01,3721.4 mi
all you can eat breakfast, fish and chips, pastries and fruit yogurt
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Swan & Three CygnetsOutdoor seating | 4.21,263 | — | £1–10 | samuel smith's beers, phone-free policy, no under 18s |
| The Bishops' MillWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.13,953 | 0.2 mi | £10–20 | halloumi fries, jaipur pint, outdoor terrace seating |
| The Holy GrAle | 4.8366 | 0.3 mi | — | rotating keg taps, canned and bottled beers, open mic nights |
| Broomside park - Queensway Inns | 4.01,372 | 1.4 mi | — | all you can eat breakfast, fish and chips, pastries and fruit yogurt |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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