Ye Old Elm Tree
“We are a Traditional pub, historically one of the oldest pubs in Durham City dating back to the 1600s. We have 5 rotating cask ales from local and independent breweries, and are CAMRA City Pub of the Year 2023 and 2024.”
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Quick info
About Ye Old Elm Tree
Ye Old Elm Tree is a pub at 12 Crossgate in Durham, dating back to the 1600s and counted among the city's oldest. Five rotating cask ales from local and independent breweries are poured here, and the pub is listed in the CAMRA Good Beer Guide. CAMRA named it City Pub of the Year in 2023 and 2024. A log fire burns inside, and the pub does not serve food. The building stands up a hill, a short walk from the city centre, Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral, and it opens daily. CAMRA members receive a discount.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention real ale selection, log fire, dog friendly and covered rear beer terrace.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention real ale selection, log fire, dog friendly and covered rear beer terrace.
Featured reviews
- J E
“Great locals pub located up a tall hill (earn my ale). Visited on 2 occasions during my stop in Durham and enjoyed both times. Nice old pub feel and friendly service. Was bustling in the evening.”
- Rachel Telford
“Great atmosphere, lovely friendly staff and a fantastic selection of beer! We always pop in when in Durham! Highly recommend!”
- Adrian Ballestrin
“Great little pub in Durham, a few stone throws away from the Durham Castle and Durham Cathedral (5 - 10 minute walk). This pub has origins dating back 400 years ago but doesn’t look a day over 300! A good selection of cask ales, beers and ciders. Includes some local offerings from nearby breweries. Has a good undercover outdoor area as well which is perfect for when the weather allows. There is limited parking in the rear, but is within an easy 5-10 minute walk from the city centre. I highly recommend popping in for at least a pint or two. It doesn’t appear that at the time of my visit that the Ye Old Elm Tree served food (I may be wrong) but there are plenty of food options available near by…..do yourself a favour and pop in regardless. Staff were friendly - great little spot.”
- Joanne Oliver
“Was a quiet day. But still, the beers were perfectly kept. The pub is beautiful. The staff affable.”
- Chris Smith
“Best pub in Durham. Excellent beers fab fire fantastic staff excellent for dogs”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers most often single out the real ale on cask, with a pint of No Regrets and a Twisted Oak Spun Gold from Somerset named among the pours, and several say the beers were perfectly kept and on top form. Close behind is the friendly staff, described repeatedly as helpful and affable, with one barmaid remembered for recommending a couple of other pubs nearby. The atmosphere draws a warm, cozy, local pub feel, helped by a log fire and a large covered rear beer terrace. A few note that dogs are welcome. The hill up to the pub comes up more than once, with one reviewer calling it an "earn my ale" climb and another saying it puts tourists and non ale drinkers off. Food is a point of disagreement: two reviewers say the pub no longer serves it, while another praises the weekday food and Sunday lunches. One visitor who asked about food was told it had stopped, and the barmaid pointed them to other pubs instead.
Location
Bars near Ye Old Elm Tree
- The Holy GrAle4.83660 mi
rotating keg taps, canned and bottled beers, open mic nights
- The Bishops' Mill4.13,9530.3 mi£10–20Wheelchair accessibleOutdoor seating
halloumi fries, jaipur pint, outdoor terrace seating
- Swan & Three Cygnets4.21,2630.4 mi£1–10Outdoor seating
samuel smith's beers, phone-free policy, no under 18s
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ye Old Elm Tree | 4.5797 | — | — | real ale selection, log fire, dog friendly |
| The Holy GrAle | 4.8366 | 0 mi | — | rotating keg taps, canned and bottled beers, open mic nights |
| The Bishops' MillWheelchair accessible · Outdoor seating | 4.13,953 | 0.3 mi | £10–20 | halloumi fries, jaipur pint, outdoor terrace seating |
| Swan & Three CygnetsOutdoor seating | 4.21,263 | 0.4 mi | £1–10 | samuel smith's beers, phone-free policy, no under 18s |
The 3 nearest bars by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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