The Angel, Durham – 41 Verified Student Reviews 🍻
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The Angel -
The Angel -
Cleanliness
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Smoking
Based on 41 user ratings
53 Crossgate, Durham DH1 4PR, UK
💬 What Students Say
The Angel is a well-loved student pub located in the heart of Durham, just a stone's throw away from the University of Durham. This venue stands out as a go-to spot for students looking to unwind and enjoy a casual night out with friends. The pub has a welcoming vibe that attracts a diverse mix of patrons, making it a great place to meet new people or catch up with mates. With its fantastic beer garden and a variety of entertaining events, The Angel has something to offer everyone.
One of the key features that students appreciate about The Angel is its relaxed atmosphere. Many reviews highlight how the pub is perfect for a chill night out, allowing friends to enjoy each other's company without the pressure often found in more high-energy venues. The crowd is noted to be friendly and inclusive, creating an environment where everyone can feel comfortable. This laid-back vibe is complemented by a good selection of music, which students find enjoyable without being overwhelming, making it easy to chat while still having a good time.
The Angel also hosts regular events that add to its appeal. Students frequently mention the Thursday quizzes and mid-week pool tournaments as highlights of the week, providing a fun way to engage with friends and perhaps win some bragging rights. Additionally, live music on Saturdays and select Fridays brings a lively energy to the pub, attracting those who appreciate a vibrant musical atmosphere. The combination of these events with the overall chill vibe makes The Angel a staple for many students looking for a reliable night out.
When it comes to drinks, The Angel receives high praise for its affordability. Students often comment on the decent drink deals and reasonable prices, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget. This value for money is a significant factor in why many students choose to return to this pub time and again. The quality of the drinks is also noted, with patrons feeling satisfied with their choices. The pub’s partnership with Ye Old Elm Tree across the road for food adds another layer of convenience, allowing students to enjoy a meal alongside their drinks without having to venture far.
The student crowd at The Angel is generally described as laid-back and friendly, with many reviews noting that it’s easy to connect with others in the space. The pub can get quite busy, especially during popular events, but the atmosphere remains vibrant and welcoming. Students appreciate that it's a place where they can enjoy themselves without feeling rushed or pressured, which can be a common experience in other nightlife venues. It’s also a spot where many students report meeting friends and making new connections, further enhancing the social aspect of their visits.
What truly sets The Angel apart from other venues is its unique blend of liveliness and relaxation. Students enjoy the mix of laid-back evenings where they can have meaningful conversations, alongside nights filled with energy and fun. This balance is not easy to find, and it’s a significant reason why many students consider The Angel to be one of the best spots in town. The atmosphere is described as having a “buzz” that keeps things interesting, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment.
However, like any venue, The Angel does have its downsides. While the pub is generally well-regarded, some students mention that it can become quite busy, which might lead to a slightly crowded experience. This may not be ideal for those looking for a more intimate setting. Additionally, while the drink prices are often praised, some reviews suggest that they can vary, with a few patrons finding them to be on the higher side at times. It’s worth noting that the pub is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, which might limit options for students looking to enjoy the venue over the weekend.
In summary, The Angel is a fantastic choice for students seeking a reliable and enjoyable pub experience in Durham. With its friendly crowd, engaging events, and affordable drinks, it caters well to those looking for a chill night out. Whether you’re interested in catching up with friends, enjoying some live music, or participating in a quiz night, The Angel has a little something for everyone. It’s a place where students can feel at home, making it a top pick for many in the area. If you’re looking for a spot that combines good vibes with great value, The Angel is definitely worth checking out.
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One of the key features that students appreciate about The Angel is its relaxed atmosphere. Many reviews highlight how the pub is perfect for a chill night out, allowing friends to enjoy each other's company without the pressure often found in more high-energy venues. The crowd is noted to be friendly and inclusive, creating an environment where everyone can feel comfortable. This laid-back vibe is complemented by a good selection of music, which students find enjoyable without being overwhelming, making it easy to chat while still having a good time.
The Angel also hosts regular events that add to its appeal. Students frequently mention the Thursday quizzes and mid-week pool tournaments as highlights of the week, providing a fun way to engage with friends and perhaps win some bragging rights. Additionally, live music on Saturdays and select Fridays brings a lively energy to the pub, attracting those who appreciate a vibrant musical atmosphere. The combination of these events with the overall chill vibe makes The Angel a staple for many students looking for a reliable night out.
When it comes to drinks, The Angel receives high praise for its affordability. Students often comment on the decent drink deals and reasonable prices, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget. This value for money is a significant factor in why many students choose to return to this pub time and again. The quality of the drinks is also noted, with patrons feeling satisfied with their choices. The pub’s partnership with Ye Old Elm Tree across the road for food adds another layer of convenience, allowing students to enjoy a meal alongside their drinks without having to venture far.
The student crowd at The Angel is generally described as laid-back and friendly, with many reviews noting that it’s easy to connect with others in the space. The pub can get quite busy, especially during popular events, but the atmosphere remains vibrant and welcoming. Students appreciate that it's a place where they can enjoy themselves without feeling rushed or pressured, which can be a common experience in other nightlife venues. It’s also a spot where many students report meeting friends and making new connections, further enhancing the social aspect of their visits.
What truly sets The Angel apart from other venues is its unique blend of liveliness and relaxation. Students enjoy the mix of laid-back evenings where they can have meaningful conversations, alongside nights filled with energy and fun. This balance is not easy to find, and it’s a significant reason why many students consider The Angel to be one of the best spots in town. The atmosphere is described as having a “buzz” that keeps things interesting, ensuring that there’s never a dull moment.
However, like any venue, The Angel does have its downsides. While the pub is generally well-regarded, some students mention that it can become quite busy, which might lead to a slightly crowded experience. This may not be ideal for those looking for a more intimate setting. Additionally, while the drink prices are often praised, some reviews suggest that they can vary, with a few patrons finding them to be on the higher side at times. It’s worth noting that the pub is closed on Saturdays and Sundays, which might limit options for students looking to enjoy the venue over the weekend.
In summary, The Angel is a fantastic choice for students seeking a reliable and enjoyable pub experience in Durham. With its friendly crowd, engaging events, and affordable drinks, it caters well to those looking for a chill night out. Whether you’re interested in catching up with friends, enjoying some live music, or participating in a quiz night, The Angel has a little something for everyone. It’s a place where students can feel at home, making it a top pick for many in the area. If you’re looking for a spot that combines good vibes with great value, The Angel is definitely worth checking out.
✅ What Students Love
- Relaxed atmosphere perfect for catching up with friends.
- Affordable drink prices and good drink deals.
- Engaging events like quizzes and pool tournaments.
- Friendly and inclusive crowd, making it easy to socialize.
- Good quality music that enhances the overall vibe.
⚠️ Things to Note
- Can get quite busy, leading to a crowded experience.
- Drink prices can vary, with some finding them a bit high at times.
- Closed on Saturdays and Sundays, limiting weekend options.
- Not the flashiest venue, which may not appeal to everyone.
🎯 Best For
Students looking for a chill and friendly pub atmosphere to unwind with friends.
💡 Things to Know
- The beer garden is a great spot for warmer days.
- Check out the quiz nights on Thursdays for a fun group activity.
- The pub is popular, so it might be busier during event nights.
- Consider arriving early to secure a good spot during peak times.
❓ Common Questions
What is The Angel like?
The Angel is a popular student pub known for its relaxed atmosphere, friendly crowd, and engaging events.
Is it good value?
Yes, students frequently mention that The Angel offers affordable drinks and good value for money.
When do students go to The Angel?
Students often visit The Angel during the week, especially for quizzes and mid-week events.
What types of events does The Angel host?
The Angel hosts quizzes on Thursdays, pool tournaments, and live music on select Fridays and Saturdays.
Is there food available at The Angel?
Yes, The Angel offers a food menu prepared at Ye Old Elm Tree across the road.
Reviews
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Not far from the main roads, this place captures both the energy of the city and an intimate feel that’s hard to find. it's great for letting loose with friends after class.
By user343486 on Apr 28th 2026
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Walk into the angel and you're immediately greeted by this buzzing energy, everyone's laughing and having a good time. it's like the whole place is filled with contagious enthusiasm, making you feel part of something bigger 😅. best on a friday night when students fill the place and the vibe is just electric!
By user881352 on Apr 20th 2026
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Staff at the angel are genuinely nice and pretty laid-back, which makes the place feel relaxed and unpretentious. they're always up for a chat, whether you're nursing a pint or grabbing a quick bite. it's just one of those places where you feel you're looked after without any fuss.
By user212997 on Apr 14th 2026
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Music here was livelier than most pubs in durham, without drowning out our conversations.
By user928981 on Apr 5th 2026
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Staff here are pretty laid-back and seem to get along with everyone, which makes hanging around feel chill. you might wait a bit during peak hours, but they keep things moving so it's not a big deal.
By user562243 on Apr 4th 2026
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Gets a better crowd compared to other spots; never feel cramped even when it's busy.
By user990842 on Apr 2nd 2026
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A buddy mentioned that the angel is where you wanna go if you're just after some laid-back fun. drink prices won't hurt your wallet, and the atmosphere's consistently chill with tunes that don't disappoint. it's no surprise loads of students pop in regularly since it's real close to campus.
By user355758 on Mar 27th 2026
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Expected nothing more than your typical student pub, but the Angel really surprised me. it felt lively yet laid-back, which was perfect for those spontaneous evenings with friends after lectures. definitely a place where you end up lingering longer than planned.
By user123279 on Mar 24th 2026
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Noticed everyone from first-years to postgrads mixing effortlessly, which made it feel like home despite being so far from mine. perfect way to meet new people.
By user453617 on Mar 19th 2026
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Sometimes the laughter in here is contagious, especially when everyone's gathered around the tables after lectures. moments like that remind me why i love connecting with people over a pint.
By user481101 on Mar 17th 2026
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Had a laid-back evening at The Angel with some mates after a long study session. the mix of students and locals made it feel really comfortable and chill, just what we needed.
By user384702 on Mar 13th 2026
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Love the little nooks at The Angel where you can tuck away for some good chats without being drowned out by the crowd 😅. this pub somehow manages to feel both buzzing and intimate,it’s like finding your own corner in a friendly whirlwind.
By user334351 on Mar 9th 2026
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Felt instantly at home when i walked in. the atmosphere was friendly and relaxed, just what i needed after moving to a new city and dealing with the chaos of first year.
By user641971 on Mar 8th 2026
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Music pulled everyone onto the dance floor, even those pretending they were just there for a relaxing evening.
By user295803 on Mar 7th 2026
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Finding a table at The Angel is a breeze, even on busier weekends. The mix of students and locals makes for some interesting conversations.
By user146689 on Mar 6th 2026
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Staff always seemed genuinely interested in our night and even remembered some of our names which was a nice touch.
By user462946 on Mar 5th 2026
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Offers a unique blend of student energy and local charm. unlike many other places in town, it never feels too crowded, which makes it my favourite spot to sit and chat without constantly bumping into people every time i move.
By user879169 on Mar 4th 2026
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People in here seemed genuinely chill and open to a chat, felt like a constant mix of locals exchanging stories and students unwinding from their week. no one’s in a rush, everyone's just enjoying being out.
By user952478 on Feb 26th 2026
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People at the angel really seem to enjoy themselves, creating kind of a laid-back atmosphere. it's easy to strike up a conversation with someone new which is quite nice if you're feeling sociable.
By user968914 on Feb 9th 2026
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There's a real charm about walking into The Angel. it immediately feels like you're in a comfortable space where laughter just naturally happens. even though i'm usually quiet, the place kind of draws you in and makes you want to join the conversations around you.
By user841362 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Fits right into my weekly routine as the spot where everyone heads to decompress after lectures. it's always lively and comfortable, so even if you're stressed, you'll definitely leave feeling a bit lighter.
By user770674 on Jan 28th 2026
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Evenings here are brilliant when the whole place is filled with student chatter 😊.
By user765085 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Enjoyed a spontaneous game of darts with some fellow students one evening, and it ended up being one of the best nights. the atmosphere was just right for making new friends and having some good laughs.
By user203349 on Jan 19th 2026
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Finding a pub that feels like it belongs both to students and the city was unexpected. ran into friendly locals who made the night even more interesting and left me rethinking my assumption about northern hospitality.
By user998893 on Jan 15th 2026
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Warm atmosphere pulls you in, but it's the blend of students and locals that makes you stick around. unlike other nearby places, there's a genuine sense of community here that just feels refreshing 😊. whether you're there for a quick drink or a longer stay, everyone seems happy to chat and share their stories.
By user434975 on Jan 12th 2026
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Noticed how the mix of students and locals made the place feel lively yet comfortable. somehow it maintains a relaxed atmosphere without ever feeling crowded, which isn't easy to find near campus.
By user217772 on Jan 8th 2026
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Noticed there’s always a quiet spot by the window even on busier nights. it’s a nice little retreat when you want to chat without yelling over the crowd.
By user730491 on Jan 4th 2026
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Always a place to return to when you're in the mood for a chilled evening, thanks to its relaxed energy and central spot making impromptu meetups with mates so easy.
By user378039 on Dec 31st 2025
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Expected a busy place, but it turned out to be super chill with a relaxed atmosphere 😮. staff were attentive when needed and just let us enjoy our time without hovering, which was pretty much ideal for a low-key night.
By user930866 on Dec 27th 2025
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Stepping into the angel felt like leaving the everyday hustle behind. there’s an instant sense of calm, like the place is giving you permission to just breathe. the friendly chatter and warm lighting make it hard not to feel right at home pretty much instantly.
By user514102 on Dec 22nd 2025
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Can't forget how chill the evenings are at the angel. it feels like everyone just unwinds together, and there's always someone to chat with. makes it a highlight of downtime for sure.
By user514838 on Dec 18th 2025
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Honestly a bit taken aback by how packed it was on a weekday evening. thought it'd be quieter, but the lively crowd made the atmosphere pretty fun.
By user595647 on Dec 14th 2025
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Stepping into The Angel felt like a comforting embrace after a hectic week, a place where the worries just drifted away. the energy of the crowd and the warm atmosphere made it instantly feel like a second home.
By user621274 on Dec 9th 2025
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Staff are genuinely nice and up for a chat, which makes it feel friendly and relaxed whenever you pop in for a drink
By user484475 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Always end up here midweek with my mates after lectures, it's perfect for decompressing in a laid-back atmosphere.
By user855333 on Nov 29th 2025
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Music tends to be spot on for kicking back with friends, not too loud but enough to keep the energy up. always feels like there's a good mix of people in there, which makes it pretty easy to just relax.
By user965086 on Nov 25th 2025
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Didn't expect to feel so at home right away, but the staff at the angel were genuinely nice when i first visited. it had this way of making a bustling place feel comfortable and laid-back.
By user663825 on Nov 19th 2025
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Caught the place at its liveliest and it felt like everyone was on the same wavelength, just there to have a laugh and let loose. music was spot on and people were chatting like they'd known each other for ages. you could tell everyone was making the most of the night.
By user903608 on Nov 13th 2025
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Didn't expect it to feel so much like a second common room when i walked in for the first time. it was filled with students chatting over drinks, and the laid-back vibe made me feel instantly at ease.
By user822057 on Nov 7th 2025
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A bit crowded on weekends, so getting a seat can be a task if you arrive late. chatting with friends can be tricky with all the noise, especially if you’re not shouting. it’s still a favourite though because it has an unbeatable location near the uni and holds a lot of our good times.
By user735500 on Oct 30th 2025
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Gotta say, the angel's got this quirky edge that makes it stand out from the usual pubs around. feels like you're stepping into a friendlier, less pretentious space where everyone just seems effortlessly chill.
By user563955 on Apr 28th 2024
Review published! ✓