Cellar Door, Durham – 60 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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Cellar Door — student bar photo

Cellar Door -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
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Smoking

Based on 60 user ratings

41, Saddler Street, Durham DH1 3NU

💬 What Students Say

Cellar Door is a distinctive venue located at 41 Saddler Street in Durham, known for its fine dining experience and vibrant bar atmosphere. Set in a beautifully converted thirteenth-century cellar, it offers a unique backdrop for students looking to enjoy a night out. The venue combines an upscale dining experience with a lively bar vibe, making it a popular choice among students at the University of Durham. The stunning views of the River Wear and Elvet Bridge add to its charm, creating a picturesque setting for both dining and socializing.

The atmosphere at Cellar Door is often described as lively and inclusive, with many students appreciating the energy that fills the space. Reviewers frequently mention the good vibe and friendly crowd, making it a welcoming place to hang out with friends. The music played at Cellar Door is another highlight, with many students enjoying the consistent quality that keeps the energy up throughout the night. There's a sense of community here, and many reviews reflect the fun and laughter shared among friends during their visits.

When it comes to drinks, Cellar Door is praised for its reasonable prices, which students find appealing. The selection of drinks is noted to be cool, and the staff are recognized for their friendliness, contributing to a more personal and enjoyable experience. Students often comment on how the pricing allows them to have a good time without breaking the bank, making it a solid choice for a student night out. Despite being a fine dining venue, it manages to maintain an approachable and affordable bar atmosphere that resonates well with the student crowd.

The crowd at Cellar Door tends to be a mix of students looking for a lively night out and those who appreciate a more laid-back vibe. The venue is busy on weekends, particularly when students are looking to unwind after a long week of classes. Many reviews indicate that it feels like there's always something going on, which keeps the experience fresh and exciting each time you visit. This dynamic atmosphere is one of the reasons students keep coming back, as it never feels boring and always offers something new.

What sets Cellar Door apart from other venues in the area is its unique combination of fine dining and a lively bar scene. The historical setting, coupled with the quality of food and drink, creates an experience that is both upscale and relaxed. Students often mention that it feels like a mini event every time they go, which speaks to the venue's ability to keep things interesting. The charm of the cellar conversion adds to its appeal, making it a memorable spot for students to gather.

However, there are a few downsides to consider. Some students have noted that the space can feel a bit cramped, especially during busy nights. While the atmosphere is generally positive, it may not be the best fit for those looking for a more spacious environment. Additionally, while the drinks are reasonably priced, some reviews suggest that the selection could be improved. Although many enjoy the vibe, a few students feel that it may not be the liveliest spot compared to other nightlife options in Durham.

Overall, Cellar Door is best suited for students who appreciate a good blend of fine dining and a fun bar atmosphere. Whether you're looking to enjoy a meal with friends or just want to grab a drink and soak in the lively environment, this venue offers something for everyone. It's a great spot for those who like to socialize in a unique setting while enjoying quality food and drinks at a reasonable price. The friendly staff and inclusive atmosphere make it a welcoming choice for students from all walks of life.

In conclusion, if you're at the University of Durham and looking for a place to unwind and enjoy a night out, Cellar Door is definitely worth checking out. With its unique charm, lively vibe, and reasonable prices, it stands out as a solid choice for students seeking a memorable experience in Durham.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Unique historical setting in a thirteenth-century cellar.
  • Lively atmosphere with a friendly crowd.
  • Good selection of reasonably priced drinks.
  • Consistent quality of music that keeps the energy up.
  • Inclusive vibe that fosters a sense of community.
  • Staff are friendly and provide a personal touch.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a unique night out with good food and a lively bar atmosphere.

💡 Things to Know

  • Reservations are recommended during peak times, especially on weekends.
  • Check for any special events or themed nights that may be happening.
  • Be prepared for a potentially busy atmosphere on Friday and Saturday nights.
  • Take advantage of the scenic views while enjoying your drinks.

❓ Common Questions

What is Cellar Door like?

Cellar Door is a fine dining venue and bar with a lively atmosphere, set in a historic cellar offering great views.

Is it good value?

Yes, students appreciate the reasonable drink prices and the overall experience for the price.

When do students go to Cellar Door?

Students typically visit on weekends, especially Friday and Saturday nights.

What type of crowd can I expect?

You can expect a mix of students looking for a fun night out in a friendly and inclusive environment.

Are there any special events?

Occasionally, Cellar Door hosts themed nights or special events, so it's worth checking their schedule.

Cellar Door — student bar photo
Reviews
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The riverside seating was a great touch.
By user825681 (Durham) on Aug 17th 2026
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by the river, real vibe
By user405389 (Durham) on Aug 10th 2026
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Loved the old-school charm inside.
By user295397 (Durham) on Aug 4th 2026
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Really enjoyed the cozy vibes inside.
By user714533 (Durham) on Jul 27th 2026
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Loved their Sunday roast
By user743605 (Durham) on Jul 22nd 2026
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Food was excellent, and the atmosphere was super cozy.
By user952925 (Durham) on Jul 16th 2026
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river and bridge views
By user158742 (Durham) on Jul 11th 2026
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Great view outside
By user873075 (Durham) on Jul 6th 2026
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Nice views outside.
By user206231 (Durham) on Jul 1st 2026
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cozy place with friends
By user236312 (Durham) on Jun 26th 2026
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one rainy day just before exams we took shelter here, the warm atmosphere and delicious roast made our day, it was like a comforting pause
By user183379 (Durham) on Jun 21st 2026
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book a table by the river!
By user348807 (Durham) on Jun 16th 2026
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Amazing atmosphere inside 🔥
By user467565 (Durham) on Jun 10th 2026
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cozy and calm vibe
By user193653 (Durham) on Jun 5th 2026
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riverside view was class
By user574868 (Durham) on May 29th 2026
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get a seat upstairs for better view
By user151996 (Durham) on May 24th 2026
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i once sat and watched the river while the rain poured outside, feeling snug inside with steaming roast and good company
By user475568 (Durham) on May 19th 2026
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The interior gave a warm, homey feel. Loved it.
By user803559 (Durham) on May 12th 2026
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tried the sunday roast yum!
By user463589 (Durham) on May 6th 2026
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nice cozy atmosphere
By user772205 (Durham) on Apr 30th 2026
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Fabulous place for Sunday roast, deffo delicious!
By user729994 (Durham) on Apr 23rd 2026
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river view is lovely
By user129387 (Durham) on Apr 18th 2026
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get there early for the best seats.
By user431181 (Durham) on Apr 13th 2026
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proper nice spot
By user479284 (Durham) on Apr 9th 2026
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service was fantastic
By user856373 (Durham) on Apr 6th 2026
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The wine selection was diverse and interesting, perfect for dinner.
By user243634 (Durham) on Apr 5th 2026
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chill vibes indoors
By user463124 (Durham) on Mar 26th 2026
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during exams, we took a break by the river, it was the perfect spot for unwinding with a hearty meal, lots of laughs and warmth from the indoors
By user622889 (Durham) on Mar 23rd 2026
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The cozy interior with the stoves adds character to it.
By user173298 (Durham) on Mar 18th 2026
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Enjoyed sitting outside by the river.
By user274955 (Durham) on Mar 13th 2026
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Great atmposhere and fantastic views from the patio.
By user600931 (Durham) on Mar 9th 2026
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Ambience here is both friendly and chic.
By user463601 (Durham) on Mar 8th 2026
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The service was efficient and very friendly.
By user289280 (Durham) on Mar 7th 2026
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Loving the vibe here with its rich history.
By user372460 (Durham) on Mar 6th 2026
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Great views of the river.
By user566731 (Durham) on Mar 5th 2026
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The calm and cozy setting enhance the dining experience.
By user955252 (Durham) on Mar 4th 2026
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Nice place by the river
By user662040 (Durham) on Feb 26th 2026
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Excellent food and wine 🍷
By user420459 (Durham) on Feb 9th 2026
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Food's always delicious
By user974436 (Durham) on Feb 3rd 2026
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great ambience by the riverside
By user822499 (Durham) on Jan 28th 2026
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cozy with good drinks
By user584014 (Durham) on Jan 23rd 2026
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gorgeous view and atmosphere
By user217524 (Durham) on Jan 19th 2026
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Absolutely would recomend the historical ambience here!
By user704454 (Durham) on Jan 15th 2026
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proper lovely inside
By user878028 (Durham) on Jan 12th 2026
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stunning view from patio
By user888439 (Durham) on Jan 8th 2026
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Friendly staff made our night truly enjoyable.
By user686861 (Durham) on Jan 4th 2026
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great views outside
By user927808 (Durham) on Dec 31st 2025
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riverside vibes are perfect
By user379043 (Durham) on Dec 27th 2025
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The decor and old stoves created such a warm feel.
By user973809 (Durham) on Dec 22nd 2025
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The riverside patio is perfect in warm weather.
By user768101 (Durham) on Dec 18th 2025
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book ahead for weekends
By user859707 (Durham) on Dec 14th 2025
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Sipping wine by the patio and taking in the river was a highlight.
By user327508 (Durham) on Dec 9th 2025
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The food was particularly good. Highly recommend.
By user834266 (Durham) on Dec 3rd 2025
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Enjoying a glass of wine overlooking the river was special.
By user345637 (Durham) on Nov 29th 2025
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try the Sunday roast!
By user579619 (Durham) on Nov 25th 2025
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service was incredible, dude! highly recomend it.
By user333397 (Durham) on Nov 19th 2025
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The dinner here was memorable with a stunning river view.
By user832071 (Durham) on Nov 13th 2025
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lovely atmosphere inside
By user597775 (Durham) on Nov 7th 2025
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The old stoves inside make it very unique.
By user125533 (Durham) on Oct 30th 2025
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The patio by the river added a nice touch to the evening.
By user605756 (Durham) on Dec 30th 2023