The Half Moon, Durham – 42 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

The Half Moon -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 42 user ratings

86 New Elvet, Durham, DH1 3AQ

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM, Tuesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Wednesday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Thursday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Friday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM

💬 What Students Say

The Half Moon, located in the heart of Durham, is a beloved pub among students from the University of Durham. This venue is well-known for its relaxed and welcoming vibe, making it a popular choice for those looking to unwind after classes or enjoy a vibrant night out with friends. The pub offers a diverse selection of beverages, including local ales and craft beers, along with classic pub drinks. With a focus on creating an enjoyable atmosphere, The Half Moon has become a staple for students seeking a good time in a laid-back setting.

When it comes to the atmosphere, students frequently mention the warm and inviting environment of The Half Moon. The venue is often described as having a lively energy, with patrons enjoying themselves and engaging in conversation. Many reviews highlight how the crowd is generally friendly, contributing to a sense of community and inclusivity. Whether it's a midweek chill session or a weekend party, the vibe here is consistently upbeat, making it easy for students to relax and have fun. The venue is spacious enough to accommodate a decent crowd without feeling overly cramped, which is a plus for those who enjoy dancing and mingling.

Music is a significant part of the experience at The Half Moon. The venue is well-rated for its music selection, which is often described as 'sick' and capable of keeping the crowd moving all night long. Students appreciate the DJ's ability to read the room and play tracks that resonate with the audience, resulting in an energetic dancefloor. Many reviews express how the music enhances the overall experience, making it hard to leave once the night gets going. The combination of good tunes and a lively atmosphere creates a perfect backdrop for a memorable night out.

In terms of drinks and pricing, The Half Moon strikes a balance that students find appealing. While some reviews note that it might not be the cheapest spot in town, the prices are still considered reasonable for the quality and variety offered. Many students mention that they can enjoy good value drinks without feeling like they're breaking the bank. The selection of beverages is also praised, with a mix of local ales and craft beers that cater to different tastes. This variety, coupled with a lively crowd, makes it a great place for students to kick back and enjoy a few drinks with friends.

Students have shared their experiences regarding the queue and entry process at The Half Moon. The venue is rated positively for its queue management, with many saying that they rarely encounter long waits to get in. This efficient entry experience contributes to the overall enjoyment of the night, allowing students to spend more time inside enjoying the atmosphere rather than waiting outside. The accessibility of the venue is another factor that students appreciate, as it encourages spontaneous nights out after lectures or study sessions.

Reviewers often reflect on their nights at The Half Moon with fondness, noting that they consistently leave in a better mood. The friendly faces, uplifting atmosphere, and engaging music all contribute to a positive experience, making it a go-to spot for many. While some may describe it as not the most glamorous venue, the charm lies in its authenticity and the genuine fun it provides. Students frequently mention that they have a good time every time they visit, reinforcing the pub's reputation as a reliable choice for a night out.

That said, there are a few caveats to consider. While the atmosphere is generally fun and lively, some students have noted that it can get a bit wild at times, which might not suit everyone's taste. Additionally, while the drinks are reasonably priced, a few reviews suggest that it might be slightly pricier than other student venues, especially on busier nights. It's also worth mentioning that the crowd can vary, meaning some nights might feel more vibrant than others depending on who is around. Overall, The Half Moon offers a solid mix of strengths and weaknesses, making it a venue that appeals to a broad range of students.

In summary, The Half Moon is ideal for students who enjoy a lively, inclusive atmosphere with good music and decent drinks. It’s a place where you can kick back after a long week, dance the night away, and enjoy the company of friends. With its strong community vibe and consistent positive reviews, it's clear that The Half Moon has carved out a special place in the hearts of Durham students looking for a reliable and enjoyable night out.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively atmosphere that promotes a sense of community and inclusivity.
  • Well-rated music that keeps the crowd dancing all night.
  • Reasonably priced drinks with a good selection.
  • Efficient queue management, minimizing wait times.
  • Consistently positive reviews from students about their experiences.
  • Friendly crowd that enhances the overall vibe.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get a bit wild, which may not suit everyone's preferences.
  • Some students find it slightly pricier compared to other venues.
  • The crowd can vary, affecting the atmosphere on different nights.
  • Not the most glamorous venue, which might deter some.
  • Some reviews mention that it can feel crowded during peak times.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun, vibrant night out with friends in a relaxed setting.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so feel free to come as you are.
  • Try to arrive early on busy nights to avoid long queues.
  • Keep an eye out for student nights for better drink deals.
  • The music style varies but is generally upbeat and dance-friendly.
  • The venue has both indoor and outdoor seating for different vibes.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Half Moon like?

It's a lively pub with a friendly atmosphere, great music, and a welcoming crowd, perfect for students.

How long is the queue?

Students generally report minimal wait times to get in, thanks to efficient queue management.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest, drinks are reasonably priced and good value for the quality offered.

What music does The Half Moon play?

The music is upbeat and dance-friendly, keeping the crowd moving all night long.

Is there a smoking area?

Yes, The Half Moon has a designated smoking area that is well-rated by patrons.

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Reviews
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The half moon had a good vibe with decent music and cheap drinks. the crowd was fun and the place felt clean, would come back for another night out.
By user125902 on Apr 6th 2026
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Was decent for a night out with friends. the music was good enough to keep everyone dancing, and the drinks were priced well for students. although there was a bit of a queue to get in, it moved quickly. overall, had a fun time and would go back.
By user483486 on Apr 5th 2026
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The half moon is the kind of place you find yourself at most weeks because the vibe is chill and the drinks don’t break the bank. whether it’s for the music or just to hang out with friends, it never disappoints.
By user917917 on Apr 1st 2026
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Honestly, the vibe at The Half Moon is just perfect for a midweek night out. The drinks are reasonably priced, and the DJ always seems to know how to get the crowd moving, which makes the dancefloor pretty lively. Plus, I never worry about cleanliness here — the toilets are surprisingly tidy for a student pub. It's definitely become one of my go-to spots for a chill evening with friends after lectures.
By user952036 on Mar 26th 2026
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Always leave in a better mood after coming here. ✨
By user451213 on Mar 23rd 2026
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Plenty of places around but this one just has a better atmosphere. feels like there's always something going on.
By user754111 on Mar 18th 2026
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Not perfect but i'd choose it again. the atmosphere's fun and there's always something happening.
By user385771 on Mar 16th 2026
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It gets a bit wild in the best way, but that’s just part of the scene here
By user643854 on Mar 11th 2026
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The half moon made nights out way better, can't say anything bad about it.
By user677288 on Mar 9th 2026
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Selection was better than i thought and prices didn’t make me cringe at all.
By user359627 on Feb 27th 2026
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People are always smiling which can be really uplifting or just kinda annoying, depends on how you feel that night
By user264218 on Feb 10th 2026
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Not the fanciest spot but it's chill for hanging with mates. good tunes and reasonable prices, you know what to expect.
By user355183 on Feb 3rd 2026
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Setting's cool and the crowd's usually decent, just depends on who's around that night
By user884569 on Jan 28th 2026
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Music was sick and the energy was wild, had a blast all night 🎶
By user865899 on Jan 23rd 2026
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Always a great vibe, everyone just there for a good time.
By user740696 on Jan 20th 2026
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Went for a student night and drinks were cheap. place had a nice atmosphere going on.
By user400453 on Jan 15th 2026
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It’s just a chill place to hang out with friends, nothing too fancy but always a good time. never had an issue enjoying myself there.
By user862161 on Jan 12th 2026
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The place is cool for kicking back after a long week. never felt rushed or crowded either.
By user369589 on Jan 9th 2026
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Music hits hard all night, making it easy to lose track of time
By user462169 on Jan 4th 2026
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Plenty of chances to dance and have a laugh without it getting boring
By user470492 on Jan 1st 2026
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Music's really good here, you can’t help but dance the whole night. it's the kind of spot that keeps you moving without feeling cramped.
By user969741 on Dec 27th 2025
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Had a good time every night I went, never ran into any issues. always something happening there
By user833740 on Dec 22nd 2025
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Not the most exciting spot but it does the trick. had a good time and left feeling pretty content.
By user332683 on Dec 19th 2025
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Not the most glamorous spot but it gets you in the mood. the energy is always there, you know what to expect
By user870711 on Dec 14th 2025
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Always a solid choice for a night out. never had a bad time here
By user651098 on Dec 9th 2025
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Found it to be cheap and lively, not a bad spot for a night out.
By user313440 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Not the priciest spot but it gets the job done. lively atmosphere and prices that don’t break the bank, you know what to expect.
By user814547 on Nov 29th 2025
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The atmosphere's really inclusive and everyone just seems to be enjoying themselves. it's cool to see a mix of people all having a good time together.
By user961268 on Nov 25th 2025
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Looking back, nights always went longer than expected. the place just pulls you in and makes it hard to leave.
By user102261 on Nov 20th 2025
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This place is the student night you want. it's got the right energy and everyone’s there.
By user755217 on Nov 14th 2025
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Good value drinks and a lively crowd, perfect for students.
By user232751 on Nov 7th 2025
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Always end up having a great laugh here with friends.
By user532873 on Oct 31st 2025
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Not the cheapest spot for student nights but worth it. would suggest it to others for sure
By user762848 on Oct 25th 2025
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Music, atmosphere and people all made it a brilliant night.
By user418107 on Oct 22nd 2025
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Atmosphere was lively, really sets the tone for the night.
By user106964 on Oct 18th 2025
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Fun, affordable and safe, ideal for a student night out.
By user352247 on Oct 15th 2025
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Atmosphere is always buzzing, exactly what you want on a night out.
By user942267 on Oct 12th 2025
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user270976 on Oct 7th 2025
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Atmosphere is always buzzing, exactly what you want on a night out.
By user551463 on Oct 1st 2025
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Had a good atmosphere for hanging out after lectures. by the end of the term it felt like my go-to spot.
By user713704 on Sep 26th 2025
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Queue wasn’t bad at all, totally worth it once inside.
By user189411 on Sep 20th 2025
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Service is solid and the staff are really friendly, but it's a busy place so don't expect to get served straight away
By user210932 on May 2nd 2024
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Was a solid spot for nights out, really started to enjoy it after a while. by the end, it felt like my go-to place.
By user221893 on Dec 30th 2023