Saints Bar, Durham – 31 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

Saints Bar -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 31 user ratings

Riverside, Unit 47 Elvet Bridge, Durham DH 1 3UJ, UK

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 6:30 PM – 12:30 AM, Tuesday: Closed, Wednesday: 6:30 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday: 6:30 PM – 1:30 AM, Friday: 2:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: Closed

💬 What Students Say

Saints Bar is a popular nightlife venue located on the Riverside at Elvet Bridge, right in the heart of Durham City. Known for its lively and welcoming atmosphere, it’s a go-to spot for students looking to unwind after classes or celebrate special occasions with friends. The bar is named in homage to the famous saints of Durham Cathedral, and this connection adds a touch of local charm to the experience. With a diverse selection of crafted cocktails, premium lagers, craft ales, wines, and spirits available, Saints Bar not only promises a great night out but also offers one of the best river views in the area. This scenic backdrop, combined with the bar's vibrant energy, creates an ideal setting for both chill hangouts and lively celebrations.

The atmosphere at Saints Bar is frequently described as energetic yet relaxed, striking a balance that appeals to a wide range of students. Many reviews highlight the good vibes and friendly crowd, making it easy to socialize and meet new people. Students often mention that the venue provides a mix of chill and chaos, allowing for both laid-back conversations and energetic dancing. On weekends, the bar really comes alive with live music events featuring top regional artists every Friday night, and on Saturdays, a live DJ sets the tone for an unforgettable party atmosphere. This blend of live entertainment ensures that there’s always something happening, keeping the energy high and the excitement palpable.

When it comes to drinks and pricing, Saints Bar is highly rated for its affordability. Students appreciate the reasonable prices of the drinks, making it a budget-friendly option for a night out. The bar also runs a happy hour and offers student discounts, which further enhances its appeal among the student demographic. Many patrons note that the drinks are not only cheap but also well-crafted, adding to the overall enjoyment of the night. Whether you’re looking to grab a quick cocktail or enjoy a few pints with friends, Saints Bar delivers on quality without breaking the bank.

The queue and entry experience at Saints Bar is generally positive, with many students noting that the wait times are manageable. The venue has a solid queue rating, indicating that patrons can expect a relatively smooth entry process, especially during peak hours. This efficiency is appreciated, particularly on busy nights when students are eager to get in and enjoy the festivities. The friendly staff contribute to this positive experience, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and relaxed from the moment they arrive.

Students rave about their nights at Saints Bar, often describing them as memorable and filled with laughter. Many reviews emphasize the fun atmosphere, with patrons frequently mentioning that they can count on a good night out without any surprises. The venue is particularly well-suited for those who enjoy a lively crowd and a mix of music that keeps the energy flowing. Reviewers often highlight the quality of the sound system and the selection of tracks played, which contribute to an enjoyable experience that keeps them dancing all night long. It’s clear that Saints Bar has carved out a niche as a reliable spot for students seeking both a fun night out and a place to unwind with friends.

However, while Saints Bar has many strengths, it’s important to consider a few caveats. Some students have noted that while the atmosphere is generally lively, it can sometimes feel a bit typical of a student night out. This means that if you’re looking for something completely unique or different, you may want to explore other options as well. Additionally, while many find the drinks affordable, a few students mentioned that it’s not the absolute cheapest place in town. This is something to keep in mind if you’re on a tight budget. Finally, while the crowd is typically friendly and fun, it can also get quite busy, which might not be ideal for those who prefer a more laid-back environment.

Overall, Saints Bar is best suited for students who enjoy a lively and energetic night out with friends. It’s perfect for those who appreciate good music, affordable drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or simply enjoy a drink with friends, Saints Bar offers a little bit of everything, making it a versatile choice for your next night out in Durham.

In summary, Saints Bar stands out as a fantastic venue for students at the University of Durham, combining great drinks, a lively atmosphere, and top-notch entertainment. With its unbeatable river views and friendly vibe, it’s a place that promises fun and memorable experiences for all who visit.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Lively and welcoming atmosphere that appeals to a wide range of students.
  • Affordable drinks with happy hour and student discounts.
  • Great live music events on weekends featuring regional artists.
  • Friendly staff who contribute to a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
  • Well-rated for its sound system and music selection.
  • Scenic river views that enhance the overall ambiance.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can feel like a typical student night out, lacking uniqueness.
  • Not the absolute cheapest option in town.
  • Crowds can get busy, which may overwhelm those seeking a quieter night.
  • Some reviews suggest the vibe can be too chaotic at times.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a fun, energetic night out with friends and good music.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual; come as you are.
  • Expect a lively crowd, especially on weekends.
  • Arrive early to avoid long queues during peak hours.
  • Check for special events or live music nights for added entertainment.
  • The bar is known for its crafted cocktails, so consider trying one!

❓ Common Questions

What is Saints Bar like?

Saints Bar offers a lively atmosphere with great music, affordable drinks, and a friendly crowd, making it perfect for a fun night out.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally manageable, with students noting a relatively smooth entry process.

Is it good value?

Yes, Saints Bar is highly rated for its affordability, especially with happy hour and student discounts.

What music does Saints Bar play?

Saints Bar features a mix of live music and DJ sets, with a reputation for great tracks that keep the energy high.

Are there any special events?

Yes, the bar hosts weekly live music events on Fridays and DJ nights on Saturdays.

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
1 of 31
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Saints bar is the kind of spot that just fits into your weekly routine without a second thought. the drink deals are solid and the music always keeps the vibe lively, which makes it easy to relax and enjoy the night. queues move pretty quick too, making it a hassle-free choice for a student night out.
By user411178 on Apr 4th 2026
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Queue was quick and drinks were well-priced. music had a good vibe without being too loud. nice crowd and clean toilets made for a pleasant night out.
By user425167 on Mar 31st 2026
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Music was decent and the crowd had a good vibe. drinks were reasonably priced too, made for a nice night out .
By user591369 on Mar 28th 2026
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Checked it out and was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it. would come back for sure
By user775825 on Mar 25th 2026
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Got there and the music was chill, really easy to just hang out and chat without shouting. felt relaxed the whole time.
By user843321 on Mar 20th 2026
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Good mix of chill and chaos — in the best way.
By user753599 on Mar 17th 2026
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Location's a big plus. there's always a crowd and the atmosphere's lively.
By user366500 on Mar 12th 2026
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Saints bar was the spot for loads of laughs and memories that’ll stick with me.
By user358200 on Feb 28th 2026
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Music's always hitting hard and you just wanna keep moving. it’s hard to find a spot where you can’t dance your heart out.
By user800784 on Feb 11th 2026
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Vibe was top tier — fun from start to finish.
By user344396 on Feb 4th 2026
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Music at saints bar is always fire, seriously can't go wrong with the tracks they play. that's what keeps me coming back.
By user330908 on Jan 30th 2026
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Always a laugh, can't go wrong. makes the night way better
By user912356 on Jan 25th 2026
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Went in and it felt like a whole event, just a different kind of energy each time. always something going on, keeps it interesting.
By user599644 on Jan 20th 2026
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Ideal for grabbing a drink and having a natter with mates. you can just kick back and relax.
By user898587 on Jan 16th 2026
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Atmosphere's chill but not too crazy, you can actually enjoy yourself without feeling overwhelmed.
By user563905 on Jan 13th 2026
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Met loads of people there and it made hanging out so much easier. always something going on and good energy.
By user362265 on Jan 10th 2026
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You can count on a good night out here without any surprises.
By user582040 on Jan 6th 2026
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Staff are really friendly and they keep things relaxed all night long. makes it a chill spot to hang out with mates.
By user341988 on Jan 1st 2026
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Stumbled in and the sound system was so good, felt the energy all night. would go back for sure.
By user133732 on Dec 28th 2025
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It's a solid spot for a night out with friends, it really delivers every time.
By user345107 on Dec 23rd 2025
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Never fails to deliver – always such a good time.
By user148131 on Dec 19th 2025
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Options are out there but this one just had a better atmosphere. made for a really enjoyable night.
By user850537 on Dec 15th 2025
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Saints bar has a lively crowd. the energy is infectious and the music is always spot on.
By user189726 on Dec 10th 2025
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Drinks are cheap and the crowd's pretty cool, plus the atmosphere's chill. it's a spot you can easily hang out at without worrying about breaking the bank.
By user769671 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Energy was really good but the crowd felt pretty typical. just a regular student night out.
By user395886 on Nov 30th 2025
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Not the cheapest place but way more fun than you think it’ll be. wouldn’t pick anywhere else to go out.
By user330232 on Nov 25th 2025
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The atmosphere is lively and keeps you wanting more. can’t wait to head back.
By user195130 on Nov 21st 2025
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Atmosphere feels really friendly and lively, which is cool for a night out
By user827532 on Nov 15th 2025
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One of those nights that just gets better every hour!
By user199429 on Nov 9th 2025
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Sound bar staff and good crowd make it a 10/10 night.
By user771815 on Nov 1st 2025
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By user357880 on Jun 14th 2024