The Angel, Durham – 60 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Angel — student bar photo
The Angel — student bar photo
The Angel — student bar photo
The Angel — student bar photo

The Angel -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 60 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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✅ 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.

🎯 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.

The Angel — student bar photo
The Angel — student bar photo
The Angel — student bar photo
The Angel — student bar photo
Reviews
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Pop by in the week for jukebox fun.
By user350438 (Durham) on Aug 13th 2026
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proper rock bar vibes
By user582310 (Durham) on Aug 6th 2026
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Super weekend spot for rock tunes.
By user881950 (Durham) on Jul 29th 2026
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Class rock tunes.
By user683362 (Durham) on Jul 24th 2026
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head for the jukebox on a weekday
By user854465 (Durham) on Jul 19th 2026
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The jukebox was surprisingly impressive and couldn't be beat.
By user328605 (Durham) on Jul 14th 2026
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fantastic vibe with amazing music
By user985347 (Durham) on Jul 9th 2026
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free jukebox was a highlight for me
By user282679 (Durham) on Jul 3rd 2026
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Met some amazong people at the bar, great conversations.
By user518113 (Durham) on Jun 28th 2026
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Great jukebox back when we visited.
By user437662 (Durham) on Jun 23rd 2026
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great atmposhere when it's busy, music was always pumping, staff were friendly too, couldn't have had a better night
By user962276 (Durham) on Jun 18th 2026
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there was this amazing moment when the band started that one song everyone knew, and the whole bar started singing along it was just perfect
By user809669 (Durham) on Jun 13th 2026
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Proper rock music scene.
By user658596 (Durham) on Jun 8th 2026
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band was fantastic with brilliant covers
By user870980 (Durham) on Jun 3rd 2026
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A cool place if you're into old school metal and pints.
By user854042 (Durham) on May 26th 2026
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the freindly bartender served smiles with every drink
By user394499 (Durham) on May 21st 2026
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get there early for a good spot
By user307192 (Durham) on May 16th 2026
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A metal lover's dream, the atmosphere was electric.
By user865226 (Durham) on May 11th 2026
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Great drinks on tap is class. 🍻
By user946012 (Durham) on May 5th 2026
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deffo recomended for rock music lovers
By user343486 (Durham) on Apr 28th 2026
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Great for weekday jukebox sessions.
By user881352 (Durham) on Apr 20th 2026
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grab a seat and relax early
By user212997 (Durham) on Apr 14th 2026
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metal music playing loudly inside
By user928981 (Durham) on Apr 5th 2026
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Excellent atmosphere, especially if you enjoy rock music and live gigs.
By user562243 (Durham) on Apr 4th 2026
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deffo try the gamma ray, top pint
By user990842 (Durham) on Apr 2nd 2026
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rock tunes and cold pints
By user355758 (Durham) on Mar 27th 2026
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The jukebox had great tunes.
By user123279 (Durham) on Mar 24th 2026
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Rock covers band was incredible live!
By user453617 (Durham) on Mar 19th 2026
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Lovely staff and good music.
By user481101 (Durham) on Mar 17th 2026
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killer tunes all night
By user384702 (Durham) on Mar 13th 2026
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Jukebox is absolutely free during the week. 🎶
By user334351 (Durham) on Mar 9th 2026
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Loved the free jukebox on weekday.
By user641971 (Durham) on Mar 8th 2026
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Free jukebox during the week. 👌
By user295803 (Durham) on Mar 7th 2026
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Proper good metal vibes here.
By user146689 (Durham) on Mar 6th 2026
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The atmposhere was totally chill, great stuff
By user462946 (Durham) on Mar 5th 2026
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Hearing my favorite song on jukebox was epic
By user879169 (Durham) on Mar 4th 2026
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Old school atmposhere added to the charm
By user952478 (Durham) on Feb 26th 2026
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solid rock bar with great vibes, high on the hill 🍻
By user968914 (Durham) on Feb 9th 2026
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rock bars, free tunes, happy punters
By user841362 (Durham) on Feb 3rd 2026
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Music was nice and loud.
By user770674 (Durham) on Jan 28th 2026
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staff were super lovely and friendly
By user765085 (Durham) on Jan 23rd 2026
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Nice selection of rock music. 🍻
By user203349 (Durham) on Jan 19th 2026
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Loved the freindly staff here, really fun night
By user998893 (Durham) on Jan 15th 2026
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staff was lovely, charming friendly people
By user434975 (Durham) on Jan 12th 2026
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Had an epic moment singing along with everyone, proper awesome night, felt the spirit of old school rock everywhere it was mint
By user217772 (Durham) on Jan 8th 2026
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was an amazing night the band was playing, felt like old times, music was class and drinks were well priced
By user730491 (Durham) on Jan 4th 2026
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It's a lovely venue with great character.
By user378039 (Durham) on Dec 31st 2025
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Chill metal bar vibe
By user930866 (Durham) on Dec 27th 2025
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free jukebox on weekdays
By user514102 (Durham) on Dec 22nd 2025
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great rock music spot
By user514838 (Durham) on Dec 18th 2025
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This bar mixes classic rock tunes with good brews.
By user595647 (Durham) on Dec 14th 2025
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Rock music played loud and proud. 🔥
By user621274 (Durham) on Dec 9th 2025
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jukebox tunes, relaxed vibes
By user484475 (Durham) on Dec 3rd 2025
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Check out the jukebox midweek. 🎸
By user855333 (Durham) on Nov 29th 2025
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Chilled atmosphere, felt like home.
By user965086 (Durham) on Nov 25th 2025
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Last stop before home, great drinks, music was pumping.
By user663825 (Durham) on Nov 19th 2025
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a must if you're in the area for music.
By user903608 (Durham) on Nov 13th 2025
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Staff were chill and helpful.
By user822057 (Durham) on Nov 7th 2025
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Nice old school vibe.
By user735500 (Durham) on Oct 30th 2025
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best old school rock stop
By user563955 (Durham) on Apr 28th 2024