The Angel, Durham – 38 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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The Angel -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 38 user ratings

53 Crossgate, Durham DH1 4PR, UK

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Saturday: Closed, Sunday: Closed

💬 What Students Say

The Angel, located in the heart of Durham, is a go-to pub for students looking for a chill yet lively night out. This venue stands out with its inclusive atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for a diverse crowd. Students frequently mention how the vibe here is relaxed, allowing everyone to unwind and enjoy themselves without any pressure. The pub’s welcoming nature is often highlighted, with many reviewers noting how easy it is to meet new people and socialize, making it an ideal place for both new and returning students to gather. The friendly crowd contributes to a sense of community, making it a regular haunt for many who study at the nearby University of Durham.

One of the key features of The Angel is its fantastic beer garden, which provides a lovely outdoor space for patrons to enjoy. This is particularly appreciated during warmer months when students can enjoy drinks outside while soaking up the sun. The atmosphere in the beer garden is described as vibrant, with many students enjoying a laid-back evening with friends. The pub also hosts various events that keep the energy high throughout the week. Regular Thursday quizzes and mid-week pool tournaments add a fun twist to the typical pub night, while live music on Saturdays and select Fridays ensures that there’s always something happening at The Angel. Students have praised the music selection, noting that it’s lively and gets everyone moving, creating an electric atmosphere that’s hard to resist.

When it comes to drinks, The Angel is highly rated for its value. Many students have commented on the decent drink prices, making it a budget-friendly option for a night out. While some have noted that drinks might not be the cheapest around, the quality and atmosphere more than make up for it. The ability to enjoy good drinks in a lively environment is a significant draw for many students. The pub has also partnered with Ye Old Elm Tree across the road to provide a food menu, allowing patrons to grab a bite without having to venture far. This convenient arrangement is perfect for those looking to fuel up before a night of fun.

The queue and entry experience at The Angel is generally positive, with students reporting that waiting times are manageable. The venue has a good rating for queue management, which means that you can expect a relatively quick entry, especially on busier nights. Students often mention that the buzz of excitement while waiting adds to the overall experience, making it feel like part of the night out. The friendly and inclusive atmosphere continues right from the entrance, with staff who are known for being welcoming and helpful.

Reviewers frequently highlight that The Angel is perfect for a variety of student groups. Whether you’re looking to have a laid-back evening catching up with friends or want to enjoy a more energetic night out, this pub caters to both moods. Many students have shared that they’ve met new friends and made lasting memories here, reinforcing the idea that The Angel is more than just a pub; it’s a social hub where connections are made. The mix of laid-back and lively energy is often noted as a unique selling point, making it a versatile venue for different types of nights out.

However, it’s important to note that while The Angel has many strengths, there are also a few areas that some students feel could be improved. For instance, while the atmosphere is generally very positive, during peak times, the venue can get quite packed, which may lead to a less comfortable experience for some. Additionally, while the music is highly praised, some students feel that it can occasionally be too loud for casual conversations, which might not suit everyone’s preferences. It’s also worth mentioning that although the drinks are well-rated for their quality, some students have indicated that they are on the higher side compared to other venues in the area, which could be a consideration for those on a tighter budget.

In summary, The Angel is a beloved spot for students at the University of Durham. It offers a fantastic blend of good music, friendly vibes, and a welcoming atmosphere that encourages socializing. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this pub is worth checking out for a memorable night out with friends.

Overall, The Angel is best suited for students who appreciate a relaxed yet lively environment where they can enjoy quality drinks and great music. It’s perfect for those looking to unwind after a long week of studies or for anyone wanting to meet new people in a friendly setting. With its range of events and inclusive vibe, The Angel truly embodies the spirit of student life in Durham.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Highly rated for its friendly and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Great music that keeps the energy high and gets everyone dancing.
  • Decent drink prices, making it a budget-friendly option.
  • Fantastic beer garden for outdoor enjoyment.
  • Regular events like quizzes and live music enhance the experience.
  • Quick entry and manageable queues for a smoother night out.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get quite packed during peak times, which may affect comfort.
  • Music can sometimes be too loud for casual conversations.
  • Drinks may be on the pricier side compared to some other venues.
  • Not open on weekends, limiting options for Friday and Saturday nights.
  • Limited food options as they rely on a partner pub across the road.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a relaxed yet lively atmosphere to enjoy with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • The dress code is casual, perfect for a laid-back night out.
  • Arrive early to avoid long queues, especially on quiz nights.
  • Check the event schedule for live music and special events.
  • Expect a mixed crowd, making it easy to meet new people.
  • The beer garden is a great spot when the weather is nice.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Angel like?

The Angel is a friendly and inclusive pub with a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for socializing and enjoying good music.

How long is the queue?

Queues are generally manageable, with a good rating for entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, students find the drink prices decent, especially given the quality and atmosphere.

What music does The Angel play?

The music is lively and well-curated, often getting everyone moving and dancing.

What kind of events does The Angel host?

The pub hosts quizzes, pool tournaments, and live music nights, enhancing the overall experience.

Reviews
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Queue moved quickly and drink prices were fair. the music was good, with a vibe that kept the energy up without making it hard to chat.
By user928981 on Apr 5th 2026
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Not the flashiest spot but it works for a night out. drinks are priced alright and the music is decent enough to keep you moving. can get a bit busy at times but the vibe is generally good.
By user562243 on Apr 4th 2026
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Good vibe for a student night out. music was decent, got people on the dancefloor. drink prices were reasonable and the queue moved quickly. not much to complain about, it’s a decent spot to unwind with mates.
By user990842 on Apr 2nd 2026
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The angel’s the kind of spot you hit up for a chill night with mates. the drink prices are decent and the vibe is always relaxed, plus the music's on point. it’s easy to see why it’s a regular for so many students.
By user355758 on Mar 27th 2026
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The crowd's pretty chill and you can just hang out without any pressure. it’s easy to enjoy yourself with everyone just there to have a good time.
By user123279 on Mar 24th 2026
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The crowd's really inclusive and everyone seems to just be enjoying themselves. it's a place where people can let loose without any pressure.
By user453617 on Mar 19th 2026
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It's packed with people and there's always a buzz, really enjoy coming here
By user481101 on Mar 17th 2026
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The atmosphere's chill. everyone’s really friendly, so it’s nice to hang out.
By user384702 on Mar 13th 2026
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Met loads of friends here on weekends which made hanging out super easy. always had someone to chat with.
By user334351 on Mar 9th 2026
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Really good fun and safe too, no worries at all.
By user641971 on Mar 8th 2026
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Everyone was smiling and dancing, the energy was really something. ended up staying way longer than expected
By user295803 on Mar 7th 2026
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Always such a fun place, definitely one of the best student spots.
By user146689 on Mar 6th 2026
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Found a mix of laid-back and wild that really hit the spot. would go back for sure
By user462946 on Mar 5th 2026
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The angel’s a go-to for hanging out with mates, it's just a chill place to catch up. that's what keeps me coming back.
By user879169 on Mar 4th 2026
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The playlist was fire all night, got everyone moving and grooving. left feeling hyped and ready for more.
By user952478 on Feb 26th 2026
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Place's perfect for a laid-back evening where you can actually hear each other. finding that spot where it’s lively but not too loud is tricky, but this place does it well.
By user968914 on Feb 9th 2026
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Looking back, it was a wild time. the atmosphere was electric and it was hard not to enjoy myself.
By user841362 on Feb 3rd 2026
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The quality's solid and you won't be let down. it's a reliable spot for a night out.
By user770674 on Jan 28th 2026
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Would recommend it to anyone at uni. it's a chill spot to hang out with friends.
By user765085 on Jan 23rd 2026
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The angel had the perfect mix of music and people, made nights out way more enjoyable.
By user203349 on Jan 19th 2026
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Been there a few times and it’s alright for student nights out, kinda hits different with a group.
By user998893 on Jan 15th 2026
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The crowd at the angel is really friendly, which makes hanging out there a lot easier. that’s what keeps me going back.
By user434975 on Jan 12th 2026
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Some places just have that charm that makes you keep coming back. it's nice to have a spot that feels special.
By user217772 on Jan 8th 2026
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Everyone's really friendly and it feels super relaxed, which is cool for a night out
By user730491 on Jan 4th 2026
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Never a boring moment, always something happening. left feeling hyped and ready for more
By user378039 on Dec 31st 2025
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Looking back, everyone was really friendly. the atmosphere made it easy to connect with others.
By user930866 on Dec 27th 2025
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A good buzz in the air no matter where you are
By user514102 on Dec 22nd 2025
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Each night feels like a proper event, just always something happening and everyone’s into it.
By user514838 on Dec 18th 2025
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Not cheap but the drinks are good and the music's better. wouldn't trade that for a cheaper place.
By user595647 on Dec 14th 2025
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Went on a whim and ended up making some great memories. would totally go back
By user621274 on Dec 9th 2025
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Had a proper student experience, met loads of cool people and just felt good being there.
By user484475 on Dec 3rd 2025
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Mix of people is pretty varied, so there's something for everyone here
By user855333 on Nov 29th 2025
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Always a great vibe, everyone just there for a good time.
By user965086 on Nov 25th 2025
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Music was really good and the atmosphere was something else. just a little bit of a wait at the bar but not a big deal in the end.
By user663825 on Nov 19th 2025
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Couldn’t stop laughing all night – pure fun from start to finish!
By user903608 on Nov 13th 2025
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Met a lot of cool people and it felt really friendly from the start. by the end of it, it was like hanging out with mates.
By user822057 on Nov 7th 2025
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The place was a good spot for hanging out with friends. you could tell everyone was there to have a good time together.
By user735500 on Oct 30th 2025
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The Angel on Crossgate in Durham is a superb bar offering a fantastic selection of drinks and excellent food from Ye Old Elm Tree across the road. With a unique alternative vibe, it features a traditional exterior, but a superbly decorated interior with punk posters and comfortable seating. The bar also boasts a great outdoor seating area.
By user563955 on Apr 28th 2024