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Nightlife in Durham?
Hi there,
I've already applied to Durham, and I was wondering what the nightlife is like there?
I've heard there's not that many pubs or clubs? Is it fun anyway?
How is it compared to, say, Oxbridge, Bristol, York, etc? (If anyone's been to those places as well!)
Thanks
I've already applied to Durham, and I was wondering what the nightlife is like there?
I've heard there's not that many pubs or clubs? Is it fun anyway?
How is it compared to, say, Oxbridge, Bristol, York, etc? (If anyone's been to those places as well!)
Thanks
Scroll to see replies
Well there are about 12 college bars, which are really cheap, 4 night clubs ranging from cheesy to cheesier oh and one indie club which is cool but tiny. Loadsa pubs which not many people go to and chase, my favourite bar which does great cocktails. The choice isnt huge but the majority of people I know have loadsa fun. Durham is much smaller than any of those cities you mention and therefore has a smaller selection of nightlife
...but a greater sense of community and as result a better night out than any of those cities
The biggest problem is that almost all pubs and clubs in and near Durham allow SMOKING CIGARETTES - so if you're worried about your hair smelling or what the hell you'll have to a) not drink alcohol at all, b) only drink in college bars (the few that let you smoke - note opening hours), or c) choose Oxford.
...
...
I'm sure that the fact that on the occasions that you do go out to a club and/or pub that you'll get a bit smokey will not make people decide to go to a different university 
I hear that Edge Hill University is in a really lovely area...why not all apply there instead of Durham?
Anyway, in a year or so the majority of bars, pubs, and clubs in the UK will probably be no smoking, so anyone applying to Durham this year (for entry in 2006) will most likely not have to worry about this.
I hear that Edge Hill University is in a really lovely area...why not all apply there instead of Durham?
Anyway, in a year or so the majority of bars, pubs, and clubs in the UK will probably be no smoking, so anyone applying to Durham this year (for entry in 2006) will most likely not have to worry about this.
dobbs
I'm sure that the fact that on the occasions that you do go out to a club and/or pub that you'll get a bit smokey will not make people decide to go to a different university
I hear that Edge Hill University is in a really lovely area...why not all apply there instead of Durham?
Anyway, in a year or so the majority of bars, pubs, and clubs in the UK will probably be no smoking, so anyone applying to Durham this year (for entry in 2006) will most likely not have to worry about this.
I hear that Edge Hill University is in a really lovely area...why not all apply there instead of Durham?
Anyway, in a year or so the majority of bars, pubs, and clubs in the UK will probably be no smoking, so anyone applying to Durham this year (for entry in 2006) will most likely not have to worry about this.
Edge Hill is 20 minutes down the road from me......trust me not even its location (which isn't as nice as Durham), should make you want to go there. It's a beacon of everything that is wrong with the current direction of our education system.
ChrisH2107
Edge Hill is 20 minutes down the road from me......trust me not even its location (which isn't as nice as Durham), should make you want to go there. It's a beacon of everything that is wrong with the current direction of our education system.
Agreed...altho the location is good if you enjoy partying in a field...
lekha85
Agreed...altho the location is good if you enjoy partying in a field...
I suppose the road that it's on is a decent drive as well, BUT theres some traffic lights right in the middle of what is essentially a country lane, JUST for Edge Hill!
Meh, I only used Edge Hill because I remember looking at some league tables a few years back and me being me, I don't tend to look at the top, I look at the bottom for a good laugh and I remember that Edge Hill was near the bottom.
So I never actually DID hear that Edge Hill was in a nice place, just choosing what (according to official research) is regarded as a not very academically-gifted institution
So I never actually DID hear that Edge Hill was in a nice place, just choosing what (according to official research) is regarded as a not very academically-gifted institution
dobbs
Meh, I only used Edge Hill because I remember looking at some league tables a few years back and me being me, I don't tend to look at the top, I look at the bottom for a good laugh and I remember that Edge Hill was near the bottom.
So I never actually DID hear that Edge Hill was in a nice place, just choosing what (according to official research) is regarded as a not very academically-gifted institution
So I never actually DID hear that Edge Hill was in a nice place, just choosing what (according to official research) is regarded as a not very academically-gifted institution
Official research plus my say-so!
Believe me, if you want nightlife DO NOT GO TO OXFORD! Expensive (2beers and a baileys 9 quid) and the music is horrific!My mate goes to magdalen and when he came to Durham he commented on how MUCH there is to do here.
If you want amazing nightlife go to newcastle or hull unis. (Hull uni nightclub, best in britain-WOW. theyve had coolio, sugababes, fat man scoop and even got east17 for chav night)
Durham is surprisingly alrite. The thing is with dur is even tho it's small I find its quite student orientated. Anyway as is always said, you can do the 15min train journey 2 newcastle.
Here's a summary:
KLUTE- student nightclub, awful. Music: cheese Entrance:£3 although certain nights have offers fo colleges, thurs is free for castle, hatfield have a free day too. Sweaty, a bit gross, moody bouncers. double and mixer £2
WALKABOUT-Personally I don't think it's the best, but It seems popular with certain colleges. Varying music styles, there's a live night at least once a week and STASH AND LASH/CASH for people on uni sports teams. Drinks are quite expensive but it's often free to get in.
STUDIO- Ever popular, this is arranged over two floors. Again varying music. Mondays is R&B. Tuesdays it's the new place to go, as it's 50p nite, thats 50p entrance, 50p off first drink, 50p cloakroom and 50p packet of chips... downstairs its rock/alternative upstairs it's okish pop/chart. Very hit and miss, depending on DJ. Can get a bit packed on tuesday.
RIXIES(DH1)- My favourite. I would suggest going here on thursdays! Tuesdays is tequila tuesdays (free tequila tipped into ur mouth on the hour) but is losing out to studio (same owners). Thursdays is great. Great atmosphere coz everyone is at Klute, good music. Always have a good night, and is only £1 entrance! Woo!
PLANET OF SOUND (STUDENT UNION)- every friday the union becomes a nightclub, and IT IS NOT TO BE MISSED. £4/£3.50(ents card), biggest venue in durham. one floor down is a hiphop and R&B room, also a cheese room, but ignore these and go straight for the basement. This is dance/club music, complete with podium dancers (theyre students tho, so a few are gd but the majority are more than naff), lights and AMAZING ATMOSPHERE. Even rock fans have been known to enjoy it. I'm a huge dance fan myself, but 'Insomnia' ha sthe whole place going. Great after a bar crawl. Badside-it can get a bit crowded certain times, I made the mistake of getting the first one after the exams-it was awful-no a/c, crowded, poorish music. Go reguarly, esp end of term.
College bars-actually, sum of these are smoking free. Great atmosphere, they can be a night out on their own.
There are other places too, but these are the highlights i'd say!
Durham students always have fun if they want!
xxxxxxxxxxx
If you want amazing nightlife go to newcastle or hull unis. (Hull uni nightclub, best in britain-WOW. theyve had coolio, sugababes, fat man scoop and even got east17 for chav night)
Durham is surprisingly alrite. The thing is with dur is even tho it's small I find its quite student orientated. Anyway as is always said, you can do the 15min train journey 2 newcastle.
Here's a summary:
KLUTE- student nightclub, awful. Music: cheese Entrance:£3 although certain nights have offers fo colleges, thurs is free for castle, hatfield have a free day too. Sweaty, a bit gross, moody bouncers. double and mixer £2
WALKABOUT-Personally I don't think it's the best, but It seems popular with certain colleges. Varying music styles, there's a live night at least once a week and STASH AND LASH/CASH for people on uni sports teams. Drinks are quite expensive but it's often free to get in.
STUDIO- Ever popular, this is arranged over two floors. Again varying music. Mondays is R&B. Tuesdays it's the new place to go, as it's 50p nite, thats 50p entrance, 50p off first drink, 50p cloakroom and 50p packet of chips... downstairs its rock/alternative upstairs it's okish pop/chart. Very hit and miss, depending on DJ. Can get a bit packed on tuesday.
RIXIES(DH1)- My favourite. I would suggest going here on thursdays! Tuesdays is tequila tuesdays (free tequila tipped into ur mouth on the hour) but is losing out to studio (same owners). Thursdays is great. Great atmosphere coz everyone is at Klute, good music. Always have a good night, and is only £1 entrance! Woo!
PLANET OF SOUND (STUDENT UNION)- every friday the union becomes a nightclub, and IT IS NOT TO BE MISSED. £4/£3.50(ents card), biggest venue in durham. one floor down is a hiphop and R&B room, also a cheese room, but ignore these and go straight for the basement. This is dance/club music, complete with podium dancers (theyre students tho, so a few are gd but the majority are more than naff), lights and AMAZING ATMOSPHERE. Even rock fans have been known to enjoy it. I'm a huge dance fan myself, but 'Insomnia' ha sthe whole place going. Great after a bar crawl. Badside-it can get a bit crowded certain times, I made the mistake of getting the first one after the exams-it was awful-no a/c, crowded, poorish music. Go reguarly, esp end of term.
College bars-actually, sum of these are smoking free. Great atmosphere, they can be a night out on their own.
There are other places too, but these are the highlights i'd say!
Durham students always have fun if they want!
xxxxxxxxxxx
I'd agree with that summary pretty much. Though just to add a few points:
KLUTE - Again, it's awful...BUT those people who do like it, LOVE IT. So don't just think straight away that you'll hate it, you may aswell give it a go to see what it's like. Personally I hate it, but some people do really love the place (Oh, and I'm sure it's more expensive to get in on certain nights...but that may have changed now)
WALKABOUT - Depending on what night you go this can be an amazing place or not! The first time I went I think it must've been RnB night because, well, they played all RnB lol! Which meant that I hated the place and didn't go back for a LONG time....but then went back eventually on a different night and it was really good music! Not cheese, but more like indie and rock kinda stuff, but cheesy indie and rock, if that makes sense! Also a bit of commercial dance which is good
RIXIES - Getting sick of it now, it was good at first but you go a few times and realise that the DJ seriously just has a CD which he puts in at the start of the night and presses "Play". Repeat this procedure each night
PLANET OF SOUND - Definitely the best night Durham has to offer!!! Seriously, it's absolutely amazing - everyone enjoys it because there is something for everyone, whether it's Cheese upstairs, RnB stuff in the middle, or Dance downstairs! At the start of the year downstairs was VERY commercial dance, and now it's seemed to get a bit better - when Insomnia came on I was well impressed, as well as Barber's Adagio for Strings (Though later found out that Tiesto released this on some funny single or something so obviously it's becoming a bit commercial now so will probably be overplayed and eventually become annoying - shame for such an amazing tune! ) I am a BIG fan of trance/dance, proper stuff that you wouldn't hear on normal radio and if Planet of Sound impresses me...it'd impress anyone!! (I've even been found in the Cheese room on occasions! 
)
COLLEGE BARS - Can definitely make a night out of these - especially with bar crawls, or just sitting in them with your mates all evening! They're grrrrrrrrrrreat!
KLUTE - Again, it's awful...BUT those people who do like it, LOVE IT. So don't just think straight away that you'll hate it, you may aswell give it a go to see what it's like. Personally I hate it, but some people do really love the place
(Oh, and I'm sure it's more expensive to get in on certain nights...but that may have changed now)WALKABOUT - Depending on what night you go this can be an amazing place or not! The first time I went I think it must've been RnB night because, well, they played all RnB lol! Which meant that I hated the place and didn't go back for a LONG time....but then went back eventually on a different night and it was really good music! Not cheese, but more like indie and rock kinda stuff, but cheesy indie and rock, if that makes sense! Also a bit of commercial dance which is good
RIXIES - Getting sick of it now, it was good at first but you go a few times and realise that the DJ seriously just has a CD which he puts in at the start of the night and presses "Play". Repeat this procedure each night
PLANET OF SOUND - Definitely the best night Durham has to offer!!! Seriously, it's absolutely amazing - everyone enjoys it because there is something for everyone, whether it's Cheese upstairs, RnB stuff in the middle, or Dance downstairs! At the start of the year downstairs was VERY commercial dance, and now it's seemed to get a bit better - when Insomnia came on I was well impressed, as well as Barber's Adagio for Strings (Though later found out that Tiesto released this on some funny single or something so obviously it's becoming a bit commercial now so will probably be overplayed and eventually become annoying - shame for such an amazing tune!
) I am a BIG fan of trance/dance, proper stuff that you wouldn't hear on normal radio and if Planet of Sound impresses me...it'd impress anyone!! (I've even been found in the Cheese room on occasions! )COLLEGE BARS - Can definitely make a night out of these - especially with bar crawls, or just sitting in them with your mates all evening! They're grrrrrrrrrrreat!
Right, I'm gonna disagree totally (well quite a bit) with whats alredy been said:
Klute: My favoutrite end to a drunken night out, packed (as I like it) fun music (yes very cheesy) and dancing craply and singing your heart out fueled by cheap double vodka mixer
Walkabout: Big, ok music a mix of rocky pop and cheese with more expensive drinks than most places but cheap night on wednesday
Rixies (DH1): Nice enough modern club with expensive drinks and slightly more dancy music than klute but still cheesy (i've heard pj and duncan on in there)
Studio is similar to rixies as its modern, but plays better music like indie on a tuesday for 50p but also plays RnB other days
I've never been to anything apart from back to school and i dont remember any of it.
Nobody has yet mentioned fishtank
A very small club/bar which has live bands and a free indie night every other tuesday, it also has other nights like it ran a drum and bass night an various other stuff
Oh yeah and I'll mention my favourite bar; chase a posh bar with amazing cocktails which come in fish bowls too
Klute: My favoutrite end to a drunken night out, packed (as I like it) fun music (yes very cheesy) and dancing craply and singing your heart out fueled by cheap double vodka mixer
Walkabout: Big, ok music a mix of rocky pop and cheese with more expensive drinks than most places but cheap night on wednesday
Rixies (DH1): Nice enough modern club with expensive drinks and slightly more dancy music than klute but still cheesy (i've heard pj and duncan on in there)
Studio is similar to rixies as its modern, but plays better music like indie on a tuesday for 50p but also plays RnB other days
I've never been to anything apart from back to school and i dont remember any of it.
Nobody has yet mentioned fishtank
A very small club/bar which has live bands and a free indie night every other tuesday, it also has other nights like it ran a drum and bass night an various other stuff
Oh yeah and I'll mention my favourite bar; chase a posh bar with amazing cocktails which come in fish bowls too
Klute: the pit of hell, and definitely helped in its hell like appearance by the adjacent 'dirties' aka the Elvet Arch Pizzeria. Go there in freshers week, but then never return is my advice. The dancefloor is smaller than a postage stamp and if you want to dance like sardines then that's up to you. The cheese is better when DJ Robin does it at Planet of Sound.
Studio: went in here once, during freshers week, not been back since but it seemed like a quite a small but nice club. Not my type of music though...but what is my type of music now eh?
Walkabout: overpriced, and scary stairs up to the top level(all walkabouts seem to have this though) but i did see the legend Karl Kennedy there, and three of my housemates saw Hell is for Heroes there.
Planet of Sound: being a veteran of the cheese room now(aka riverside cafe) i can admit that sometimes DJ Robin doesn't always play your requests but being a rock man at heart he likes to play some obscure ones from time to time! It's not always the music that makes it though for me, it's the company and the trick with Planet is to go in a large group.
Pubs: my recommendations are as follows!
Ye Olde Elm Tree: fantastic pub, not as cheap as the Swan and Three or the Colpitts but go for the quiz. You will be hooked.
The Colpitts: often filled with old men leaning on the bar looking at the Northern Echo, but cheapest pub in Durham. Sam Smiths 1.24 a pint, it has a good pool table too. You do get students in here though, so don't be afraid!
The Swan and Three Cygnets: Lots of little rooms, quite packed on a sunday night but another good place to get Sam Smiths cheaply(1.34 a pint).
The Victoria Hotel: Fantastic selection of ales, friendly landlord, opposite Ricardos on Hallgarth street. They have several different rooms, and one round the back hidden and very old wallpaper. This does seem to be the place(along with the Half Moon and Dun Cow) where lecturers also drink.
The Woodman: My local this year, cracking pub with a landlord who is friendly to students, not as cosy as the Elm Tree pub there is a good pool table and quality ales from the Durham Brewery.
Steer clear of pub wise:
The Fighting Cocks: unless you want to get beaten up
Any chain pubs(apart from Wetherspoons as they have cheap curries and cheap ale)
The New Inn: why?
The Garden House: its stuck up the top end of North Road and is very expensive and just seems a bit stuck there and boring. Also, from an experience from a friend who lived right next door to it, you have to wait ages for food.
Studio: went in here once, during freshers week, not been back since but it seemed like a quite a small but nice club. Not my type of music though...but what is my type of music now eh?
Walkabout: overpriced, and scary stairs up to the top level(all walkabouts seem to have this though) but i did see the legend Karl Kennedy there, and three of my housemates saw Hell is for Heroes there.
Planet of Sound: being a veteran of the cheese room now(aka riverside cafe) i can admit that sometimes DJ Robin doesn't always play your requests but being a rock man at heart he likes to play some obscure ones from time to time! It's not always the music that makes it though for me, it's the company and the trick with Planet is to go in a large group.
Pubs: my recommendations are as follows!
Ye Olde Elm Tree: fantastic pub, not as cheap as the Swan and Three or the Colpitts but go for the quiz. You will be hooked.
The Colpitts: often filled with old men leaning on the bar looking at the Northern Echo, but cheapest pub in Durham. Sam Smiths 1.24 a pint, it has a good pool table too. You do get students in here though, so don't be afraid!
The Swan and Three Cygnets: Lots of little rooms, quite packed on a sunday night but another good place to get Sam Smiths cheaply(1.34 a pint).
The Victoria Hotel: Fantastic selection of ales, friendly landlord, opposite Ricardos on Hallgarth street. They have several different rooms, and one round the back hidden and very old wallpaper. This does seem to be the place(along with the Half Moon and Dun Cow) where lecturers also drink.
The Woodman: My local this year, cracking pub with a landlord who is friendly to students, not as cosy as the Elm Tree pub there is a good pool table and quality ales from the Durham Brewery.
Steer clear of pub wise:
The Fighting Cocks: unless you want to get beaten up
Any chain pubs(apart from Wetherspoons as they have cheap curries and cheap ale)
The New Inn: why?
The Garden House: its stuck up the top end of North Road and is very expensive and just seems a bit stuck there and boring. Also, from an experience from a friend who lived right next door to it, you have to wait ages for food.
Durham clubs:
Klute:
Only go there if free
Doubles cheaper than singles
only one CD
Rixies:
Really DH1
Drinks are quite pricey in there
Music not just cheese
Studio:
Two floors on Tuesday
nice and cheap and good music
Playlist overused
Fishtank:
Small alt club. Sells cans
So smokey could not see feet
Wide range of music
DSU:
Hound:
Every Friday night
Brilliant atmosphere there
quite pricey entry
I Can't Believe It's Not Cheese:
Three floors of guitars
Basement might as well just be
studio tuesday
Back to School:
Like Klute, but bigger
Dressing up like a schoolchild
bouncy castle cool.
Walkabout:
Not been there at night
apparently it's quite good
helpful to like sport
Warehouse:
Restaurant in day
a lil bit out of the way
cocktail bar at night
Jimmy Allen's
Late night bar by bridge
Used to be correction house
can sit and chat late
Klute:
Only go there if free
Doubles cheaper than singles
only one CD
Rixies:
Really DH1
Drinks are quite pricey in there
Music not just cheese
Studio:
Two floors on Tuesday
nice and cheap and good music
Playlist overused
Fishtank:
Small alt club. Sells cans
So smokey could not see feet
Wide range of music
DSU:
Hound:
Every Friday night
Brilliant atmosphere there
quite pricey entry
I Can't Believe It's Not Cheese:
Three floors of guitars
Basement might as well just be
studio tuesday
Back to School:
Like Klute, but bigger
Dressing up like a schoolchild
bouncy castle cool.
Walkabout:
Not been there at night
apparently it's quite good
helpful to like sport
Warehouse:
Restaurant in day
a lil bit out of the way
cocktail bar at night
Jimmy Allen's
Late night bar by bridge
Used to be correction house
can sit and chat late
Is it just me or has Chase stopped running Happy Hour? The one where you have to push the button while the options are flashing up on the screen to get 2 for 1, all drinks £1 etc?
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