DISCUSSING DURHAM SHOPPING EATING PEOPLE CULTURE
ISSUE 4 MAY | JUN 2021
read, discover, enjoy
Delivered by
Visit your local cathedral for a day out and discover the history of this 1000-year-old place with our friendly staff and volunteers. Plan your visit on our website.
WELCOMING YOU BACK FROM 17 MAY
• Climb the central tower for amazing views.
• Browse the revamped Cathedral Shop in our medieval undercroft.
• Discover the cathedral on a tour with our knowledgeable guides.
• Enjoy the Undercroft Restaurant’s outdoor covered seating in the cloister.
Cathedral opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am-4pm Sunday 12 noon-4pm
• Step into history at Durham Cathedral Museum from June.
• Explore Durham’s riverbanks and woodland walks.
Image: Visit County Durham
It takes £5 every minute to care forthe cathedral’s buildings. Please donate £5 when you visit to support your cathedral’s future. Thank you.
LIFE InDurham
Contents 4
Discussing Durham The word on the street...
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Shopping InDurham Fabulous Father’s Day finds...
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Do this InDurham
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Time to enjoy our city...
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Discovering Durham Celebrating market traders...
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Dine InDurham Getting back to it...
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Deals InDurham Get your Loyalty Card...
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Your Durham
Welcome
The city through your eyes...
durhambid.co.uk
Hi - I’m Paul Howard, and I’m the newly appointed BID Manager of Durham BID.
/durhambusinessimprovementdistrict
Life InDurham is published by Allies Group Ltd All contents copyright ©2021 RememberMedia Ltd. All rights reserved. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, no responsibility can be accepted for inaccuracies, howsoever caused. No liability can be accepted for illustrations, photographs, artwork or advertising materials while in transmission or with the publisher or their agents. All content marked 'profile feature' is paid for advertising. All information is correct at time of going to print, April 2021. ISSN 2635-277X
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I have over 20 years’ experience in town centre and BID management, having worked all over the UK, as far south as Devon, and now Durham being my furthest venture up north. Allies Group Ltd, Enterprise House, Kingsway, Team Valley Trading Estate, Gateshead, NE11 0SR allies-group.com Publisher Christopher March chris@allies-group.com Editorial Matthew Thomas matthew@allies-group.com Advertising Rebecca Jackson rebecca@allies-group.com Design studio@allies-group.com Front cover image: Simon Woodley
To advertise call 0191 500 7865 or email rebecca@allies-group.com
In late March 2021, I relocated from my family home in Clitheroe, Ribble Valley, for my new role with Durham BID. What an opportunity to live and work in a part of the UK that is well known and well regarded! Not only do I have the pleasure of discovering Durham from a visitor’s point of view, I get to settle here as a resident, and enjoy working in the city centre too. Bit of a hat trick in my opinion! Over the past few weeks I’ve been out and about finding my feet in the city and I’ve been blown away by Durham’s charm. This place is totally unique. There’s a strong retail offer of independents and high street names alongside the heritage and character of the place, not to mention a varied events calendar that will hopefully be coming back to the streets of the city in the not-toodistant future. As a relative outsider coming into Durham, I can safely say anyone who can call Durham their local city centre is very lucky indeed, and now I can count myself in this cohort too. Now that restrictions are lifting, I’m looking forward to exploring more of my new home, and hope that you’ll be every bit as excited as I am to come back into Durham. The city is open and ready to welcome you too! Paul Howard - Manager, Durham BID
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LIFE InDurham
DISCUSSING
Durham
We’re bringing you the lowdown on how city life is moving forward, we’re championing the people that make businesses tick and we’re shouting about some incredibly exciting developments coming to Durham this season...
A warm welcome: say hello to the new independent businesses arriving into DH1! We know it’s been a little quieter than normal in the city, but that doesn’t mean that Durham has let life pass it by. In fact it’s been quite the opposite, as we’ve welcomed a number of brand new restaurants and friendly faces to the streets of the city centre. Next time you’re out and about, be sure to give these new indies a warm welcome. There’s never been a better time to support local.
New deli delights! Word on the street is that we’re not far away from diving into one of the best sandwiches and deli stores in the North East! We’re buzzing to welcome another independent businesses into the city, and we’re pretty certain that The Butchers Deli over on Saddler Street will be a roaring success once they get cracking. They’re keeping a tight-lip on an opening date and what kind of produce we can expect to see, but what we do know is that John and his team will be creating a place where passion meats quality. Keep checking their Facebook page via the link below and be sure to get out and support them once they’re open. facebook.com/thebutchersdelidurham
Ravishing Rib ‘n’ Reef! We’ve struggled to keep this slice of news underwraps! The secret is finally out... the extremely talented team at Akarsu have just announced that they are opening a swanky premium steakhouse and seafood restaurant right here in Durham this spring. We’re all aware of how beautiful their Turkish menu is over on Silver Street... well, after the roaring success they’ve had with Akarsu, they’ve decided to open up a second venture in the former Psyche building and they’re due to open this May! They’re busy fitting out their new home as we speak, we can’t wait to see it the finished look. Stay tuned online for news and updates! facebook.com/ribnreef
Say hello to Cast Iron Bar & Grill! Located in the heart of the city and new to Durham’s eating and drinking scene, Cast Iron Bar & Grill is set to open on 17 May and promises to be one of the city’s finest hospitality hangouts. Expect the tastiest steaks cooked to perfection and dishes full of bold flavours and fresh ingredients served in relaxed, modern surroundings. With a wide selection of craft beers, creative cocktails, wines and local spirits, the Cast Iron Bar is the perfect meeting place. The outdoor terrace, opening 30 April, offers spectacular views of Durham Castle and Cathedral and is the ideal spot to spend warm summer days and nights. Cast Iron Bar & Grill is located in the Durham Marriott Hotel Royal County. For more info and booking details, visit... tableresmarriott.com/cast-iron-grill-restaurant-durham
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LIFE InDurham
Durham Cathedral shines on
Lick of paint for Elvet & Bailey... We’re shouting from the rooftops about another inspiring independent this spring and it may be a store you're familiar with - just under a different name! While we’ve all been chomping at the bit to get back into our glorious city, the cool cats at Mac & Malin have used lockdown to great effect by giving their store some TLC as well as a brand new name. Introducing Elvet & Bailey, the new and improved gift shop stocking handmade, local and quality products from tons of local creatives. They’re a sure bet if you’re after DH1 inspired goods or niche gifts!
Fantastic news that our friends at Durham Cathedral have been awarded a further £700,000 from Culture Recovery Fund to support its reopening this year. A lifeline for so many of our region’s venues, we’ve recently learned that our beautiful Cathedral is to receive £732,800 of grant support from the second round of the CRF, which is administered by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) and Historic England. They’ve got plenty in the pipeline for the rest of the year, and this grant is a welcome boost to get this Durham icon back to where it needs to be. durhamcathedral.co.uk
elvetandbailey.com
Milburngate scheme powers on Even though the pandemic has done its utmost to derail our city’s schemes and revamps, we’re buzzing to see that there’s been no let up with the construction of Milburngate and the crew have been able to reach a major milestone. The team have recently completed the 4,000 tonne steel frame - one the key structures of phase one as Milburngate races towards the finish line. Following a 54-week build programme, the steel frames of the office building, hotel, boutique cinema, retail and leisure units, as well as the three apartment blocks, are now in place ready for external finishing and interior fit-out to take place. Nice work team, we can’t wait to see this part of the city finished and brimming with life! milburngate.co.uk
Life’s a breeze with Durham Yoga Studio... Emily Charlotte’s new mindfulness venture, The Durham Yoga Studio, arrives in the city! Nestled over by the Crossgate Centre, this serene studio has a strong following in our city, renowned for good-for-the-soul flows and mindful moments, as well as brilliant beginners classes that welcome you to the world of yoga with ease and enjoyment. Another feel-good addition to the city and perfectly timed for those putting their wellness first this spring! facebook.com/thedurhamyogastudio
Mount Oswald set for major revamp! Major construction work to create a vibrant, interactive history hub at Mount Oswald Manor House in the city centre has been given the green light and we’re delighted to see that this Grade II Listed beauty will be given a new lease of life! Plans to turn Mount Oswald into a local history hub have been given the go ahead, transforming this stunning building into a state-of-the-art history centre. Expected to be ready to open to the public in 2023, it will attract more than 70,000 visitors per year with its high-tech search rooms, innovative digital facilities, dedicated learning space, exhibition and interpretation areas and café for downtime. Keep your eyes peeled on this one, it’s going to be huge for the city and our region! durham.gov.uk
To advertise call 0191 500 7865 or email rebecca@allies-group.com
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LIFE InDurham
SHOPPING Father’s Day InDurham gift guide
DH1 inspired experiences!
Wining & dining with dad... Hill Island Brewery
Running parallel with the River Wear and sitting alongside the inspirational printmakers, illustrators and other cool crafts people, Michael Griffin has added a different dimension to Fowlers Yard and his al fresco spot on the river is a lush location to treat dad to homegrown brews. Having practiced the art of brewing for over 10 years, Hill Island have been concocting quality ales since 2002 and have since built up a cult following - it’s time to ditch the supermarket cans and try the true taste of DH1. facebook.com/hillislandbrewery
House of Gentleman
Located in the heart of Durham and just a short walk from the Market Square, House of Gentlemen has a reputation as one the best cuts in the barbering business - and it’s a cool way to show dad a little love with a post-lockdown look overhaul. The home of masculine grooming, this place is a traditional barber shop with a creative, contemporary edge that caters to the modern, style-conscious man, making it the perfect Father’s Day experience if you ask us. Just make sure dad wants his hair trimming in the first place! hofg.co.uk
Whisky River
A beautiful bar with a huge reputation that stands tall in an outstanding setting on the riverfront, Whisky River is an iconic name when it comes to DH1’s bubbling drinks scene. The venue’s extensive whisky menu featuring global names and local brews, is sure to delight dad on your wine and dine day out. Whether you fancy exploring drams from Scotland, rare whiskies from Japan, top-quality bourbon, or any of the above whipped up into a tip-top cocktail, it’s a fab spot to treat him to a delightful range of lush whisky concoctions. There’s no better way to say a big fat thank you this Father’s Day! instagram.com/whiskyriverbar
Market Hall Wines
Be sure to give Market Hall Wines a visit this Father’s Day. A cool independent business stocking carefully selected wines from both small producers and some of the hidden wine producing corners of the world. Boasting a fabulous collection of vinos from across the UK, Europe and beyond, MHW take great care in sourcing their products - making it the perfect spot to shop if your dad’s a fussy wine enthusiast. mhwines.co.uk
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Marco Pierre White Steakhouse Bar & Grill
Located in the old Durham Council senate chamber, Marco Pierre White’s Steakhouse Bar & Grill is a sure bet when it comes to surprising dad with a high-class evening of food and drink. Boasting a mix of signature steaks, timeless English and French classics, as well as a comprehensive selection of premium cocktails, MPW Durham prides itself on serving locally sourced produce and featuring a range of regionally inspired special courses. So, what are you waiting for? Head over to the restaurant’s easy-to-follow website and get yourselves booked in and enjoy a special evening of quality food this June. durham.hotelindigo.com/marco-pierre-white
Escape Rooms Durham
Treat the man in your life to an afternoon of thrilling, codebreaking challenges sure to set pulses racing! ‘Mr Borrowdale’s Study’ follows the sinister tale of Durham’s most feared resident as you and your team are challenged to solve his series of escape puzzles and riddles before his return! Reopening on 20 May, Escape Rooms Durham is a fab Father’s Day gift that brings loved ones together in a unique and challenging way, just make sure you avoid squabbling - as dads always knows best! escapedurham.co.uk
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LIFE InDurham
Get dad kitted out! Next
Durham diary dates for dad...
Treat him to Next’s fab range of menswear products and Father’s Day inspired gifts. From clothing all the way to fragrances, Next has a sensational selection of personalised gifts to make this year's Father’s Day one to remember for all the right reasons! next.co.uk
Francis Rossi: I Talk Too Much 29 August
Clarks
Get your icon kitted with an iconic bit of kit this June. Gift dad an original bit of kit with a mooch over to Clarks in Prince Bishops Shopping Centre. Whether it’s a new pair of Wallabees with their distinctive design, trademark crepe sole and ontrend beeswax upper, or something more casual for a beer garden visit, Clarks have everything to get dad looking sharp this season. clarks.co.uk
Now this a Durham diary date that’s guaranteed to have dad busting out his legendary two-step! Our friends at Gala Theatre are welcoming Status Quo lead singer, Francis Rossi, to the stage this August and he’s going to be sharing the extraordinary secrets of his 50-plus years in rock ’n’ roll in an intimate evening of chat and music. Francis is a true member of British Rock Royalty. He sang the first words at Live Aid in 1985, was awarded an OBE in 2010, has a BRIT for his Outstanding Contribution to Music, and his band sold more than 120 million records globally. What a story! Expect laughter, revelations, tales involving some of the giants of music, exclusive video clips, snatches of classic tunes and a great night out - we’re all overdue one! galadurham.co.uk
Cloudbusting 7 October
The Record Shed
Introducing an DH1 icon! The Record Shed is a treasure chest of vinyl albums, DVDs and retro games for those on the hunt for the perfect Father’s Day gift. Rick and Nigel have been a god-send for thousands of music fanatics who’ve been searching for that elusive title, and with a super store inside Durham Markets, it’s a fab spot to delight dad with his favourite Bowie LP or beloved Atari title this June. facebook.com/therecordshed
Woven
There’s no doubt about it, the best dad deserves the very best gift and thankfully for us, Chris and his team at Woven have all of our Father’s Day gifts sorted this year! Have him looking on-trend with Woven’s beautiful range of menswear. From casual outfits perfect for a day in the city, to a smarter vibe for a special dinner at a fancy restaurant, this premium shop has got a look that’s perfect for your Father’s Day plans with dad.
Time to roll back the years with a mega gig at Gala Theatre this autumn, as the rip-roaring sounds of Cloudbusting roll into DH1 with a special tribute to the one and only Kate Bush! One of the UK’s finest tribute bands, Cloudbusting, formed back in 2012 and have since attracted a worldwide following thanks to their ability to emulate Bush’s iconic tones and transport gig-goers back to the Kate Bush glory days. With stellar versions of Running Up That Hill, Wuthering Heights, Hounds of Love, Babooshka, This Woman’s Work, and loads more classics, Cloudbusting are certain to whip up a cracking night in the city. Accompanied by spectacular visuals, a Cloudbusting concert is an event no Kate Bush fan will want to miss. Add this to the perfect Father’s Day gift list! galadurham.co.uk
wovendurham.co.uk
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LIFE InDurham
DO THIS
inDurham
Get ahead of the game with our pick of unmissable events happening in our city this summer...
What’s on... Zog 28 May
Oh how glorious it is to be back at the Gala Theatre enjoying fabulous productions once again. The team at GD have a cracking show in store as they welcome us back into their plush red seats. This May, the whole family is invited to following the heart-warming story of Zog, a smash-hit stage adaption from Feckle productions. Large in size, and keen in nature, Zog is an accident-prone dragon who embarks on a whirlwind adventure with friends as he prepares to face his biggest challenge yet… a duel with knight, Sir Gadabout the Great! Perfect for all members of the family, this stellar show arrives into DH1 with brand new songs from Joe Stilgoe (The Jungle Book, The Midnight Gang) and directed by Emma Kilbey, Zog is a magical production for all ages. Don’t miss it this May! galadurham.co.uk
Inside The Mind of a Serial Killer 28 May
Founder of Crime Viral, Cheish Merryweather, brings her new show, Inside The Mind Of A Serial Killer, to the stage for the first time at Durham Town Hall. Based around psychiatric evaluations, courtroom transcripts, witness testimonies, crime scene evidence and the serial killer’s family history, this terrifying yet equally exhilarating talk will closely detail what goes on in the mind of the most notorious cold-blooded killers. Featuring an in-depth analysis of how the real ‘mindhunters’ of the world track down serial killers and bring them to justice, this two-hour talk will focus on Inside The Mind Of A Serial Killer, investigating the darkest criminal minds. This one is for those who love a good Netflix documentary! crimeviral.com
Journeys: Reading the World Throughout summer
Sensational virtual events are still on the agenda! The perfect past time for when those rainy days strike, Durham University invite us to join them online in a special exhibition using the Palace Green Library collections to learn how explorers, scientists and cartographers charted the world and changed the face of the earth as we know it. Discover how attitudes to travel and tourism have developed throughout history and see how travel writing has shaped perceptions of the world. This exhibition will take visitors all around the world, but also reveal the surprising connections these journeys have to Durham and the North East of England. stories.durham.ac.uk/journeys-prologue
Plan ahead... Durham City Run 15 - 18 July
Two races and one unforgettable finish! Once again, Durham will welcome fitness enthusiasts and charitable heroes to our cobbled streets as the Prince Bishops Durham City Run gears up for action! A truly spectacular setting for a summer night of racing... we’ve got fingers, toes and everything else crossed this fab event can get underway this summer. See you at the finish line, folks! durhamcityrunfestival.com
Sarah Millican 3 September
The hilarious Sarah Millican is back on tour and she’s announced another North East date, this time at the Gala Theatre this September. Back with a bobby dazzler of a new stand-up show, learn all about Sarah’s mishaps, trials and tribulations in recent years, the awful truth about flotation tanks and how to lose weight by only losing the tip of your finger. It’s great to see this local icon back in action. If ever there was a time for us to check in at the theatre for a sidesplitting show, it is now! Book in advance.
Light at the end of the tunnel: Lumiere Durham in 2021 18 - 21 November
Proudly made in Durham, Lumiere is set to illuminate the city once again for four nights from 18 – 21 November. Following 2019’s special anniversary festival celebrating 10 years since the first ever Lumiere in 2009, festival producers, Artichoke, are working on a brand-new programme of artworks and installations. The festival’s commissioning scheme, BRILLIANT, will also return. Open to anybody over 18 with a brilliant ideas for lightup artwork, find out more about how to apply at: lumiere-festival.com/brilliant2021.
galadurham.co.uk
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LIFE InDurham
DISCOVERING
Durham
Durham’s Market Hall sits at the very heart of the city’s indie scene. Home to 40 small businesses in a wonderful airy Victorian building, the Markets Company works with the Totally Locally Durham campaign, promoting the entire independent offering in Durham City.
Print-It Stitch-It (Stall 12 & 13) You’d be forgiven for thinking that printed and embroidered clothing is just for uniforms and branded workwear, but Zoe of Print It Stitch It in the Market Hall, has established a wide market including schools and sports clubs, and hen and stag parties. In recent years, the offering has expanded to include leisure wear, even personalised gifts such as cuddly toys and baby blankets. Whether you want a branded cap, t-shirt, hoodie,
Tel: 07802 318669
matching pyjamas, apron or even pillowcase, Print It Stitch It is here to find the perfect solution. Print It Stitch It is one of the Market Hall’s growing businesses. It is the personal and helpful service that has seen both sides of the business grow – as well as the personalised clothing service, the stall has a packed haberdashery section, supplying wools and embroidery threads.
As the sun shines bright on our lovely city, we’re overjoyed to be hitting the streets and shopping at some of our favourite stores and stalls. To celebrate the return of city life, we’re shouting about some of the fabulous independent traders who call Durham Markets home.
Robson’s Butchers (Stalls 6 & 7) One of the newest traders in the Market Hall is familyowned butchers, Robson’s. Having launched at the end of October, the business is now set to expand into Durham Markets’ online shop, while also growing it’s following of loyal customers eager to stop by the stall. Prime produce includes locally-sourced meats, pies and hot takeaway sandwiches – the latter making Robson’s a popular breakfast and lunchtime spot. The team also produce stir-fry mixes, so that’s an easy-cook tea on offer too! Robson’s are currently investigating what produce can be added to Durham Markets online shop, meaning that the Market Hall’s eco-friendly deliveries within a five mile radius will soon include meats alongside the popular fruit, vegetable, cheese and bread orders that currently leave the Market Hall each Saturday morning.
Durham City Watches (Stall 30) Durham City Watches has passed from father to son; what hasn’t changed in that process is that you’re still guaranteed the high-quality service they’re loved for. The business began as watch, clock and jewellery repairs, with an expertly-trained horologist on site. Mark, following on from his father, has built up years of expertise in servicing and repairing watches and clocks. The current team have added a watch
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Tel: 0191 386 4929
and jewellery shop, specialising in preloved items and coveted brands. Brands available include Omega, Rolex, Tag Heuer, Breitling and more, as well as a wide range of diamond rings, suitable for all budgets. And it’s the suitability for all budgets that sets Durham City Watches aside, with a regularly updated range of top-class stock, it’s well worth a regular visit if you’re looking for a special gift, or a treat for yourself.
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LIFE InDurham
The Phone Guy (Stalls 39 & 45) Tel: 07544 032914 Another Market Hall business with an incredible reputation is The Phone Guy – the phone repair specialist with vast experience, and hundreds of happy past customers ready to recommend the service. Paul has been repairing phones, replacing shattered screens and unlocking devices for many years, with families returning time and again, and every faulty or damaged phone given a new life, often within a few hours. And the reason they keep coming back; an honest appraisal of the repairs needed and good pricing, as well as a business that has been trusted in Durham for years to do just what’s needed; repair broken phones.
Short Cuts (Stalls 43, 44 & 46) Short Cuts is Durham’s one-stop-shop for keycutting and engraving. The father and son team, Dave and Tony, can provide key cutting, often while you wait, of virtually any kind of key, having added in recent years a car key cutting service too. They can also offer a 24 hour locksmith service, so it’s well worth saving their number. They’re the city’s go-to engravers, happy to engrave your own trophies of course, but they also have a wide selection if a new trophy is required. Recently they’ve added a shoe and boot repair service; these are not carried out on site but are returned to be collected from the Market Hall within a few days.
Short Cuts Tel: 07813 687 482 AJS Locksmiths Tel: 07955 211003
Stitches (Stall 34) Tel: 07949 781009 Stitches has been in Durham Market Hall for many years, supplying a range of fabrics for the home. But, every home is different, so if you can’t find exactly what you want, speak to Eileen about the made-to-measure service offered by Stitches.
Durham Market Hall’s online shop offers a local delivery service every Saturday. Check it out!
The Market Hall is open from 9am to 4.30pm, Monday to Saturday. For anyone who is yet to visit, or yet to return after the lockdown, we all look forward to welcoming you back to our beautiful city when you’re ready! durhammarkets.co.uk
Eileen is a trained seamstress and can provide a bespoke service to meet your homeware needs and dreams, whether that’s curtains, blinds or cushion covers. And if you already have what you want, but it’s the wrong size, she can easily alter it to your requirements. She also offers repairs and alterations to clothing - a vital service to anyone passionate about sustainable clothing and reusing rather than replacing.
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LIFE InDurham
The sun is shining, we’re seeing familiar faces back on the streets and Durham’s hospitality scene is brimming with life! To celebrate the city’s return to action, we’ve put together a guide to some of the DH1 spots returning to business in style... The Library
REDISCOVERING
Durham’s nightlife
Tootle on over to Saddler Street and enjoy a true Durham nightlife icon. The Library gang are back in action this season, serving al fresco delights to the people of DH1 and beyond! It’s a great place to relax, vibe away to cool tunes and gaze out over Durham’s beautiful river as the world ambles on by (with a cold one of course!). Serving up delicious burgers and other brilliant bites, follow the link below to get you and your gang booked in for a Library date like no other… facebook.com/thelibrary.durham
Revolution Revolution is a cocktail-lovers dream! This luxe hangout raises the bar when it comes to creative cocktails, delicious food and an incredible night out in Durham. With stunning river views from their ground floor restaurant and al fresco vibes from their heated terrace with retractable roof, Revolution is arguably the place to head if you’re searching for cocktails come rain or shine. Book your table in advance as it’s set to get busy as the sun shines through this spring/ summer! revolution-bars.co.uk
Credit: Simon Woodley
Tin of Sardines Gin Bar Sitting in a prime position on Elvet Bridge, Tin of Sardines Gin Bar is arguably the world’s smallest bar and one of our favourite spots to pull up a stool, try one of 300 gins and chill over a tipple or two. It might be Durham’s smallest bar, but it’s a big deal when it comes to living it up in the city! With an ever-changing array of renowned gin distillers, a cool collection of tonics and cosy interior that will help you unwind in style, this truly is an excellent Elvet enterprise. It’s not hard to see why Tin of Sardines is usually chock full of happy patrons. tinofsardines.co.uk
Old Toms Gin Bar Located on the bustling Riverwalk, Old Toms Gin Bar is set inside a 15th century Tudor building and it’s renowned for its unique gins, quirky decor and lush range of wines and cheeses to soak up the drinks. They’re back up and running, so round-up your gin-loving friends, get yourselves booked in and sip away on some of the finest gin cocktails in DH1. oldtomsdurham.co.uk
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The Swan & Three Cygnets Good food, brilliant beer and a gorgeous location overlooking Elvet Bridge and Durham’s beautiful river vista? Yep, you guessed it, could only be The Swan! An iconic name when it comes to those in the know about Durham’s nightlife scene, The Swan is a traditional pub set over two floors and it’s an incredibly popular spot for those who love fairly priced pints, good vibes and a chilled atmosphere to match. One to check out this season! facebook.com/ theswanandthreecygnets
Wetherspoon Bishops’ Mill You’ll always find a lovely pint and a warm welcome at this DH1 haunt. A venue that comes alive after hours, Wetherspoon Bishops’ Mill is an equally fab spot to drop in for a bite to eat during a shopping trip or a big night out with the gang. Did you know that this pub is named after the historic mill which stood for centuries adjacent to the pub? It was first recorded in the Boldon Book of 1183 and stood until 1972 powering the ice rink, so not only is it a venue with lush drinks and great, hearty food, this spot also has tons of city centre history to get stuck into! We’ll see you at the bar. jdwetherspoon.com
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LIFE InDurham
EATING
TheFoodPit
al fresco
Whether you’re after a coffee and a light lunch, a curry, pizza, a serving of locally sourced sausages and mash, a Mediterranean-inspired gyros wrap or delicious bubble waffles and milkshakes, TheFoodPit is the place for you. With al fresco seating on the Riverwalk overlooking the Cathedral, we can’t wait to dive into some seriously delicious food with a cold one in hand! All you need to do is head online, pick your time of arrival via their online booking system and ger ready to kick back in style this season. It promises to satisfy any food enthusiast. We’ll cheers to that!
Thai River Restaurant It’s about time we ditch those supermarket ready meals and liven up our dining experience. Thankfully, the team at Thai River are back and they’re serving authentic Thai treats to DH1 residents al fresco style! With jumbo pad Thai, aromatic massaman curries and steamy noodle dishes aplenty, this lush Thai spot may be small in appearance, but its food offering packs a mighty punch. They’re currently accepting bookings via telephone, so follow the link below, dial that all important number and look forward to a terrific Thai-me!
facebook.com/ thefoodpitdurham
facebook.com/thai-river-restaurant
24/7 support at the press of a button Tango These burger pros have gone from strength to strength since arriving in Durham a few years back, and we can’t stop shouting about them! Purveyors of fine food and sensational sips, Tango - like many other of our city’s businesses - pivoted during the pandemic to ensure we could all enjoy their brilliant burgers from the comfort of our homes. Now, more good news, they’re back al fresco style! With a vibrant menu that takes inspiration from cuisines across the globe, Tango is certainly one of the tastiest spots in town and a great place to bask in the summer rays on Elvet Bridge. As the home of great burgers, drool-worthy fries and hot dogs, Tango continues to push the boundaries of what can be created in a bun - and we can guarantee you will be blown away by the results! The place to visit if you’re after feel-good comfort food.
Worried about a loved one, but still keen to retain their independence? Our community alarm service could help to give you peace of mind. Our recent survey shows: l 98.3% of customers
surveyed felt safe knowing staff were wearing full PPE when responding to calls and visiting homes. l 100% reported that
they found staff helpful and were treated with dignity and respect by staff on installation of their equipment.
tangodurham.co.uk
The Champagne Bar By Ebony Time to show off your post-lockdown trim and rediscover the joy of dressing up again with a mooch down to Durham’s premier Champagne and Cocktail Bar. Located in the heart of the city and within yards of the Gala Theatre once performances get underway again, The Champagne Bar by Ebony is a great place to start any celebration in the city! It’s best loved for its extensive range of drinks to suit all tastes, in a glamorous and sophisticated setting. Serving everything from sparkling champagnes and 40 different cocktails, to fine wines, beers and spirits, this one of the best spots to help you feel glamorous once again. Gladrags at the ready!
For further information: 03000 262 195 care.connect@durham.gov.uk www.durham.gov.uk/careconnect You can also find us on facebook.com/CareConnectDCC
facebook.com/champagnebarbyebony
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LIFE InDurham
EATING
al fresco
Slug & Lettuce Shimmy on over to Walkergate and dive head first into Slug & Lettuce’s wide range of draught beers, quality wines and creative cocktails from across the globe. Slug’s scrummy seasonal menus mean that they serve excellent fresh produce, at its peak, all year round - perfect if you’re feeling peckish after a shopping adventure in DH1. Whether it’s a light breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea, Slug & Lettuce is the perfect space to enjoy some time out with friends, catch-up about lockdown trials and tribulations and unwind in luxurious surroundings with a buzzy atmosphere. Perfect for a day out with friends, a night out or special celebrations - you simply can’t go wrong! slugandlettuce.co.uk/durham
Credit: Simon Woodley
Riverview Kitchen Durham’s cafe culture is perfectly encapsulated over at Riverview Kitchen and we’re so pleased that this brilliant business is back and serving up the goods! Just off Silver Street down by the stairs, this independent hangout has been delighting revellers from across the North East for years now, and it’s no secret as to why. With a beautiful outdoor area (with heaters!), a gorgeous menu consisting of traditional breakfast bites and door-stop sandwiches to dive into, Riverview Kitchen is the place to visit for an indulgent al fresco feast with loved ones this summer. facebook.com/riverviewkitchendurham
The Waiting Room Full steam ahead! A cosy pub within Durham Station’s northbound platform building, The Waiting Room is an ideal spot for an outdoor tipple (or three!). Take a seat in the outside space and sip craft beers from a wide range of local brewers with fab viewpoint as you people watch and see locomotives whizz by hour after hour. A great spot for those travelling in and out of the city by train this season. facebook.com/thewaitingroomdurham Credit: Simon Woodley
The Boat-Club & Tomahawk Talk about double trouble! Having shopped all of Durham’s lovely indie businesses, make your way over to Elvet Riverside and get familiar with The Boat-Club & Tomahawk Steakhouse! With Tomahawk serving up the goods on the top floor and cocktail connoisseurs mixing up delightful tipples on the ground floor, this joint venture boasts stunning panoramic views of the River Wear and offers sensational sights of Elvet Bridge with a lush choice of riverside seating areas. By day, it’s a chilled venue serving outstanding food, killer cocktails and a nice selection of craft beers; and once the sun sets and the city comes alive, the tunes are notched up a little and The Boat-Club transforms into a pulsating party venue. A must-visit for that all-important catch-up with friends! the-boat-club.com
To advertise call 0191 500 7865 or email rebecca@allies-group.com
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Radisson Durham
The Cellar Door
Durham Radisson Blu is a stylish restaurant with a whole lot of charm. Priding themselves on serving classic British brasserie-style food with a creative and modern twist, this spot offers beautiful delicacies such as succulent steaks, smoked haddock kedgeree, platters to share, and plenty more along with picturesque river views. Also serving up afternoon tea from 12-9pm on weekends and 3-9pm through the week, it’s a fantastic spot for a longoverdue catch up with loved ones. Just make sure you book in advance - it’s about to get busy!
Housed in a stunning 12th century cellar conversion down by the riverside, The Cellar Door has a refined aesthetic that perfectly complements its awesome a la carte menu. Widely regarded as one the best restaurants in the city, everything is a labour of love and passion here; from the tuna carpaccio and the curried lamb shanks, to the wine list and the dark chocolate cremeux, expect perfection at every touch point. Head to The Cellar Door website, book your reservation and get set for an evening of fine dining.
radissonhotels.com
thecellardoordurham.co.uk
MAY | JUN 2021 ISSUE 4
LIFE InDurham
DURHAM
depository
DH1’s bank of iconic imagery
Credit: Tom Lynn
Wheels in motion… A warm welcome to the Durham Depository! This page is dedicated to shining a light on Durham’s illustrious history, piecing together the people, places and businesses that have had a lasting impact on our city… While we’ve spent this issue celebrating the wonderful people and inspiring independents as Durham begins to welcome you lovely lot back on to the streets, we’re also taking the time to throw it back to 1995 with a fabulous photograph that we’re certain will trigger a few memories and happy times for our readers. Built in 1970, our current bus station is one of the main welcome points for visitors arriving into the city - and many of us will remember the huge (and noisy!) red double deckers ferrying us in for work and leisure in the past. A fabulous picture from 26 years ago, here we see two United buses either side of a Northern double decker. United was one of the main bus operators in the region and actually provided the widest geographical bus service in England, with services stretching from Berwick-upon-Tweed all the way down to Filey in North Yorkshire! With garages in our city centre, United was sold to
National Express in 1995 and now forms part of Arriva North East. Nice to see that this local automotive name lives on in some form. Those of you with a keen eye will be able to see a dome structure on the top left of the scene; this was the old Essoldo Picture House on North Road. With delicious ice cream flavours during the interval and watching double movie bills with the likes of Judy Garland, James Dean and John Wayne featuring on the big screen, Essoldo was a key-cog in our city’s leisure offering back then and welcomed guests far and wide to the cinema for the latest blockbuster screenings. Seems as though our love for cinema hasn’t wavered in the past 70 years either, as we’re all chomping at the bit to get back to our beloved Odeon Luxe as soon as the time is right! Those who have been heading into the city in the last few weeks will have seen a hive of activity over on North Road; that’s because a stunning £10.4m project to completely overhaul Durham’s current
bus station has begun! The project is still in its infancy, but once complete, our city’s iconic bus station will have a new lease of life and will provide travellers with a first-class station we can all be proud of!
We’d love to hear your tales, see your photographs and share your memories of life in Durham. Drop us a line, tag us in your posts and use the #LifeInDurham hashtag on social media! 15
DEALS
LIFE InDurham
JUST
InDurham
MY
Durham
Emma Gaudern, Managing Director, EMG Solicitors I AM… Managing Director of EMG Solicitors, a law firm based next to the Arnison Centre. MY CONNECTION WITH DURHAM IS… Both professional and personal. My office is located near the Arnison Centre and I live near the hospital. My children are educated in the city and I am often found dog walking near County Hall! MY FAVOURITE PLACE FOR CULTURE IN THE CITY IS… Anywhere during Lumiere. I am incredibly passionate about this amazing festival. As a firm we are proud to sponsor it for the third time this autumn and I am also part of the fundraising board, doing my bit to make sure we can bring Lumiere to Durham for many years to come. I GET MY COFFEE FIX FROM… Coffee? Bleurgh - it’s tea all the way for me. When we were based at The Rivergreen Centre, the cafe there served an excellent Ringtons Orange Samovar Spice tea. I ordered it so much that we just had to ask for an “Emma’s tea” and one would arrive! Whitechurch is a staple favourite for consistently great food and Cafedral serves large portions of excellent cake. What more could you ask for? MY GO-TO FOODIE SPOT IS… Broom House Farm. I have scaled back my meat consumption, and when we do have meat we try to get the best quality we can. The team in the shop and butchery are always so helpful and the cafe dishes up excellent sandwiches and cakes. Did I mention cake twice in one article?! THE THREE PLACES I TAKE VISITORS ARE… On a dog walk near The Willow Miner at Low Burnhall woods, to do the Easter Chick Hunt at the Botanical Gardens (it’s not been possible for two years but I remain hopeful they might come up with a summer substitute!), and the Brass Festival in the summer. The Saturday night at Wharton Park is such a great night out and sure to be packed when it makes it’s return. MY IN-THE-KNOW SECRET IS... During lockdown I discovered the two huge ponds at the back of Frankland Prison housing a bevy of swans. It’s a really peaceful place to walk.
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Save while you spend with an Open for business: InDurham Loyalty Card Life InDurham’s Loyalty Card For an annual subscription fee of just £5, you scheme istorevolutionising can get access a whole host of exclusive deals, discounts and other special offers, at theparticipating way we shop… businesses across Durham City. Delivered by:
J
From food and drink, fashion, hair and It’s easy to get lost in the mire of high-street The good news doesn’t stop there! Every week, initiatives currently there. Deals that seemthere’snew deals, discounts and other special offers are beauty, leisureout time to moving home, added to the scheme, so you can be safe in the incredibly complicated to access offers that with something for everyone toand enjoy for less knowledge that your next shopping trip will be require a great deal of personal information. an InDurham Loyalty Card. jam-packed with the latest of offers. Now that the city is open and our businesses are raring to go, there’s never been a better opportunity toby: join LifeInDurham’s excellent Delivered Loyalty Card scheme.
Thanks to the savvy folk at Durham BID, there’s an easy way to take advantage of exclusive deals from tons of Durham businesses, all while saving yourself some dosh as your summer spending sprees begin to take their toll. The InDurham Loyalty Card is a tool to enjoy incredible discounts from a whole host of city centric businesses for the princely sum of just £5. For a full year, (yes a full 12 months!) You can enjoy exclusive discounts from big name brands and unique offers from small independents all summer long. Who knows? You might only need to use the card once to make your money back! With discounts available when ordering food at your favourite restaurant, money off when booking a much-needed holiday (fingers crossed!) and purse-pleasing prices when heading for a haircut, it’s not hard to see why so many of you have already bagged your loyalty card.
What a way to take advantage of our beautiful city’s high-street as we get back to it! The InDurham Loyalty Card costs just £5 for 12 months’ worth of discounts and your subscription will renew each year, meaning you can continue to benefit from great deals in the future. A scheme that is minimum fuss to join, yet offers up a maximum benefit to users and allows the keen shoppers amongst you to truly focus on what matters - bagging superb deals from Durham’s brilliant businesses.
The InDurham Loyalty Card is a fabulous initiative. We hope you agree! Make sure you pick up your card today - they’re available to order online at: lifeindurham.co.uk
MAY | JUN 2021 ISSUE 4
LIFE InDurham
Changing lives: Adopt Coast to Coast Those looking to adopt in Cumbria, Durham and Sunderland will benefit from a quicker process thanks to the launch of a new Regional Adoption Agency (RAA) spanning the regions.
Cumbria County Council, Durham County Council and Together for Children which delivers children’s services on behalf of Sunderland City Council, have joined forces to recently launch a RAA known as Adopt Coast to Coast. The partnership means that the three local authorities can more readily work together to speed up the adoption process for prospective adopters and find the best match for the babies and children in their care and who are in need of forever homes. As the partners in Adopt Coast to Coast collectively operate across a larger geographical area the teams can more readily match prospective adopters and children from a wider pool.
Between April 2020 - February 2021, Cumbria County Council, Durham County Council and Together for Children have approved 75 families and matched 121 children to new homes.
Say hello to Robbie, Steven and Josh… When Steven and Robbie first met, they both knew straight away that the relationship was right – and they also knew they wanted a family of their own. Robbie said: “We talked about children on our first date! So our relationship had the same goals, but to be honest at the beginning we just Googled it a bit.” In 2019 they decided the time was right for them, even relocating so they’d be closer to their supportive family network if they were approved. They attended an information event run by the local authority, and then had a visit by a social worker. Robbie said: “We were assigned our fabulous social worker – but then along came lockdown! However, Covid didn’t stop us building a really good relationship with her, and in some ways it worked better, because we could just jump on Teams.” The couple had been warned that they would be unlikely to get a baby – but their matching process didn’t run quite to plan: “In our minds we had become fully prepared to welcome a slightly older child into our family” Robbie said. “We went in front of the panel - the longest 16 minutes of our lives – and were approved, which was such a huge relief for us. And then just one day later, we got a call to say, ‘Come and meet a little baby’. It took a rapid and massive shift in our thinking!” Robbie and Steven instantly fell in love with their beautiful little boy Josh. All of their energy then went on equipping their home with everything you need for a baby, as well as learning how to deal with bathing, bottling and nappy changes.
Steven added: “The adoption journey might seem completely overwhelming for some people, especially if you’ve been thinking about it for a long time – but it’s all totally worth it. “All the waiting and worrying, all the concerns about whether you’ve said the right thing or the wrong thing - just relax, be truthful and open with your social worker, and you could have your own forever family too.”
Who can adopt? There are many reasons people choose to adopt – some adopters can’t have children of their own, others want to start a family without a partner, some may want to add to their family, while others might feel they have a lot of love, support and happiness to offer child who perhaps hasn’t had the best start in life. For more information, visit adoptcoasttocoast.org.uk or get in touch via adoptcoasttocoast@durham.gov.uk 17
LIFE InDurham
YOUR
Durham Durham City through your lens… Local photographer Simon Woodley captures the riverbanks of Durham springing into life as our beautiful Cathedral watches over our special city. Credit: Simon Woodley Instagram: @simoncwoodley
Did you know?
Construction of the Cathedral as we know it today started in 1093 by Bishop William of St Calais and with foundations nearly 1,000 years old, Durham Cathedral continues to be celebrated as a living place of worship, welcome and hospitality.
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MAY | JUN 2021 ISSUE 4
DEGREES WITH A DIFFERENCE. Small class sizes. Exceptional support. Employability at the heart. Degree level programmes. Professional qualifications. Higher apprenticeships.
To get you off to a flying start, all new full-time degree level students will receive: >> A FREE laptop.* >> £100 to spend in the College’s Study Store on materials such as books, stationery or art supplies. >> A FREE welcome pack with essential stationery. *excludes students who have previously received a laptop from the College.
APPLY NOW TO NEW COLLEGE DURHAM WWW.NEWDUR.AC.UK