If you’re a fresher joining Durham University and feeling terrified by the “bad nightlife” rumours, or a returner in need of a refresher on what you can get up to clubbing-wise, you’re in the right place.
My dear freshers, fear not – as your Freshers’ Week (subject to your college) will give you a good idea of what each club at Durham has to offer. However, if you find yourself not remembering much from that week – or you simply want a head start on things to look out for – take your notepad out, and keep on reading.
So, the infamous Durham clubbing scene – the cheapest, but also, most questionable nights out of your life. From the (alleged) worst nightclub in Europe to themed nights at Babs, we may be famously appalling but at least we have fun – and hey, when in doubt, there’s always Newcastle.
Without further ado, let me put you on the places to hit for the best worst night out of your dreams.
Fowlers
Do you have a karaoke night itch that you just can’t seem to scratch? If so, then Fowlers is the go-to place for a low-key, spur of the moment, karaoke bar night out.
Importantly, Fowlers has a big, well-staffed bar – ensuring everyone has enough liquid courage to utterly embarrass themselves on stage. Don’t worry, everyone’s been there.
On that matter, Fowlers offers a respectable performance stage perpendicular to the DJ booth, with a plasma TV strategically placed on the wall opposite it – so even if you’re completely gone on-stage, rest assured that your song lyrics will be on display at your disposal.
The DJ at Fowlers has a commendable amount of tolerance, so you can pretty much request any song you want – just be prepared to wait a while on busy nights.
Pro-tip: If you actually want to ever get on that stage, remember that the long song queue is never the DJ’s fault.
Luckily, history shows that many people opt to visit elsewhere past Fresher’s Week – so when in need of a lowkey night-out, this is the place to be.
Osbourne’s
Sticking on the theme of karaoke, Ozzy’s a great and more popular alternative to Fowlers. Located past the tunnel by Jimmy’s and next to Klute, this is the hidden treasure of Durham clubs.
Aside from the weekly karaoke events, the best event Ozzy’s has to offer is their Monday Gay Night, which are always hosted by drag queens. Whether you’re a raging Trixie and Katya fan who loves a good drag show, or have no idea what that means, an Ozzy’s Monday is a must-have experience during your stay at Durham.
Fabio’s
What do you do on a Thursday night, if not visit Fabs? Don’t make the rookie mistake of missing the Fabs events.
Yes, there is always massive queue outside and yes, you will be surprised how quickly your alcohol blanket fails you. However, once you make it past the three flights of stairs, and walk past the tempting Italian restaurant below – you have officially made it to the ultimate Thursday-night function: Fab’s Unhinged.
Overall, drinks here are relatively cheap, and there are many nooks and crannies to drunkenly explore and get lost in – including an indoor balcony seating area, and an outdoor smoking area.
Notably, the DJ loves to play classic 2000’s tunes (think old Rihanna, and all of Timbaland’s discography with Nelly Furtado) and the neo-club anthems like Charli XCX and Addison Rae – especially on a Thursday.
But hey, Unhinged night isn’t for everyone – no judgment here. Thankfully, Fabs has you covered with another of their events: Jazz Night.
During the weekend, Fabs converts itself into perhaps the classiest place Durham clubs have to offer. Student jazz bands are invited each week to perform for two to three hours, and the floor fills with tables to allow for mingling.
Pro-tip: If you find yourself on your fourth Hinge date of the term, desperately trying to be part of the 72 per cent statistic, take your next date here on the weekend.
Jimmy Allen’s (Jimmy’s)
Moving on to the classics, nothing is more authentic to the Durham student nightlife than a night out at Jimmy Allen’s.
If once you walk in you feel sort-of imprisoned, you’re not far off. The once prison-turned-club that is Jimmy’s welcomes you with a modern first floor, containing a seating area and its first bar. Its basement stays true to the medieval history of the venue, and is where the dance floor and second bar are to be found.
Located right by the Bailey college accommodations, Jimmy’s has free entrance and is full of students. As a result, they’re a popular alternative to the usual £4 entrance fees other clubs charge. Drinks here are also relatively cheap, another factor that makes most students return regularly.
Legend around Durham says that with the club being an old prison, it is haunted by its previous occupants. However, the only thing seemingly haunting me from Jimmy’s is the music choices. Although the DJ accepts recommendations and usually delivers a decent set, playing Karma by Jojo Siwa unironically in the club is an inexcusable crime to most Durham club-goers. But hey, if you’re into that, who are we to judge?
Pro-tip: If you’re asthmatic, bring your inhaler with you – Jimmy’s staff love to spam the smoke machine. Other than that, you’re in for a great time.
Babylon (Babs)
Have you ever entered a club for just £1 and paid £1 for each drink you buy throughout the night? If not, then you clearly haven’t been to Babylon yet. Located on North Road and famous for being the largest club in Durham, Babs truly has something for everyone.
Starting off strong, Babs hosts Cheapskates every Wednesday and Friday, where entrance fees start at £1 and end at the usual £4, depending on how fast you are at buying tickets. Upon entrance you meet the bar, where all shots and Jagerbombs are £1. Pints are £2, and doubles are just £2.50. Pretty irresistible if I say so myself.
Arguably, what makes Babs stand out from all other clubs is their themed nights. Last year, the club held a One Direction night in tribute to Liam Payne’s death, an incredibly successful ABBA night, and, its most recent, Pop Princess night. These are definitely worth looking out for.
Finally, to top it all off – the venue is massive for Durham standards, with a booth sitting area, large bar, and dance floor on the first floor, and a second bar with a balcony-view of the dance floor on the second floor.
Pro-tip: If you aren’t keen on your drunken presence being immortalised on the Babylon Instagram, make it a personal mission for the night to avoid their photographers. It will be a challenge as there’s plenty of them – but trust me, you will thank yourself in the morning.
Loft
Loft is also located on North Road and while it is a significantly smaller venue than Babs, the differences between the two clubs end there. Since the two share both their location and management, Loft is often considered the sibling of Babs, and on occasion, you only require one ticket to enter both clubs. Pretty handy for nights out towards the end of the month.
Loft follows Babs’ footsteps and hosts their version of Cheapskates – called Quids – on Saturdays, where the same prices for each drink types previously stated also apply. However, their biggest event is Dance Mondays, where the DJ explores a different genre each week. From house music, to 2000s classics, to afrobeats – Loft is THE Monday night destination.
Pro-tip: Dance Mondays are always better when you know a 9 a.m. lecture is waiting for you the next day.
Klute
Finally, saving the best for last, Durham is home to the Klute, once dubbed by some as the worst night club in Europe. Please, hear me out before you let that misleading statement turn you off from visiting Klute and exploring its charm.
The face of the club – John Klute – is basically Durham royalty, which you get to meet if you pay a visit at the DJ booth. The club charges no entrance fee, and their original drink – the Quadi – is four vodka shots with a mixer for super cheap. All of these are contributing factors as to why Klute is not bad, just misunderstood.
The club has three main areas, one being the famous Klute basement, which can be rented out for more private events. There are two functioning bars, a rather large dance floor, and a performance stage where, if the stars align, John Klute’s band performs. Undoubtedly, the best part about Klute is their two-story smoking area, where some of the best drunken chat has been uttered.
Klute hosts many events such as Emo Night every other Thursday, Klute Karaoke, and other occasional themed nights like Rock Night. Overall, Klute tries (and often succeeds) at ensuring a great night out for Durham students.
Pro-tip: History shows that Klute attracts most of St. Cuthbert’s students, meaning that the vibe is always great. However, if, for some reason, you don’t get on with Cuths people – maybe go to Jimmy’s.
