While Durham isn’t exactly known for its magnificent nightlife, there’s a certain charm to the pubs and clubs tucked in these hilly cobbled streets. As an incoming (or returning) student, you’ll undeniably undergo the unique experience of a Durham night out at least once, and likely several times across your first few weeks. But the seemingly quaint old town can have some unexpected pitfalls, and the last thing you want is to end up in a sticky situation because, understandably, you expected Durham to be even remotely like any other city in the country.
Luckily, we’ve compiled this list of the unofficial rules of a Durham night out, to guide you through every step of the way. From pre pre-drinking, to ticket-buying, to SNK and Paddy’s curly fries, here’s everything you need to know to make your first night out in Durham one to remember, or maybe even not!
Preparing for the night
If you’re looking to restrict your night out to at least some kind of a budget, you’ll want to book tickets as soon as you can – Babylon’s (or Bab’s), Loft, and especially Fabio’s (Fab’s) tickets sell faster than you think, so it’s worth setting reminders or checking regularly for ticket releases. Another Durham staple is having to choose a whole new clubbing wardrobe – Wednesday nights are known for people dressed as bananas, in handcuffs, or even as bananas in handcuffs, and society bar crawls will regularly require bizarre apparel. It’s also worth taking a jacket –Northerners will know the Baltic chill that no number of shots can mask (not that you shouldn’t try), and you’ll be able to hang your coat near the entrance of most clubs. And a tip from the girls, for the girls: bring tissues, as some clubs won’t have toilet paper stocked.
In terms of pre-drinking tips, college bar crawls are an experience unique to Durham and can be a fun way to get drunk with swift changes of scenery. There are a host of traditions unique to Durham college bars, including the famous Mary’s Mile (running a mile with a shot in your mouth) and the daunting task of visiting every college bar in one night (I can confirm it is possible). While the best college drinks are a controversial topic, the Trevs drowning horse and Butler Bomb are particularly known for getting you drunk, and Cuth’s’ cheap shots make it a regular destination on a night out.
Where, when (and why)
When it comes to figuring out where to go and when to get there, there are some nights out that are bound to come up again and again. Probably the busiest nights are Babylon’s Wednesday and Friday “cheapskates”, but Loft Mondays and Sunday Night Klute (SNK) are the most iconic and see the most chaos. A personal favourite is Unhinged, the LGBTQ+ student-run night in Fabio’s which sees possibly the loudest and undoubtedly the gayest crowd in Durham. Then there’s the iconic Durham staple: Jimmy’s, which was once a prison and runs classic, fun nights out seven days a week. You’ll undoubtedly end up here as a finale to society socials, or even as the default Durham night.
While some nights in some clubs are more popular than others, you should be prepared for it to get very busy. Depending on how much you like crowds, you can decide on whether to arrive earlier or later. It is worth bearing in mind that Durham nightclubs generally open at 10pm (or 10:30, in the case of Klute) and close at 2am, definitely earlier than you might be used to. So, while starting pre-drinking at 9pm may seem tame, it’s more necessary than you’d initially think.
Pictured: A Durham student who arrived at the club too early
The best tips for afters
With clubs closing at 2am, you’re guaranteed some time afterwards to catch your breath, sober up a little or start to drag your friends home. Good spots to visit on your way back include Paddy’s Pizzeria, a pizza takeaway on the corner of Elvet Bridge, conveniently close to Jimmy’s, Klute, Ozzy’s, and Fowler’s and en-route to most Hill colleges. Their curly fries are the perfect comfort for any drunk student. It can get busy very there, however, so it’s worth leaving the club a few minutes before it closes to avoid queuing. Another popular choice is either of the two Subways, which are situated perfectly to be within a few minutes’ walk (or drunk stumble) of every club in Durham. These tend to be less busy but still offer excellent post-night out food.
Things to avoid if you value your sanity
While a Durham night out is generally safer, more low-stakes and hopefully more enjoyable than most in other places, there are still some pitfalls to look out for. Attempting to visit every college bar, while ambitious, should be planned well, as narrow opening windows and long distances between the Bailey and Hill can thwart any attempt at reaching all eighteen. On top of this, it’s useful to stay conscious of the usual dangers in smoking areas, busy clubs, and other cramped areas. One look at Durfessions will give you an idea of the types of men Durham can contain. But despite this, Durham nights out are 100 per cent worth it – and, with these unofficial rules, your first nights in Durham are guaranteed to be chaotic, eventful, and hopefully successful.
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