The Queens Head Hotel

Walk into The Queens Head and you're in the sort of place where regulars actually know the bar staff's names. It's the kind of pub that doesn't need to try too hard—the beer list speaks for itself, there's usually something decent on tap, and the food is the sort that doesn't apologise for being uncomplicated. Sherburn Road's got its own character away from the Cathedral Quarter bustle, and this place anchors the stretch nicely. You'll find proper Durham drinkers here alongside visitors who've stumbled onto something genuine.