Great city centre pub. Lots of seating inside and out with views over the river, cathedral and town.
Prices have gone up but short of going to spoons you won't find a cheaper pint in town.
Always decent people from students to visitors and locals with no idiots I've ever seen.
Wonderful on a sunny summer afternoon but just as good on a cold winters day.
Service is always spot on, as is the beer.
Fragkoulis “Frank” Theodosiou
+5
Had an amazing time enjoying a few pints and the lovely sun in the outdoor area. Highly recommended and very affordable prices.
Say what you want about Sam Smith's as a franchise, but this particular venue has everything going for it. Never had any real problems, sometimes it's hard finding a seat but that only speaks to how popular the place is, as there is ample seating both indoors and outdoors. (I don't recall downstairs being open very often but my best memories of the pub are from when the downstairs bar was open). Recently Mr Smith changed the rule that dogs are no longer allowed inside, big shame but what the captain says goes. Still worth a visit if you're new or passing through.
This is a great pub to push social interactions as phones are banned meaning you have to have real conversations. The outside area overlooks the river and is very scenic, meaning this pub is especially good in summer months.
Nice to be at a pub where every couple hasn't got a smartphone glued to the palm of their hands as if they don't want to be there or even talk to each other!! . Sit in the beer garden with the river flowing nearby, get a pint of Sam's beautifully made stout and a Raspberry G and T and just enjoy each others company.!!!
Sam Smith's pub. Despite increasing prices beer still very cheap compared to everywhere else. Very popular with students. Nicely decorated, spacious and clean . Very friendly bar staff. Lots of outside drinking area.
Real beer and the prices are cheaper than anywhere else I've been. Nice choice, friendly staff and dog friendly, at least outside. Would visit again.
Loved the vibe of the place. I wish the staff were more friendly and warm. Loved my apple cider too.
The staff are always brilliant here and the drink selection is different to anywhere else in Durham but has a few unique and different things available. Definitely worth a visit
My first experience of a Sam Smiths pub. It's as if Aldi or Lidl had a pub. Only their beers and lagers. All the spirits are 'generic' just vodka, whisky etc. under their own brand (and those we tried were a bit meh). Soft drinks and even the peanuts and crisps are own brand. The ban on mobiles etc sounds good but wasn't strictly applied. Nice to avoid tv, piped muzak and slot machines. Some traditional pub games would be good. Worth a visit, probably best for a cheap session with mates.
Great friendly atmosphere next to the river. Cheap prices on beer so lots of students. Visited last year and this and would visit again.
The Swan is a tradional pub with a welcoming atmosphere. Staff are great. Good price for a pint.
Digital detox pub where they encourage beer and conversation rather than sticking your head in your phone or laptop! Great idea 💡
Good Sam Smiths pub in a great location. Nice pint of Taddy.
Reasonably priced.
The Sam Smiths fruit beers are always the best as well.
Return on the regular 👍
A Mobile Phone, Tablet & Laptop free bar. The bar staff were outstanding serving a vast crowd in the correct order quickly and efficiently.
Rammed upstairs (ground level with the bridge), but absolutely deserted downstairs where all the comfy chairs are for some reason 🤔
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