The Half Moon Inn, Durham

Called in on our way to Durham beer festival and found a well stocked bar of real ales. Chose Durham White Gold and Broughton Merlins Ale, but felt they may have needed a bit more pulled off as we were the first customers in there. Bar area when you go in was being spruced up and we went in the lounge at the back. This was very clean and tidy, and there is a separate bar there which must operate when they are busy. Outside seating area at the back. Staff friendly.

An atmospheric historic town pub just outside the old City centre, The Half Moon is one of Durham's best. The interior is listed and split into two - a ground floor lounge and bar, and an upstairs bar used mainly by locals. The bars are crescent shaped, hence the name. Four ales on, I tried the Durham and found it most enjoyable; I would have loved to stay for more but time didn't allow. I will, however, most certainly be back. Recommended for a good evening's drinking and is a must for a City crawl.

Traditional pub on the main road with a large central bar and a lower area with soft seating. There also seems to be a terrace overlooking the river although we didn't try that. Four beers on tap (Timothy Taylor Landlord, Bass, London Pride and the local Bee's Knees) plus Strongbow, Woodpecker & Magners cider, plus another dozen bottled ciders.

One of my favourite pubs anywhere, located at the end of Elvet bridge just into student territory although it has a generally mixed and interesting clientele. Famous for the quality of its draught Bass in previous times it still sells Bass plus three other well kept cask beers, including one from Durham Brewery and a range of kegs. A traditionally decorated, split level arrangement, the rear lounge on a lower level can be quieter and has a bit more space than the somewhat cramped front bar.