The Shoes, Gilesgate, Durham

Had I not been staying the night at the Shoes, I probably wouldn't have ventured up the hill from the city centre for a drink here. However, the accommodation here is recommended. The pub won an edition of the TV programme Four in a Bed and offers good value bed and breakfast. In truth, it doesn't take long to walk to the centre, but there's not a lot else in this part of the city. The pub itself seems to be popular with local community and unlike most other Durham pubs, there are few students, just working class locals. The solitary real ale on was Daleside Blonde, which was in good condition. Staff and customers seemed friendly. The L-shaped room features a number of ornamental shoes and pictures of shoes.