I had ameeting in Durham on a monday at 11. Living a few hours away I thought it may be better to travel on the Sunday and save the early start the following day. I found a Premier Inn near to my meeting at Durham North and it had a Brewers Fayre attached to it so the plan was to head up there and grab some food then get some work done in my room.. well that was the plan!

I arrived a little early to check in but there was a room ready so I was given the key card and headed to my room. It was overlooking some industrial units but being a Sunday it was quiet enough so it wasnt an issue. It was a bit of a motel style hotel and obviously its been there for a while but it was fine for the night. The Brewers Fayre looked closed when I arriived and didnt have any signage on it and a quick google showed it as permanently closed so I had to change my plans.

I grabbed an Uber for £10 to take me into Durham as I have never been into the city before so this sounded like a great opportunity to explore a bit. Whilst waiting for the Uber I discovered the pub was actually open, its been taken over by Wetherspoons and Papas Group and just waiting for a refurbishment so I would see what its like after a few hours wandering around Durham. I actually know the owners of Papas so it will be interesting to see how it turns out when its properly open and rebranded.

Durham was amazing, lots of bars and restaurants and great architecture.I crossed the bridge and headed towards the market square and stopped for a beer. It was quiet as it was heading into Sunday evening but still plenty of tourists and students about, I even got involved in a pub quiz with some students from the States. Thoroughly recomment a visit to Durham, it exceeded my expectations.

I headed back to the restaurant near the hotel which I wont review as it was waiting to be revamped, I will have to return once it is done!

The following morning I headed down for Breakfast. As the restaurant is under separate ownership now breakfast is served on the ground floor of the hotel now which was adequate but a bit boxy! The lady looking after the guests was fantastic, very chatting and engaging, so much so I forgot to take a photo of the food! The food itself was a bit disappointing as some items were cold so I didnt quite finish it but I was off for fish and chipsat Bell’s round the corner so I wasn’t hungry for long.

Overall this hotel provides a great low cost base if you want to visit Durham with ample parking, Not the best facilities but what do you need with such a great city just 10 minutes away!