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Dun Cow, Durham


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37 Old Elvet, Durham, DH1 3HN (View on Google Map)
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A Grade II listed pub, parts of which date back to the 15th century. In 995AD, Lindisfarne monks searching for a resting place for the body of St Cuthbert came across a milkmaid looking for her lost cow. She directed them to Dun Holm (Durham), and the pub is named after the historic animal. There is a small front snug with a larger lounge to the rear. An occasional guest beer is available.

Information for this venue is provided by the Durham Branch of CAMRA
Previous Names
Local Authority
Durham County Council
Last updated
15/04/2025
Last surveyed
10/03/2025
Leasehold owner
DUN COW (DURHAM) LIMITED
Freehold owner
Stonegate (formerly Ei Group)
Pub ID
DUR/40
Asset of Community Value

One star - A pub interior of special national historic interest

Listed status: II

From the front door of this 18th-century pub, a passage runs down the left-hand side and a sliding door leads into the small front bar. Old fittings here include a fine Tudor Revival four-sectioned bar back with mirrored panels, a panelled bar counter and a carved wood surround fireplace. Of similar vintage are the full-height wall-panelling, match-boarded ceiling and baffles by the door. Further down the passage is the door to the lounge, which is evidently an amalgamation of two rooms. Near the servery is an old plasterwork ceiling with a decorative frieze. Everthing else, though, is relatively modern.

General information about historic pub interiors

Early 18th century pub with mock timbering on the first floor. A passage runs down the left hand side of the pub from the front door to the rear and a sliding door leads into the small front bar with fittings dating back to the late 19th century. These include the fine Tudor Revival four sectioned bar-back, where the second one is access for staff to the rear lounge, and it has mirrored panels. There is also a Victorian panelled bar counter which has a top dating from 2005 and an old carved wood surround fireplace with Tudor shaped interior, that has been bricked up, which may well be early twentieth century. Other old fittings are the floor to ceiling wall panelling, a match-boarded ceiling, and a pair of baffles by the door but the benches attached to the walls are difficult to date.

Further down the passage is the door to the lounge in an older part of the building which is clearly an amalgamation of a couple of rooms. The ceiling nearest the servery has an old sectioned plasterwork ceiling with a decorative plaster frieze. The bar fittings here are all modern as is the fireplace and fixed seating. The gents toilets at the rear are still 'outside' but the ladies has a covered walkway. The pub boasts the highest sales of Castle Eden Ale (now brewed at Camerons) in the whole of the north east.

General information about historic pub interiors
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Opening Times Unavailable

Current beers

This Pub serves 1 changing beer and 2 regular beers.

Regular and recently seen
Taylor's  Landlord Pump clip
Timothy Taylor - Landlord

Session Bitter

ABV: 4.3%
Vegan: No
Gluten Free: No

This beer is served regularly. Spotted once

Castle Eden - Castle Eden Ale
Castle Eden - Castle Eden Ale

Session Bitter

ABV: 4.2%
Vegan: Yes
Gluten Free: Yes

This beer is served regularly. Spotted 11 times recently. Last spotted 6 days ago

Changing

Fourth pump not always in use as a guest beer

Changing beers typically include: Castle Eden - Blond , Moorhouse's - White Witch

Source: National


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Facilities
Family Friendly Family Friendly
Dog Friendly Dog Friendly
Games Games
Dominoes, Sove Hapenny
Newspapers Newspapers
Real Fire Real Fire
Separate Bar Separate Bar
Smoking Smoking
Rear terrace with heaters
Wi Fi Wi Fi
Features
Real Ale Real Ale
Real Heritage Pub Real Heritage Pub
LocAle LocAle
Cask Marque Cask Marque
Quiet Quiet
Transport
Close to bus routes (200m)
Arriva: 6, X12
Nearby Station (940m)
Durham

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