Tin of Sardines, Durham

Tin of Sardines Durham – Tiny gin bar in Durham city centre

Tin of Sardines claims to be Durham’s smallest gin bar, tucked onto the cobbled streets by Elvet Bridge. Despite the tiny footprint, it’s packed with hundreds of unusual gins alongside an excellent cocktail menu and other drinks, and has built up a loyal following for its quirky, characterful atmosphere.

The draw: the sheer variety of gins crammed into such a small space is the novelty and the charm, it’s the kind of place people specifically seek out for a unique drink rather than passing by.

Hours:

Sunday to Thursday 12pm to 11pm

Friday and Saturday 12pm to midnight.

Vibe check: fun, quirky and genuinely tiny, reviewers note it comfortably fits around eight people inside. There’s a small step at the entrance and limited space, so it’s not ideal for wheelchair users, though there’s outdoor pavement seating too.