I went to the beer festival and had a fantastic time . 20 odd beers to choose from on friday went back on sat and they were running out quickly but I still think they had 10 at end of evening. Went back on sunday afternoon for a great bbq and they had got beer in so back to 15 to choose from. Went to the cider festival this weekend and the bands were great not a fantastic turn out but 15 ciders to choose from as well as the usual 8 beers spoilt for choice excellant pubThe Crown beer festival - or not - when we arrived - Sat evening and the festival is supposed to run until Mon, there were only 4 beers left from the 15 odd on the list. The staff were the rudest I have ever come across in any pub anywhere in Britain. This pub/event has the potential to be great but the attitude of the staff and the lack of preparation leads me to conclude that I could do better in any chain of any nasty beer pub in the country. They should be ashamed of their service - they bring down the reputation of Yorkshire sociality and village country life. Damned poor!Good pub , fine beer and well kept , shame it isn't in the middle of darlington.

Landlord Peter has departed, and Paula (his ex) has now returned. Great news, except Scottish and Newcastle won't let her use microbreweries any more. So Durham Brewery's brewery tap is no more. A tragedy. I am sure Paula will do a great job nonetheless, and will serve the real ales she can buy beautifully. A very friendly and excellent local.This was the best pub of the day for scooping different ales for me, and I enjoyed 3 different Durham beers. The Houston beer was off, but it was replaced. Got into a conversation with one of the friendly locals, and enjoyed my time here.Brilliant pub!! Loads of great ale, nice dartboart, decent and cheap pool, good varied jukebox, some basic food that complements a pint, nice friendly staff, good quiz and the occasional event such as the awesome German beer festival. If you're in Durham, go to this pub.

The Victoria is a small pub just out of the city centre, where it appears that little has changed, internally or externally, for a long time. The landlord keeps it in pristine condition, as he does his beers, and it is an exceptionally easy place in which to comfortably let an evening slip by. Opening times are traditional (no late opening, and it closes between lunch and the evening), which recently led me to spot two ale tourists waiting outside in the rain at 1755, and, whilst on the subject of traditions, dogs are allowed in.
As for the ales, Big Lamp Bitter and Five Bridges Bitter (from Big Lamp and Mordue, both of Newcastle) are the standards, with a variety of mostly north-eastern guests (Durham features heavily) making up the rest of the range. I've never yet had a bad pint of any.
I believe this is only the second pub I've awarded a 10/10 score too, but it fully deserves it.Still one of the best Pubs in the country!

Excellent range of beer and whisky.

Friendly staff and locals, great accomodation and a world beating breakfast if you are staying.I agree with all the positive sentiments posted before, if only to add that this pub is the best place in Durham to get a decent whisky after several decent beers. It is a lovely cosy place where time stands still.

I love this pub it's great. I have to admit that the Joiners Arms is my favourite pub ( www.thejoinersarms.webnode.com )in county durham but that pub shares so many attributes to this one. Warm cosy atmosphere, old fashioned in the best possible way. Yup The Dun Cow is great. Shame I don't get so much reallyEnjoyed my Castle Eden Ale while having a wander round this charming pub. The bar was busy, but it was quiet in the lounge.Ancient cosy pub in an attractive street a short walk from the city centre. Not as many ales to choose from as some other Durham pubs, but served in better condition than most I visited.

i was there when that guy fell into the tree. It was so funny! He actually thought no one had noticed!Well,SBG,I think that you'r off your head.You actually remind me of the sick pervy who lives next door.Which is your misfortune,believe me.I am talking about yet again transients coming into the pubs and disrupting the ambience! Only last week there was a man, who was so drunk he fell off his stool into the christmas tree, made some sexist comments to the barmaid and then left!

Say no more!

If you want a decent pint, try the Stockton arms down the road!

I'd like to add, that although the "locals" think they're being loyal and helping the pub, they're actually hurting it by scaring off other potential "locals". Stop being so miserable, remove your heads from your anuses, and drink your drinks.Very nice pub, would be much better for "transients" if the miserable locals would cheer up and stop staring at us.

What they don't realise is that whilst they are the "backbone" of this fine pub, if it weren't for the "transients", the pub wouldn't make anything near a profit and their beloved watering hole would be in the proverbial. Perhaps you lot should concentrate on each other and enjoying the fine beer - your pub might stay open longer.

Cheer up, we're hardly there to pinch your beloved seat.Yet again this legtrailer distributes comments that are inacurate and inapropriate! As a local of this pub I find it very offensive to be talked about like this. All trouble in these pubs is caused by "transients" and not the locals who are the spine of the pub! The standard of beer is excellent and the ambience and this is to the credit of the staff and customers alike!

Unfortunately had to visit with friends, it lived it to my poor expectations. Beer was poor, food dull and unimaginative. staff harassed constantly by the bullying over-bearing smarmy Landlord. Do not visit this dump!Overpriced beer and soft drinks. What a rip off. Landlord hasn't grasped concept of "customer always King"Dull boring , foody pub. Landlord is a complete tool , sarcastic and slimy. Avoid.