The Half Moon, Durham

My wife and I have recently returned home from a most enjoyable break in Durham. We were well looked after at The Three Tuns Hotel and enjoyed excellent food drink and service in the City Hotel and Swan and Signet Pubs, where the staff were friendly and welcoming. This excellent welcome was extended in all local shops and at the Beamish Visitor Centre. Unfortunately this could not be said for the welcome received, in what we were told was 'The Best Pub in Durham - The Half Moon. Our first visit was on Easter monday, after a considerable wait to be served, I ordered two drinks. The Barman served the drinks and when I handed him a Scottish �20, he pointed to a sign above the till, which intimated that only new issue Scottish notes could be accepted. The note I had was appeared brand new to me, having been issued a couple of days prior from a Bank Cash Machine. I was somewhat taken aback, but on his insistence, found a different note to pay for drinks. During our stay I asked at various establishment if there was a current problem with Scottish notes, only to be told that that was not the case. On our final day in Durham I thought I'd try 'The Best Pub in Durham again. I had no Scottish notes in my wallet but had some N Irish Sterling from a recent visit there. I ordered drinks, was served and presented the N I Note. Only to be told that this note was not acceptable. I explained that it was Sterling from a NI Bank. This time I was given the full explanation - 'The Boss is Anal about this and we can't take Scottish nor Irish notes '. Now we had the reason, the Boss is Anal - whatever that means - I am glad he's not an ignorant racist, which was my first impression. We will certainally visit Durham again but will avoid the Half Moon with, in the words of the Barman, the Anal Boss. It is a pity really, as it looked like it had a lot going for it - shame about the daft policy.

Bob Philips
Aberdeenshire Scotland

23 Apr 2009 15:53