The Shoes

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at The Shoes. The owners, Billy and Debbie and the rest of the staff were so hospitable. Comfortable, warm room and excellent breakfast each morning. Loved my couple of afternoons alongside the locals watching the horse racing. Will return the next time I venture north.

My cousin and I stayed for 1 night as we were catching up with our other cousin who lives in Durham. We were checked in quickly by a lovely lady who was working on the bar. The room was basic but spotlessly clean as was the bathroom. We were also asked what time we would like breakfast the following morning. We had a few pints in the bar before going into Durham for a meal. Breakfast was hot and plentiful and very tasty. Plenty of tea and coffee too. My only bugbear was the distance from the city centre and the hill but that’s why it’s such a reasonable price. Taxis were cheap though and if we hadn’t been on a timescale we would have walked in. We did walk it to the train station when we checked out. It’s downhill and only took us about 20 minutes (we’re not spring chickens lol) if we are ever meeting up again I wouldn’t hesitate to book The Shoes We were made to feel very welcome

If you're picky, this probably isn't the place for you but if you're more the straightforward, no-nonsense type, it ticks all the boxes that matter. My room was clean and tidy, the bed comfortable and the breakfast kept me sated until late afternoon. If you have dietary requirements, though, you'll have to speak up. I was simply asked what time I'd like breakfast. There was no mention of options, vegan needs etc. I simply finished my toast and cereal and a glorious full English was put in front of me. My only dietary requirement is 'generous portions', so this approach worked perfectly for me but it won't suit everyone. The gentleman serving breakfast was a man of few words. Not rude or stand-offish, just reserved. If you loathe morning people and small talk in equal measure like I do, you'll love him. And as for the night before, don't worry about being away from the city centre. There's a Sainsburys and Vietnamese restaurant within easy walking distance, so you won't starve. The final plus point for me was the price of £43. £40-£50 cheaper than more central alternatives in a city that seems to think it's Kensington. I would definitely stay at The Shoes again.

What a miserable place this is, after arriving in the crowded bar with my bags, I was told to wait whilst the owner came down to check me in, after 10 minutes he never arrived so the bartender left the bar unattended to take me up several flights of very steep stairs to the bedroom on the very top floor, heaven knows what would happen should there be a fire! The beds are about 18” off the floor and very uncomfortable, everything in the room was cheap & grubby and a ‘flatscreen tv’ offered was so small you struggled to watch anything from the bed opposite! I was told the latest breakfast was at 0830 and this was served by the owner who didn’t even engage in any conversation other than a few grunts, the food was actually good but after I went back to my room I was rudely told after a knock at the door that I had to be out of my room, it was 3 minutes after their early check out time of 10.30. Overall it is a shabby place I wouldn’t ever stay at again, I heard it won the four in a bed tv competition, how, I will never know, maybe the other places must have been dreadful in comparison. Before writing this I read other reviews and came across someone that had a similar experience to me, so my experience is not a one off!

Excellent value for 2 x twin rooms, rooms nice and clean and spacious. Good breakfast and decent sized dishes for cereal. Good service at breakfast too . Good selection and well kept beers in pub below

My stay in July 2023 was the last of multiple visits over the three years my son was at university in Durham. I have enjoyed staying at the Shoes many times due to the friendly staff, good location and quiet rooms. Billy, Debbie and other staff are very welcoming and the breakfast is excellent. It is easy to park by the side of the pub, there is a handy mini supermarket and also a garage with two electric chargers close by. Thank you and if I visit Durham in future will happily return there.