Whitechurch in County Durham

Was working outside for a week and the place looked very welcoming, but having read how the owner responds to their reviews on here I decided not to waste "£14" on a breakfast. Sorry

Been here a few times and enjoyed the coffee and atmosphere, however our experience of the food was disappointing. We don’t mind paying a little extra for a decent portion or something flavourful, but unfortunately didn’t get either of these. For a £14 chicken sandwich would have expected chips or fries not crisps (why do places still do this?). So for us food is a no but will probably come back for coffee and cake.

Ambience, good lively. Food, good tasty. Service, alright. Bill, not good. See the receipt attached. Service charge optional? Not really, as it was already added into the final bill without asking customers if it was alright. Will we return? Yes. But please don’t charge us the 10% service as the price is already steep. Thank you.

Nice busy place as a break on our journey to Craster, good food and plenty of it

Staff are amazing despite some extremely demanding periods with a uni right next door. I speak to the baristas often and are extremely knowledgeable, the coffee is roasted locally, tastes great and they do some amazing latte art! Cakes are home made on site and are to die for. Service is spot on and they always go out of their way to help. The chefs are incredible and have standards and talent that you just do not see elsewhere. The quality all the way down to the bread they use is Michelin Star worthy in my opinion.

Came here for a friends wedding party, the atmosphere was lovely, food and cocktails were fantastic and all of the staff were super friendly and accommodating

Left disappointed having brunch here. Waited over 20 minutes for coffee to arrive, our food arrived first. When we asked the waitress about the coffee she remarked there was a wait, and said it like we should have already been aware, despite not having told us. Food arrived barely warm and while otherwise fine was far from remarkable. Wouldn’t recommend and wouldn’t go back.

Cute coffee place in Durham near the Bill Bryson Library. A must go if you are a student. They do food, coffee and lovely cocktails (other drinks too if you like alcohol).

Very disappointing visit for Sunday lunch yesterday with son and wife (December 22nd 2024). The service was abysmal and it took over 2 hours to be served with 2 courses. The main course was definitely not worth the £17 each with the Yorkshire pudding overcooked and black along with roast potatoes that were also overcooked and very difficult to eat. One small mini carrot underneath one small tablespoon of red cabbage was the sum total of vegetables and the chicken supreme consisted of two very small chicken wings , which I find very poor value . The cheesecake costing £7, was served deconstructed and was merely a pile of crushed biscuits scattered on the plate, topped with a spoonful of cheesecake mix with a spoonful of berries plonked on top, not even chilled or put together, which looked at though it had been thrown together in haste when they had ran out and had no time to make the expected version. Then on top to add insult to injury, we were slammed with a £10 service charge in addition that was not notified on the menu. . We will not be going there again. The place was cold and there was no atmosphere at all.

Service was a bit slow, but food and atmosphere was good.

Was severed buy Rosie excellent service fast food very polite lady thank you

This place is a must if you’re stopping into Durham. Best meal we’ve had the entire two weeks we stayed in the country. We both had the Whitechurch breakfast. It’s always a pleasure to not only have a meal that delights the palate but pleases the eyes as well. They nailed it on all accounts. If we hadn’t been staying in York the entire time, we’d have made this place a regular stop. I would’ve loved to sample more of their menu. I don’t take pics of my food, but this is one that would have warranted it.

Amazing, what a great place for Lunch, stopped here for a cup of coffee and something to eat while in Durham, while talking to staff they also have another place called Zen just aound the corner ......I'm booking a table there next date night we get but Whitechurch is 100% a recommended venue.

Had the "Kimchi mac and cheese", because I love south Korean cuisine and was very intrigued. Sadly it was just mac and cheese with dried Nori, which is used to sushi, sprinkled on top. Instead of the big pungent, spicy hit of kimchi I was expecting, I got a mild umami pasta and paid £14 for the pleasure.

I've been here for food twice now, the first time I had a Caesar salad which was delicious but the food/menu seems to have gone down hill since then. Service is really slow and it's way overpriced for what you get. The setting is nice though but definitely more style than substance.

Dedicated interior design but not suitable for takeaway coffee. The cup is not insulated and is very hot. What’s more I find that the edge of the cup was intentionally cut, so the hot coffee kept leaking out all the way from the restaurant to my laboratory building🥲 ---- Reply: I didn't mean to post any rude photos of your staff but wanted to show the coffee bar instead, so I put a sticker on the photo so as to protect her privacy. Apologise for any misunderstanding from the photo I uploaded and now I've deleted it. But still, I have to say your waitress is a bit cold to the customs and I hope she would be happy in life so as to show a nicer service.

Lovely bougie restaurant. Been a few times now and has been outstanding every time. Parking can be a bit of a pain but there’s plenty of places nearby. It’s very dog friendly which is really appreciated and is excellent for dog walks with the woods just over the road. Reasonable pricing for such a nice establishment with great food. Staff are outstanding at their jobs

Sat outside due to limited space inside. Food very delicious had soup and toasted sandwich, kids fish meal good value. Busy friendly atmosphere. Dog friendly, clean washroom

Only had a cappuccino and some carrot cake, but a very pleasant and polite service, warm and welcoming, and the coffee and cake were great. It was just what I needed before a long journey.

This restaurant basically has no service. I sat down and waited for fifteen minutes without anyone acknowledging me. When I finally found a server and asked if I could place an order, she told me to go to the counter where they serve coffee and desserts to order, even though I had already come in through that area to sit in the dining section! This isn’t my first time eating here—the food is definitely good, but the service is zero. In the past, I was able to order directly from my table. This experience was incredibly frustrating! Reply to the restaurant response: I was waiting to be seated, but your staff mentioned there were no tables available, even though there were clearly open spots in the restaurant area (perhaps reserved). I was directed to sit in the cafe area—hence why I had a menu and cutlery. I was seated there by your staff; this was not my decision.

Very accommodating staff, especially as we were early! Excellent service, lovely drinks and a great lunch - everyone (vegetarian and not) were more than happy! An excellent experience we will repeat!

Perfect location for the University and nice menu of snacks and more substantial food – so a great place to meet current students (but just not if you’re in a hurry!)

Smart, busy and modern. Great beers, wines and coffee. Small menu done well and dog made extremely welcome. We'll be back.

Good food, but service just a little on the slow side for a large group.

Excellent food, atmosphere and service and the staff were amazing. Friendly and nothing was too much trouble. Our dog was welcome too . We will definitely be back.

Disappointed to be told this morning at 10.30am that breakfast wasn’t being served, only items on the counter were available. Next customer got the very same menu we’d asked for….hot breakfasts. When seating customers in the tent when the weather is cold, like this morning, management should ensure gas is available for the heaters. We were told the same thing as before when I asked “We’ve been waiting 2 weeks for gas bottles”. Not acceptable Whitechurch, you obviously heavily rely on the custom of students who might not complain, but we are regulars and unfortunately can say from experience, that the service is declining. No one appeared to be in control.

Don’t expect to get any food here all the time. Only about 40% of the day they have food (despite publicly claiming and on the menu that it’s open 80% of the day). They also run out of the counter food very early. They also sometimes close the coffee machine early so don’t expect coffee late in the day if the staff feel it’s been a bit quiet. Despite the menu and website and signs inside claiming there is food, the staff will say sorry the kitchen is closed. If you ask why, they will not say why, it’s simply closed (contradictory to signage). Very odd way to run a business. The lack of consistency is unfortunate. There is also no WiFi. Otherwise, great food and nice ambience.

Nice food, good service, and the place itself looks great. However, of the three stalls in the toilets two had no toilet roll and the one that did had a broken lock. Both of the mugs we were given for tea were also dirty.

Location is great. Right in front of Durham Uni campus. Prefect for hangout. Due to costing, food portion is not as generous before the acquisition by a chain group. Quality also less tasty than before. Staffs turn over is high and obviously facing shortage.

The food is good and you can tell the ingredients are high quality but it is reflected in the price.

The decoration is beautiful but the internet is not good, and there was no wifi until the last time I went there. Friends who are studying should go across the street.

This is an edited review. We have been here before about 18 months ago and left a good review. We stopped by here again this weekend and ordered two smoothies. One (mango) was fine. The other one (berry) tasted off and we didn’t complain although we should have. I think the milk was gone off and we felt nauseous and had a stomach ache afterwards. Would not risk ordering from here again. Also, we had no idea ordering that a berry smoothie would contain dairy, you should make it clear on the menu board.

Great place. Highly recommended. Good food, coffee, pastries. Friendly staff. Dog-friendly.

Brilliant food, great service, thoroughly enjoyed it

Pleasantly proportioned and nicely prepared and presented food. The service was appropriate and mostly helpful. The atmosphere was a little cramped and noisy which is a price to pay for popularity.

Victoria cake and brownie is nice. Scones wasn’t good. Look for Lewis he is welcoming.

Had brunch here on Saturday, food was great, good quality. Would recommend burgers. Also can get coffee and some cake. The place itself is pretty and has beautiful terrace outside. Perfect for friends gathering, especially in summer.

Great food, lovely environment and great service- what’s not to love !

Enjoyed a really fantastic vegan Sunday lunch at Whitechurch. Every single item on the plate was delicious - can't recommend it enough. Such a nice surprise to see a vegan dessert offered on the menu too.

A nice place to take a break when you work all day long at Billy B

The food here was outstanding. The perfect place for a relaxed yet special lunch. The staff are so friendly and run the service perfectly.

I have just indulged in a transcendental cinnamon bun. Calling it a bun seems wrong. What is in it? It is either very special butter in the mix or very special flour, or both. Ive tried a few excellent cinnamon buns since my first at 2 magpies in suffolk which is a great bakery, but whitechurch have reached another level and I would like to tell the world. Well done Whitechurch ❤️❤️👌 (this followed a kimchi and cheddar toastie which again was a delight)

We had a late breakfast here when visiting for graduation. It was really good. Friendly, helpful staff, and the food was great. I have a lot of food intolerances and allergies (gluten, milk, soya plus more) and they were super accommodating. Would definitely recommend.

Shocking. Been planning to vist for a while after being to other restaurants in chain. Arrived early and waited to be seated. Once a table had been cleaned, we where seated. After a half hour waiting for at least someone to take a drinks order, we left. Place was not busy, but staff seemed to be more focused on walk ins wantinh drinks, than bookings wanting food.

Painfully slow service, hardly any customers but still made to wait 10 minutes for a takeout coffee that was tiny and overpriced.

Excellent Sunday lunch served by friendly and cheerful staff. Worth getting out if the centre of town for.

Gorgeous Sunday dinner will definitely be back only slight issue we were sat in glassed area outside but that heater wooden thing meant people had to keep squeezy by our table a little bit annoying but we will be back soon

An excellent Sunday lunch at Whitechurch; generous slices of roast beef served with delicious vegetable selection and a crispy yorkshire pudding. Maybe a touch too much gravy on the plate but that is being picky. The pub is bright and airy with a modern pared back decor and sits on a busy crossroads near the University with plenty of opportunity for people watching. It's a little way out of the city centre but worth a 10 minute walk.

Sunday lunch with son and his friends to break the monotony of revision. Great food, generous portions and lovely staff. Hopefully will help make the exams a little easier. Thank you!

The food was really good when it arrived, but the wait after ordering was extremely long which with hungry small ones in tow spoiled the experience

Excellent food and coffee well worth a visit.

Wonderful for coffee and cake. Lovely atmosphere

Great food, Sunday lunch looked amazing, We called in with my son for cakes and coffee, the place was buzzing, such a great vibe. Highly recommend

I came to celebrate my 50th bday with some friends. Booked a table for a brunch and was very keen to have a lovely time as I heard nice things about this place. We waited a lot to be seen by a waitress while she was cleaning a table (I thought costumer comes first) then I had to call her to take our order. Ordered a croissant Benedict and it came cold. Coffee was also cold and in the end asked for a dessert menu and was told to go to the front and choose whatever I want. I thought a cafe that takes tables orders should sell their products and service. Was disappointed by the experience.

Disappointed that table was booked at 12 and to be told when I turned up at 11:55 to wait outside in the long queue. Once inside food was delicious.

Superb vegan breakfast and excellent coffee.

Went for Sunday lunch, which was very nice. Service was great, and they have a great selection of drinks, and a tidy menu.

Had a filter coffee after a day walking. One of the best I've had in a while - proper caffeine rush! Service was great and we sat outside in the gazebo which was nice as the weather was warm.

Whitechurch breakfast was really good. Nice outside seating

Great Coffee. The service is absolutely shocking. Only care if you're a student with lots of money. Need to reserve a table to have a bacon sandwich which costs more than a fiver. The pub was better than this but this obviously makes more money because students will spend silly money on slightly above average food. Edit: A third visit and I can add that the food is lovely.

This 5/5 is solely for the Chai Latte and the Scones that is absolutely to die for. I wouldnt recommend the coffee because it’s definitely a bit mid but the Chai Latte is so creamy with the chai infused so well. Also have u seen scones that huge — rarely

Beautiful wholesome food, love the relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff.

I ordered roast Sunday lunch on mother day , the roast was hasty chewy, under cooked , I choked on it , as it was stuck in my gullet, when I complained about the meat to the manager, she said to body else complained and brushed it off, strongly advised to seek another venue

Incredibly rude stuff, asked to move away from the waiting area because they were people coming -"there was no one coming" and then proceeded by telling me to go even further and stand in a corner and did not even say please. I asked for a smoothie and only after I payed the informed me there was not any left.

Unfortunately very poor service, had to ask for our table to be cleared, they eventually cleared it but didn't actually clean it and left it full of crumbs / cake from the previous customers. Tried to get the waiters attention twice, and was told 'I'll be back in a minute' to which they never returned. Coffee was average and cake was nice but mega overpriced. Shame because this place used to be really good, and has a lot of potential too. Probably won't be returning now...

Food and drinks are not particularly inspiring, they are seriously lacking in quality. It's a venue trading on its location rather than the quality of its offering. While the food and drinks aren't great, the service is truly terrible. Rude, miserable and dismissive, not great qualities for a hospitality venue.

Great version of the Full English

Stopped here while waiting for my coach to London. It had an enjoyable ambience and the coffee was great. The only drawback was the lack of WiFi.

Such a beautiful little place to be. Love the live plants! The atmosphere is great. The food is absolutely delicious and I can't wait to return. We came here for breakfast and were totally blown away by the quality. I love the coffee cured bacon especially! We bought some goodies on the way out, the pistachio, lemon and strawberry cake in particular, was incredible.

Quality coffee and amazing brownie. Delicious toasted sandwich. Nice friendly staff.

Lovely place. Great food. Lively atmosphere. Only problems were no one seemed to be front of house. Stood for a long time without any acknowledgment by staff. At the end of the meal advices we would need to wait 20+ minutes for coffee !! Also whilst waiting to go to the ladies one member of kitchen staff/waitress came out of the toilet cubicle still wearing her apron If we hadn’t been meeting people there I think our initial impression would be to walk straight out, however pleased that we didn’t. The problems that we encountered are really easy to put right. We look forward to coming back.

Rating is for breakfast options. Tried to go for a vegan fried breakfast but on Sunday it’s not available, leaving only the classic avocado on toast. Numerous other meat options still available so disappointing they reduce from already very limited vegan options.

Fabulous breakfast menu, made just a little bit differently, and all the better for it. Friendly and helpful service.

Nice atmosphere. Tiramisu date cheesecake in a cup was delicious!

Dined at the restaurant for lunch, the food quality was poor and not upto the price (£45 for 2 people - main course and drink each). There was also a service charge automatically included on the bill. There is work to be done here on bringing the food quality up to the standard available elsewhere.

Despite having lived in Durham for almost three years, and passing by here almost every day, I haven't had the chance to visit Whitechurch until recently. It was a very nice lunch overall, and I wish I'd tried it sooner. The food was outstanding - the tofu bahn mi sandwich was delicious and a generous portion, and the burger looked tasty as well. The sides were also good, as were the coffees. The only letdown was the service - it was well-intentioned but slightly slow, and several people seated after us had their orders taken before ours. This didn't detract too much from the meal though, and I'd still recommend coming here for lunch.

Incredibly lovely ambiance and food. A rare gem in Durham 💕

Amazing food (I had the Banh Mi), lovely atmosphere, and professional and friendly staff. Would definitely recommend.

Always busy with students and their families. Never eaten here just had drinks but the food always looks good

We’ve been there today with couple of friends. The atmosphere was good but other than than everything was chaos. They took wrong order, food came first and we waited for drinks 15 mins and one of these drinks never came! When we asked about the drinks waitress’ reply wasn’t kind.

Want it to be better but not sure what spoils the atmosphere but some days it is just an odd place. Food is good. Coffee isn’t my favourite- I am a big coffee lover and unfortunately I just cannot like it here.

Tried the aubergine smash burger banhmi. Banhmi is dry but seasoning n sauce was good but inadequate. The neck oil draught is smooth and so drinkable. Aubergine was truly wonderful. Over 4/5. Nice atmosphere

We had meatballs, which were small and absolutely drowning in oil (all 5 of them....) why do chefs seem to think all they need to do is ladle oil all over a meal and people will think the food is "artisan"? When I asked if they had GF bread I was given 2 slices of GF toast as a replacement for the ciabatta that came with meal. Sorry, but for the price they were charging that is shameful. It's perfectly possible to get decent GF ciabatta.

delicious food and great service, everyone was so kind !

Lovely place for lunch. The crayfish in brioche buns were delicious . Staff were polite and friendly but not entirely on top of their menu.

Excellent food and friendly staff

Excellent food. Loved the gluten free bread buns for the burgers and meatball sandwiches.

Absolutely miserable. Overcharged drinks and rude personnel.

Food is extremely overpriced for what you get here. It truly was not worth the price in the slightest. Will not be returning

Absolutely delicious food, super friendly and helpful staff, lovely location, and even the background music was great. Food is lighter than the usual Durham fare, but innovative and packed with subtle flavor without being stuffy at all. For the Americans reading this: this is one of the little neighborhood bistros that you find in the foodie cities. It’s hyper local, unstuffy, reasonably priced, and consistently serves food of a quality well above what the price suggests. It’s the place you go to at least once a week because it’s so good. Highly recommended!

Do try everything on their menu, one of the best in Durham

good foood💗 with nice and warm atmosphere

Great food with lovely staff. Travelling alone and therefore eating solo you sometimes get treated as some kind of social pariah. Here I was warmly welcomed and, more importantly, not rushed to free up my table. Also had a choice of non alcoholic beer a rarity in Durham from what I've found.

Reasonable selection of pints, nice covered garden.

Quite simply THE best meal I've eaten. Imaginative veggie options cooked by a chef who clearly loves real food, the smoked carrot was amazing! The atmosphere is wonderful and relaxed but with immaculate, friendly service. Nicola, our waitress was fabulous and is a pure asset to Whitechurch - don't let her go! My only niggle is that I don't live near enough to be able to go every week. Thank you for a memorable evening and an excuse to visit Durham again very soon.

Food slow to arrive,waited twenty minutes for coffee after meal. Waiting staff lack focus

Great food. Check out the Beer Garden.

Brilliant place for food and drink and staff on the ball

Toilets broken and out of service. Needs cleaning and repair. One star.

What a little gem, Sunday staff were a delight