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# 6 Durham Cafés You Might've Missed
- URL: https://www.castleandcloister.co.uk/durham-cafe-guide-2026/
- Published: 2026-07-27T17:04:08.000Z
- Updated: 2026-07-30T17:14:41.000Z
- Description: Featuring some well-known and others more niche, Natasha Ranawake shares her guide to Durham's café scene in 2026
- Author: Natasha Ranawake
- Tags: Playbook, Food

Finding your coffee shop in Durham could take anywhere from a couple of hours to an entire term. The thing is you are going to find it. Whether you are looking to people watch or have the long overdue conversation over a slice of carrot cake, there is going to be a place in town that ticks all the boxes.

While some places get the hype that they have rightfully earned, there are so many in and around Durham that can use a little bit of the spotlight. Some of these locations don’t necessarily offer the most extensive varieties of coffees or pastries, but they give you a perspective of Durham that is just a little different.

## **Durham Cathedral's Café**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/10/c3/10c3a558-e975-4210-8566-55248bcfbb5d/content/images/2026/07/image-19.png)

/ Durham Cathedral

If you’re ever going to stay over during pre-exam season, there’s one spot that’s going to right over your head. It’s obvious but just out of the public eye; with plenty of pastries, sandwiches and a plethora of coffees. Named the *Undercroft Café*, this delight is tucked right next to an exit of the cathedral and kept away from the usual mix of music.

Instead, what you are most likely to find is a place where you can grab anything from a latte to a cup of filtered coffee, surrounded by bits of conversation and some Hobbit-esque ambience. That first sip of the everyday filtered coffee is easy and just right before you head to the Palace Green and it’s also the perfect place to grab anything for those in between hours.

## Collected

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/10/c3/10c3a558-e975-4210-8566-55248bcfbb5d/content/images/2026/07/image-20-1.png)

/ Emma Maslin

Since opening its doors in Durham, this local darling has made a name for itself; with mixtapes (usually featuring Sam Fender, Noah Kahan and a hint of Olivia Dean), excellent rotation of cakes and tray bakes and looming shelves of women’s literature. Now featuring a newly renovated basement, with even more of a collection, this one is bound to stick the landing if you want that catch up with a page or so of poetry. There are loyal patrons, placing orders for new books and just a few contemplating on what to drink, and almost always it’s bound to be a little bit busy.

## Café Cenno

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/10/c3/10c3a558-e975-4210-8566-55248bcfbb5d/content/images/2026/07/image-21-1.png)

/ Carl Mainprize

The Durham Marketplace is a bit of a staple; whether you are looking for a statement necklace or a vintage piece for a formal, it would definitely have something. It also just happens to have a coffee shop. Located just above the shops in the Market Hall, *Café Cenno* offers a great view of the iconic Durham hub. While I’ve only visited the once, it was a breath of fresh air, nevertheless. What I saw was something pulled straight out of one of those paintings, the sort of paintings with streets you actually know. It felt almost like a Linklater film.

## **Leonard’s**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/10/c3/10c3a558-e975-4210-8566-55248bcfbb5d/content/images/2026/07/image-22.png)

/ Tripadvisor

You can’t go wrong with *Leonard's*. Sure, it’s typically not high up on everyone’s lists as it takes a trek to find, but once you find your way there, you are probably going to regret not finding it earlier. Located by Durham’s City Theatre, there is definitely going to be something for everyone at Leonard’s. I’d especially recommend the bagels and the Chai Latte. Apart from this, Leonard’s is cozy with an atmosphere that is somewhat reminiscent of Central Perk.

## **Vennels Café**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/10/c3/10c3a558-e975-4210-8566-55248bcfbb5d/content/images/2026/07/image-23-1.png)

/ Vennels Café

Everyone has heard of *Vennels*, but not everyone knows where it is. You’ve either been there or you are going to go there eventually. Vennels is something of an anomaly (in the best way possible). It’s cozy and warm, and always full of energy and there’s a pretty good reason for the hype around it. It’s definitely the one that feels the most whimsical. While the coffee is great, there is always something worth grabbing for a midday snack or a takeout brunch.

## **Whitechurch**

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/10/c3/10c3a558-e975-4210-8566-55248bcfbb5d/content/images/2026/07/image-24-1.png)

/ Mavis Broomfield

Located right opposite the Bill Bryson Library, this location probably serves some of the best Chai Lattes. The seating at *Whitechurch* is especially a highlight as you are able to grab a seat virtually anywhere (if your timing is perfect). Either way you are bound have a nook to pour your heart out or have that catch up at.

At the end of the day whether you want to warm up or talk it through, the Durham coffee scene certainly has got you covered. Whether you're a Durham café-veteran or have learned something, there's no cosier place to sit and have a coffee.

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