Nice little coffee shop, atmosphere is nice and I found they had a good selection of cakes/buns some of which where gluten free. I went for a cappuccino and a slice of carrot cake, perfect on a freezing afternoon sightseeing in Durham.
Friendly and relaxed atmosphere, good coffee, and plenty of space to work without feeling like you're just taking up space - especially upstairs which is geared more towards being a quiet place to work and relax. Great views too!
Lovely coffee shop with a nice view over the river! The coffee is always good and the service friendly. Usually filled with students and professors from the university and a healthy mixture of locals, a good place to work or chat. Nice cakes and food as well, there is always at least one gluten-free cake option available. The gluten-free diam cake is particularly lovely!
Chilled coffee establishment. Enjoyed a comfy seat with a hot coffee on a cold wet Saturday afternoon.
I really like it here. It's very central to stop off when you are shopping in the city. There is a seated area to the front on the street and also seating on a balcony directly over the River Wear. Sometimes these seats are taken up by smokers and people with dogs bt you can usually squeeze in somewhere.
Great place to sit and people watch by the river
Staff friendly
Great location.
Good tea - loose leaf in a proper pot.
Coffee is good in a decent sized cup.
A little slow to clear tables hense only 4*
Cakes looked delicious.
Updated 29/11/18
New furnishings and an end to the winter open door policy mentioned below make this a warm comfortable coffee shop but crowded by students in term time. Nice place to visit
See below from October. Update 27/12 4 degrees outside and the door is wedged open and staff are not allowed to close it at the request of a customer. Inside is cold. Open door is meant to attract customers in but who wants to sit in a cold shop? Notice a lot of the regulars have disappeared. There are 4 alternatives within 2 minutes walking and just checking none have their doors open. I notice the cyclists who used to come into Esquires are in BizR, where we have moved to. Prices are comparable around the city and the other shops are warm. Is this really going to help sales in the winter? Reduced star reading from 4 to 2.
Keeping the door open can make downstairs drafty this time of year (Oct). Otherwise best coffee shop in Durham city.
Two factors make a great coffee Shop. Its location and, of course, its Coffee. The former is above average. Not bad but also not superior. Quality varies from barista. However, the location is superb with its balacony on the river. When the sun is out you will enjoy every sunshine. Additionally, the shop closed at 7pm and much later than others, perfect for a Coffee after 5pm.
A modern café overlooking the river wear. Excellent coffee, hot beverages and selection of light bites. There is indoor and outdoor seating in one of the main shopping streets in Durham. The staff are friendly and helpful.
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