The Head of Steam Bar

The Head of Steam Bar (Durham)

Background

• The Head of Steam is a branch of bars and restaurants throughout the country, and there is one located in Durham City Centre.
• It has its own enclosure, surrounded by other buildings, and an outside balcony terrace looking over it.
• At one point, it underwent some refurbishment to receive a larger entrance, and sheltered decking outside, with more seating space.
• Decorations include beer coasters on the walls and ceiling, and metal signs on the bar front.
• The bar is opposite the front entrance and stretches along the main room.
• There’s hop vines, twisted around the overhead glass racks above the bar, and the draught taps are all shiny and elaborate, giving it that steampunk vibe.
•  The bar has a selection of meals on their menu, as well as German style beers, and other alcoholic beverages.
• Free Wi-Fi is available.

Image taken by Aiden Dawson

Food

• Their food menu items are served on rustic style wooden platters.
• Condiments are served in a wooden basket.
• Skinny fries are served in a little metal bucket.

Drinks

• A wine menu is available on The Head of Steam’s website.
• Alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and hot drinks are all available.
• A lot of their beers come from the Bavarian regions of Europe. including Germany, Belgium and Austria.
• Some drinks are locally sourced.
• There is another bar serving drinks upstairs.

Events

• They have weekly live music events on a Friday, these events include jazz, rock, blues, and indie music.
• People can also come to their quiz nights on a Wednesday every week, were cash prizes are up for grabs.
• You can visit The Head of Steam (Durham)’s Facebook page to keep in the loop with upcoming events.
• You can book your own private event/party at The Head of Steam, such as an engagement or birthday party. They offer pre-ordered drinks packages, buffets, and an alternative afternoon tea.

Image taken by Aiden Dawson

The Location of The Head of Steam

• There are plenty of other bars and restaurants in this area of Durham, including The Curious Mr Fox and the Three Bridges Inn.
• The tourist attractions in Durham City are also within manageable walking distance, including Durham Cathedral, Durham Castle, and the newly developed Riverwalk, where there is plenty of bars, restaurants, and the Odeon cinema. It’s near to all the shops, including Iceland and Sainsbury’s, along with other places to grab food, such as Greggs.

Accessibility at The Head of Steam

Doors and Flooring

• The main entrance is a wide double door.
• There is a step to get to the main entrance.
• They have another glass door, to the right of the main entrance.
• Getting to the pub itself is through a wide alleyway that is clearly signposted on the side of North Road. There are no steps or bumps to get to the outdoor seating areas at the front of the venue.
• The upper floor does not have elevator access.
• You need to go up a set of stairs to get to the upper floor.

Toilet Facilities

• Accessible Toilets are available at The Head of Steam Bar (Durham).
• The toilets are downstairs, around the corner from the bar.
• Baby changing facilities are in the accessible toilet stall.
• Male and Female toilets are available.

Inclusive Menu

• Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
• Gluten-free options are available.
• You can find out allergen information by asking the staff.
• Healthier options are available, so you can swap your fries for salad instead.
• You can order smaller portion meals and snacks, including nachos, nuggets and even battered vegetables.
• Takeaway boxes are available for leftover food.
• Delivery food is available.

Seating Space

• The option to sit outside is available, including the upstairs balcony, decked seating terrace, and outside of the main entrance (the deck area is sheltered, and is heated at night with overhead patio heaters).
• Inside the building, you have options to sit on stools at the bar, or couches and armchairs around coffee tables. Their upstairs rooms include a lounge area with more chairs and booth seats.

Child-Friendly

• High chairs are available.
• The Head of Steam bar has a kids’ menu.

Parking

• Free parking is available (after 6pm) on most of the streets behind the bus station.
• There is a multi-storey car park at the Riverwalk, but charges apply 24 hours a day.

Public Transport

• Multiple bus stops are available within one mile of The Head of Steam Bar.
• Buses can be caught from here to as far as Newcastle, Darlington, Seaham, Bishop Auckland and Middlesborough.
• Taxis are always available around the corner, on North Road.
• The train station is roughly a 5-10 minute walk away.
• An accessible footbridge is available at the top of North Road, leading to the road going up to the train station. Trains run throughout the day and into the evening up and down the country. You can catch a train to/from Newcastle, or Darlington and York.

Other Things like The Head of Steam

• Some other bars and restaurants in Durham include:
  Revolutions Bar
  The Three Bridges
  Katie O’Brien’s
  The Curious Fox
• We hope this listing has helped you find somewhere to go with your family and friends. You can find other places to visit in Durham, by visiting our website.