The Rose Tree Inn

Background

A traditional pub and restaurant on the outskirts of Durham City Centre located in the village of Shincliffe. It sits on the banks of the River Wear in a small outskirt part of Durham. This pub is also near to Poplar Tree Garden Centre and Houghall Discovery Trail, and is walking distance from the city centre of Durham.

Image taken by Aiden Dawson

It is what you would expect from a traditional pub, with a rustic styled indoors, old-fashioned carpeting, great oak beams on the ceilings and a crackling fire to the side. The walls are decorated with contemporary wallpaper of plain colours. Additionally, the bar is fully-rigged with traditional Angram beer pulls, complete with ornate tap handles and beer clips dispensing authentic cask ales from local breweries. It also boasts a shiny stainless steel draught pump equipped with all lagers and some craft ales.

As you walk into the pub, you have the option to turn left or right. To the right is the cosy “snug” with the fireplace and typical low-height barstools and tables. To the left is a larger room with a more high-end restaurant vibe, complete with tables for up to four people with hand-folded napkins. Fairy lights bordering the doorway lead to an extended dining area. The bar cuts through both rooms, so you can order drinks from either side.

Food

The menu is very extensive and frequently gets updated. The starter menu is compraised of light snacks including the soup of the day, chili & garlic prawns, deep-fried halloumi, and other starter options. Their main course options include proper steaks, mixed grills, homemade steak & ale pie, beef stroganoff, their signature Rose Tree Brunch or curry on the house.

Image courtesy of The Castlebar

There’s also gourmet burgers, two-for-one offers, sandwiches and wraps, and daily desserts which are displayed on the chalkboard at the bar. They also do Sunday lunches.

Click here to view their menu in full. For their Sunday menu, click here.

Drink

As for drinks, the bar offers bottles of cider, beer, non-alcoholic drinks and soft drinks including J2O and soda water. Spirits mounted on the wall include whiskey, vodka, rum and gin of all different flavours. Soft drinks served on a post-mix include lemonade, Diet Coke, and soda water. Beers served on tap include all guest ales and John Smiths bitter. Draught beers include lagers (Fosters, Stella, etc.) and craft ale (Neck Oil).

Location

It is surrounded by woodland. The pub is right on the doorstep to the village of Shincliffe, which is on the outskirts of Durham City Centre. You can also walk directly from The Rose Tree to the city centre via a wide footpath starting directly across the road from the pub car park.

The Rose Tree is also on the other side of the river to Houghall Discovery Trail, a woodland walk around the East Durham College campus and farm. And the pub is also close to the Poplar Tree Garden Centre.

Other pubs and places to eat/drink nearby include the Seven Stars Inn in Shincliffe, The Avenue in High Shincliffe, and the Durham Brewery micropub in Bowburn Industrial Estate. The Rose Tree is also not far away from the city centre of Durham’s cafes, restaurants and pubs.

Accessibility

This pub and restaurant in Durham is accessible for people with learning disabilities and physically-disabled people.

Wheelchair Access

You can get a wheelchair in/out the step-free main entrance without a struggle, depending on the make/model. Inside the bar “snug” there is just enough space to move around and park a wheelchair by one of the little tables, again depending on size and model. The other dining rooms are more spacious than the snug and all the flooring in both rooms is soft carpeting. The toilets are located past the dining room to the left of the entranceway and include a disabled toilet with baby-changing facilities.

Outdoor Space

You also have the option to sit outside in a massive beer garden out the front, which continues in a L-shape to the side (there is a little step to get to this point). There are large round picnic tables with parasols available and ashtrays for smokers. All of the beer garden is surrounded by a tall hedge and fence to divide you from the busy main road. Heaters are also provided so you can stay warm even when it’s cold outside.

Inclusive Menu

Their menu is well-varied and diverse; it has options for vegan and vegetarians and plenty of healthy options. The food covers a wide range of different cuisines. Gluten-free options are also included and allergen information can be obtained at the venue. They also have a separate menu for kids which includes child-friendly portions and healthy options.

Child-friendly

A kids menu is available and there’s plenty of snacks and drinks suitable for and appealing to children. Baby-changing facilities are located at the disabled toilets and high chairs are provided around the pub.

Dog-Friendly

All dogs including guide dogs are allowed in this pub in Durham. They provide dog treats, biscuits and water bowls. Dogs have to be kept on a lead indoors.

Public Transport

There is a bus stop right outside the pub on the main road. Most bus services that run from here go into and out of Durham City Centre.  The train station in Durham is a lengthy walk from The Rose Tree, otherwise it’s a shirt drive depending on traffic.

Parking

The pub has its own car park right on its doorstep. This includes disabled parking spaces nearest to the entrance to the pub. However, if it gets full due to it being a small car park, you can park anywhere along Low Road which is just around the corner from The Rose Tree; there are no parking restrictions here.

Conclusion

All in all, we hope you found this listing helpful in your search for accessible pubs and restaurants in Durham. We also have listings for other similar pubs and restaurants in Durham. To check them out, click the following links:

• Head Of Steam on North Road in Durham
• The Library on Saddlers Street in Durham
• Durham Microbrewery in Bowburn Industrial Estate