Mixed reviews to be honest. I understand about this digital detox malarkey but this needs to go. I noticed some people being told to put their phones away but this seemed to only apply to certain people as others I noticed, were on their phones. The staff seemed more at edge telling people to turn their phones off then engaging in conversation (I was sitting at the bar). This gave off a bad atmosphere. I also find it a bit hypocritical as they now accept card payments considering that they would only accept cash. The owners need to realise that mobile phones are a part of modern life now. We live in a tech society. I understand that traditions should be recognised in a modern world but to sit in a pub having staff tell their customers to put their phones away is like teachers telling school kids off!. Makes me wonder, what devices have people used to take photos inside the pub when submitting reviews?. Nice cosy pub spoilt by stubborn rules.
Iain Kane
Sadly, Sam Smith's pubs have seriously deteriorated since lockdown. No phones, no pets. Next, you'll not be able to talk!Together with a 50% rise in beer prices, unless you want a souless pub where you now can't take your 4 legged friend, best find an alternative.....
Richard Pears
Great atmosphere and
Tony Geldard
Friendly atmosphere. Very nice pub love the open fire....
Steve Hobley
A nice old traditional
Haggis
Lovely couple always a welcome lovely coal fires hope you liked snowman merry
Paul Clark
Top pub.Please stay away.We like it less crowded!
annoyed227
NOTE: NO KIDS ALLOWED. I wasn't going to leave a review after my negative experience today, but I feel it's important to warn the other families living nearby. This is one of the closest pubs to the Neville's Cross area of Durham. (There are thousands of families living at Neville's Cross due to the proximity of two great schools) Our family decided to pop in for a quick drink on the way back from the train station. We had just got settled at a table when the bar lady told us that no children are allowed in the pub, so we had to leave immediately. I think this is a relatively new rule. I didn't spot a "no children" sign outside so it came as a surprise. I found it quote embarrassing to have to march my family straight back out with everyone watching and sneering and the kids asking why they have to leave. There are so many great pubs in Durham. This is the last time I will ever visit the Colpitts though.
Gary Marshall
Fantastic place to be, lovely coal fires, and atmosphere is great, no phones or music, lovely cosy pub.
Chris Massa
Colpitts Hotel is a Samuel Smith pub, and it's a "digital detox pub," which means the use of technology is discouraged. And it's easily my favourite pub in Durham. The beer is outstanding—it is Samuel Smith, after all—and the prices can't be beat. The staff is exceptional, and the atmosphere is perfection. This is what a pub should be, and it gets my highest recommendation.
Proper local in Durham with a nice sense of community. Sam Smith's pub so don't expect Stella or Guinness, they only serve their own brands... but if you have a preference for Sam Smith's pubs, you know that already.
Norman Fannon
Traditional English pub warm welcome by friendly staff
John Lumley
Used to frequent this pub many years ago, and revisited it last week for a friend's birthday celebration changed a little but not lost its character, great value for money, and very very pleasant staff.
duncan leigh (dlee2104)
Great atmosphere and cheap beer, a proper pubs pub
Mixed reviews to be honest. I understand about this digital detox malarkey but this needs to go. I noticed some people being told to put their phones away but this seemed to only apply to certain people as others I noticed, were on their phones. The staff seemed more at edge telling people to turn their phones off then engaging in conversation (I was sitting at the bar). This gave off a bad atmosphere. I also find it a bit hypocritical as they now accept card payments considering that they would only accept cash. The owners need to realise that mobile phones are a part of modern life now. We live in a tech society. I understand that traditions should be recognised in a modern world but to sit in a pub having staff tell their customers to put their phones away is like teachers telling school kids off!. Makes me wonder, what devices have people used to take photos inside the pub when submitting reviews?. Nice cosy pub spoilt by stubborn rules.
Sadly, Sam Smith's pubs have seriously deteriorated since lockdown. No phones, no pets. Next, you'll not be able to talk!Together with a 50% rise in beer prices, unless you want a souless pub where you now can't take your 4 legged friend, best find an alternative.....
Great atmosphere and
Friendly atmosphere. Very nice pub love the open fire....
A nice old traditional
Lovely couple always a welcome lovely coal fires hope you liked snowman merry
Top pub.Please stay away.We like it less crowded!
NOTE: NO KIDS ALLOWED. I wasn't going to leave a review after my negative experience today, but I feel it's important to warn the other families living nearby. This is one of the closest pubs to the Neville's Cross area of Durham. (There are thousands of families living at Neville's Cross due to the proximity of two great schools) Our family decided to pop in for a quick drink on the way back from the train station. We had just got settled at a table when the bar lady told us that no children are allowed in the pub, so we had to leave immediately. I think this is a relatively new rule. I didn't spot a "no children" sign outside so it came as a surprise. I found it quote embarrassing to have to march my family straight back out with everyone watching and sneering and the kids asking why they have to leave. There are so many great pubs in Durham. This is the last time I will ever visit the Colpitts though.
Fantastic place to be, lovely coal fires, and atmosphere is great, no phones or music, lovely cosy pub.
Colpitts Hotel is a Samuel Smith pub, and it's a "digital detox pub," which means the use of technology is discouraged. And it's easily my favourite pub in Durham. The beer is outstanding—it is Samuel Smith, after all—and the prices can't be beat. The staff is exceptional, and the atmosphere is perfection. This is what a pub should be, and it gets my highest recommendation.
Restaurantji Recommends
Proper local in Durham with a nice sense of community. Sam Smith's pub so don't expect Stella or Guinness, they only serve their own brands... but if you have a preference for Sam Smith's pubs, you know that already.
Traditional English pub warm welcome by friendly staff
Used to frequent this pub many years ago, and revisited it last week for a friend's birthday celebration changed a little but not lost its character, great value for money, and very very pleasant staff.
Great atmosphere and cheap beer, a proper pubs pub
Proper Pub, like they used to be.