Vennels Café

Amazing cake & great coffee! Quick and friendly service. Nice atmosphere!

What a fantastic find, could be easily missed as its located off of the main street but definitely recommend seeking out this cafe.
Staff are so friendly and food is wonderful, can absolutely recommend the chocolate cake too! Don't know what coffee they use but it was delicious. There was a small wait for a part of the meal but staff were really apologetic and even offered another slice of cake. The wait really wasn't an issue and we declined the cake but I was really surprised at just how attentive and thoughtful the staff were.

I can only report on the cake, tea, interior and ambience. The cake and tea were so far above average it warrants 5 stars hands down. I also loved the quirky old building, but it was overly packed with students (I can't blame them, and it is Durham so what do you expect). It was impossible to get a table inside but we found one in the sheltered outside space which was quite comfortable too. There was a slow-moving queue at the counter but so worth the wait. Both tea bread and raspberry & white chocolate cheesecake were outstanding and tea pigs tea with a choice of Darjeeling did also go down extremely well. If I lived in Durham, I'd keep queueing and bring my noise-cancelling headphones next time.

Decided to grab some lunch while in Durham today, saw a sign for this place and the little tunnelled access was just too much to resist.
The place is spread over 3 floors, great decor and lovely facilities.
Food was amazing, I just opted for a toasted ciabbatta filled with Chicken, Brie, something and stuffing plus coleslaw (extra) and crisps. I thoroughly enjoyed it, washed down with a great decaf cappuccino (with the best chocolate topping I've had) 😋😋😋😋
The staff were really nice & the place was immaculately clean, everything's made in house, they certainly have their operation down.
Keep up the good work, I'll be back next time I'm in Durham 😋

OMG what a find! Quaint and quirky with a great atmosphere. Six of us strolled in and managed to grab a table. First we had coffees which were lovely. I then enjoyed the jacket potato with creamy mushroom sauce. I loved it so much I now make it at home. The best was the doggy bowl with biscuits and a sausage. Bella the dog loved it. So unusual and rare to find a cafe catering for dogs. The word has been passed around but unfortunately I live in Nottingham.....

Lovely local cafe hidden up small alleyway with courtyard seating. Freshly made panini & quiches are excellent! All locally sourced food.

Top quality food and service. Easy to miss down an old alleyway. But well worth the visit. Ham and chicken pie was chock full of meat. Delicious. Highly recommended.

Loved it here 🙂 Had been recommended because it is dog friendly. We sat outside and queue for food was worth the wait - blankets on chairs were a nice touch for those who felt cold. Quiche was lovely and the cakes looked really delicious 😋. Such a lovely old building - nicely hidden away, don't tell anyone it's there or everyone will want to eat there!! 😄

What a wonderful find on our first visit to Durham since a school trip aged 10.Beautiful homemade food and a warm welcome awaits.The festive panini was divine and homemade cakes and scones looked delicious.
Tables set out on various floors.All cosy and the outdoor area was perfect for dogwalkers

Excellent little cafe tucked away. You access it via narrow alleyways, so it's easy to miss. Great bacon rolls, coffee very good, cakes look really attractive. It is self-service ordering, then delivered to your table, (this isn't obvious when you arrive).

Lovely quiet cafe just behind the main shopping streets of Durham. Large selection of cakes and savouries along with a good selection of hot and cold drinks.
Very enjoyable afternoon tea.

The best jacket with Mediterranean veg and feta!
Best family and dog friendly café in Durham in my opinion.
Lovely atmosphere and always new items plus a discount for students :)

Nice spot to get a hot drink and a small bite. Cakes are homemade and do get snapped up rather quickly if you get to the cafe late in the day.

The only place in County Durham I am giving a five star rating. This is my favourite haunt, if I'm in the city with time to spare I like to try and pop in even if just for a cup of tea. They also serve alcohol alongside lovely cakes and handmade sandwiches. Lovely food, wonderful atmosphere in a very old (16th Century) building. The vennels are the narrow alleyways around the city which is where this cafe gets it's name. A fabulous old feel inside, like visiting a Heritage property except you're having your lunch there. Exposed beams, original fireplaces, sometimes I feels like I'm on an old ship. Wonderful place.

The atmosphere is really nice. A bit crowded but worth the visit.

Best carrot cake I have ever tasted!!!!! Everyone enjoyed their delicious lunch, very pleasant sat in courtyard. Would definitely return, highly recommended!

Their banoffi pie is the best and hot chocolate is really good. Both pie and hot chocolate are not too sweet. I recommend everyone to try this cafe once and you will like it.

Nice quirky cafe. Great food and good coffee. You’ll have to smash your piggy bank because the ham and egg pie is £7 a slice!!

Stunning ancient building with a gorgeous, rickity chic decor. There is an upstairs and a courtyard so don't be put off by a queue. You'll not regret waiting. I've been a customer here since about 1999 and it hasn't changed a bit. Beautiful blue cheese scones, good coffee, tasty quiche and a slammin' banoffee pie. Long live Vennels! (Be aware they don't take cards but the street outside has loads of cash points so it's worth getting a tenner out and heading in)

It's a lovely café, perfect to go with friends for a nice cup of tea or a delicious hot chocolate with marshmallows! They have nice scones and quiches! I recommend it!