They even have Giant Jenga! (Neville's Cross Hotel)

Member Name: rob_writer

Product:	Neville's Cross Hotel
Date:	25/02/02 (216 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, Fun

Disadvantages: Out of the way

After 10 weeks or so you'd have thought that we'd have found pretty much every pub that there is Durham, but not so! A new term brought a new discovery, in the form of 'The Nevilles Cross Departure Lounge' (what a name!). Well, overall the pub is called the Nevilles Cross Hotel, but the funky side bar is called the Departure Lounge. Technically it probably isn't actually in Durham, being in the 'just outside of Durham place' they call Nevilles Cross. But anyway, it's a 10 to 15 minute walk from college which means it's easily as close as the city centre, so overall the location isn't that bad.

There were two things that drew us to this pub, firstly it has a student night, and secondly the fact that it was rumoured to house a giant version of Jenga! Tuesday night is the designated student night, which brings with it the usual cheap student prices. Bottles of Grolsch can be had in exchange for a single pound coin, as can a range of cheap alchopop imitations that weren't all too bad, although with names such as Siberian Ice one can't help but notice the blatant name copying. There are also a few shots for £1, and a cocktail menu which has single glasses at £2 and large jugs to share (or not, if you want to get REALLY drunk!) at £7.50. The prices are certainly up to the claim of student night, and guess what.......they did have giant Jenga!

After a few games on their rather cramped pool table everyone's attention turns towards the tower of blocks, although the first time we did need the barmaids help to set up - 4 physics students couldn't figure out how to correctly build a pile of blocks!

Perhaps the best feature of this pub is that it differs from the traditional style pub that fills Durham. The Nevilles Cross Departure Lounge contains the pool table and giant jenga, with half the room done out in a futuristic white, bright and shiny decor with metal chairs etc etc. It's hard to
describe, but it looks good, there's even mini tvs inset in to the wall!! The jukebox finishes off what must be one of the best looking pubs in Durham. It makes you wonder then, why it wasn't a little more busy! If this weren't enough the other section of the pub is done out in a gothic style and even comes complete with an altar!

Despite the cheap alcohol and the fun games, you certainly couldn't call the bar full. It wasn't empty either, but it was on the quiet side. Of course, depending on your tastes this could be good or bad! Still, I think we'll be going back plenty, and I think it's quite a new event so I'm sure over time word of mouth will draw in the crowds.

Top marks, it just needs to be busier!

Summary: