Bistro 21

Half-close your eyes and you’re in a French country restaurant. With white-washed walls, rush-seat chairs, pitch-pine floors and scattered with pots and storm lanterns, Bistro 21 has a refreshing simplicity. Hard to believe this former servants’ wing of an elegant 18thC villa is on the edge of Durham City.

Part of Terry Laybourne’s family of restaurants, the starting point is the produce. Menus are seasonally-driven - locally sourced, wherever possible - and offer classically-executed, bistro-style dishes with a contemporary twist. It’s honest, unfussy cooking with big and bold flavours that are allowed to speak for themselves. And you really must leave room for pudding.

The restaurant has a flagged courtyard for summer lunches and pre-dinner drinks, a tiny snug of a bar, two cosy vaulted rooms for small private dinners and a light, uncluttered upstairs dining-room for larger private parties. Welcoming and relaxed, the atmosphere is warm, intimate and just the right side of lively.

Lunch: Monday – Saturday 1200 - 1400; Sunday 1200 - 1500
Dinner: Monday – Saturday 1800 - 2200