Tin of Sardines

Tin of Sardines is a tiny gin bar perched on Elvet Bridge in Durham city centre and dogs are welcome inside. It's the sort of spot where you squeeze in for a proper G&T while your dog settles at your feet and soaks up the attention from fellow drinkers who understand the whole group sticks together.

The bar majors on gin, with a smartly curated menu and a warm city-centre vibe. It opens daily from midday through to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, so there's plenty of scope for an afternoon pause or an evening stop when the rest of Durham has shut its doors to four legs.

There's no on-site parking, but the Elvet Bridge location puts you right in the heart of the historic centre with pay-and-display options nearby. It's a handy call-in for city visitors who want a decent drink without leaving the dog tied up outside in the cold.