05/09/2026
Due to some negative feedback on our Google Review page I felt the need just to clarify a few things.
Under 18’s are welcome at The Shakespeare from when we open at 11:30am up until 5pm, this time is not dictated by our staff, manager or owner, this is dictated to us by Durham County Council with their licensing restrictions. The licensing also specifies that, whilst they are welcome until 5pm, under 18’s must be sat in the rear rooms of the pub and not in the room where the bar is. Again, this is determined by Durham County Council and not ourselves.
I can appreciate that if you come in with a 16/17 year old relative after 5pm and are told they are not allowed on the premises this may be frustrating but it is no fault of anyone working at The Shakespeare and they are simply adhering to the laws that ensure we operate within Durham County Councils rules.
Unfortunately negative reviews can, and will continue to, be able to be posted about any business but I will not condone any customers being rude to the staff about this, or any other issue in the pub (The customer that left the review was not rude to staff, this is merely an additional point being made).
Our licensing is displayed on the wall next to the bar so anyone is welcome to come and read it to understand this issue further.
- Stephen, Bar Manager
