The Bishop Langley

One of the hidden gems of the City, with one of the best outdoor areas in England. I found the bar staff very frindly and helpful. Great food and choice of real ales, lagers and foreign beers.

So, what used to be the Coach & Eight has now reinvented itself with a complete remodel, new interior, the works.
PROS: It only takes one visit to figure out that The Bishop Langley has some of the best food options in Durham. The normal menu with some surprises. Seafood, steaks, fried foods, sandwiches. Try the seafood sampler. Awesome. No can deny that this is one of the best patio locations in Durham as well. The patio is big, heated, lets you see the river and check out whats going on on the bridge. The new interior remodel is really nice. Lots of seating, open spaces, everything redone. Also, they have Blue Moon. Enough said.
CONS: The downside of being a nice place with a patio and good food in Durham is that you are going to be overwhelmingly packed. After a few good sunny days on the patio for lunch during on weekdays, we tried going for dinner on a Friday night. It was a packed madhouse. The inside and patio were completely full with no open spaces. With this many people, all of whom seemed to be drinking and in party mode, it wouldnt have been a very nice place to have a nice meal anyhow.
It seems like to really enjoy The Bishop Langley, at least while they are going through their reopening popularity, you are going to have to go for lunch on a weekday, otherwise prepare yourself for the crowds.