Waffling about waffles
As someone who loves a sweet treat, I have explored some of the best places in Durham for them. Here, I will waffle about my favourite waffle – and pancake – places. These are all great places to go to with friends or on dates!
- Pretty Waffle
Until recently, this building was part of the Go Waffle chain, however it has been converted into ‘Pretty Waffle’ now. The location of this waffle shop is 33 Saddler Street and so is within the centre. It can be a little confusing as the change in company has not yet been updated on google maps, however if in doubt head for the chicken shop ‘nkd BIRD’, it is just past there and has a yellow-painted front.
In my opinion, this waffle place is more suited as a dessert place as opposed to brunch. Sadly, seating is very limited. There are a few stools but these are quite small and often placed outside – which is less ideal for this time of year. This, paired with the nature of the cone-shaped bubble waffle, makes it more ideal as an ‘on-the-go’ sweet treat.
The shop also sells other products, including ice-cream sundaes and bubble tea. The bubble waffles also come with a range of different toppings to pick from! My boyfriend and I recently went one evening for dessert, and I got their strawberry special! (as seen in the image) Meanwhile, he got the cookies and cream sundae.
2) Waffley Good Company
Now, you may have noticed this is a place I have already mentioned in a previous article. To be completely honest, it is a firm favourite of mine, and I just couldn’t resist including it again! For those who are unsure, Waffley is located at 95 Elvet Bridge (fairly close to Klute/Paddy’s area). There is usually a sign outside, and to get into the main restaurant you go up a slightly narrow staircase.
To me, Waffley is the perfect brunch spot – rather than dessert. My friend Niamh and I go here quite often, whenever we fancy a catch-up and a natter. This is because they have a range of waffles to pick from – both sweet and savoury. You can even decide to have half of the waffle sweet and the other half savoury, which I think is very cool. Additionally, these are big, full waffles, and so act as a full meal. They are served flat on a plate, and there has always been plenty of seating when I have been. Drinks are also available here – they make really great hot chocolates (as you may know by now, I am quite a hot chocolate fan!)
3) Riverview Kitchen
An extremely popular spot for students, as you will likely have discovered, is Riverview. With the riverside views and cute atmosphere inside, this cafe is by far one of the best brunch places in Durham. I recently took a friend here, who was visiting Durham. We both got their pancake stack; she had the nutella and strawberry topping and I had the banoffee pancakes. They both looked and tasted amazing!
The only slight drawback I can think of is portion sizings. At Riverview, for 2 pancakes it is £9 but for 4 it is £11. Whilst it may seem like a better deal to get 4, many find it a struggle to even finish the 2 – as these dishes are extremely sickly. My recommendation would be to go with someone who you are happy to share with and can agree on the same flavour with. That way you could get the 4-tier between each other, and still have enough money for a nice smoothie drink as well! Overall though it is a lovely atmosphere with delicious food, and as I would argue, some of the best pancakes in Durham.
Two places I have yet to try for pancakes are Treats cafe in Durham centre, and The Pancake cafe in Crossgate. I have so far heard positive reviews of both, however I will have to wait until next term’s student finance comes in before I find out! If anyone has been to either of these places before and has any input, please do comment below, I would love to know your thoughts.