Award-winning Northeast cocktail bar Mother Mercy will officially open on Silver Street, Durham, on Saturday 13 June

Mother Mercy

Mother Mercy has confirmed it will open the doors to its first Durham venue on Saturday 13 June.

More than 1,100 people have already joined the waiting list for the 55-cover bar ahead of opening, with over 300 entering a “golden ticket” ballot for the chance to be among the first guests through the doors at an exclusive preview evening on Friday 12 June. The waiting list remains open, with everyone who signs up receiving a complimentary cocktail voucher to redeem after opening.

The response reflects growing anticipation for the arrival of one of the North East's best-known independent cocktail brands. Twice recognised among the UK's Top 50 Cocktail Bars, Mother Mercy has built its reputation on expertly made cocktails, signature table service and a more personal, hosted experience than a traditional high-volume city-centre bar.

Located on Silver Street in the centre of Durham, the venue marks the latest chapter for Mother Mercy, which has built a loyal following across the Northeast through venues in Newcastle's Cloth Market, Heaton and Fenwick, alongside sister venue Café Mercy on Grey Street. The bar also includes 16 outdoor seats overlooking one of Durham's busiest city-centre streets.

The Durham venue will introduce a cocktail menu created specifically for the city, combining Mother Mercy favourites including the East 8 Hold Up, Hot Honey Margarita and Mirrorball Spritz alongside seasonal serves, refined classics and alcohol-free options. All made with premium ingredients and thoughtful flavour combinations served directly to your table.

Cocktail masterclass experiences will also be introduced in the weeks following launch, giving guests the chance to learn from the Mother Mercy team and explore the craft behind some of the bar’s most popular serves.

Co-Founder Neil Donachie said:

“We’ve been looking for the right opportunity to bring Mother Mercy to Durham for some time. As someone who grew up in Durham, it’s particularly exciting and rewarding to be opening a venue in the city and bringing the brand home in many ways. Mother Mercy has always been about more than just great cocktails.

We care deeply about the detail — the welcome, the atmosphere, the service, the music, the glassware, the ingredients, and the way people feel when they’re with us.

Durham is a special city, and we wanted to create a bar that feels exciting, intimate, and genuinely memorable. Whether guests are joining us for one perfectly made cocktail or spending the whole evening with us, we want Mother Mercy Durham to feel like somewhere they’ll want to come back to again.”

Mother Mercy Durham opens on Saturday 13 June on Silver Street. No bookings are required and walk-ins are welcome.