I found myself staring into a very empty fridge, the kind that basically tells you to give up and go out, so I headed over to Durano Lounge.
I’ve been before, so I already knew the kind of vibe to expect — but this visit really reminded me why it works so well. The setting is genuinely lovely: open, spacious, and somewhere you can properly settle into without feeling rushed. There’s a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere that makes it a good spot whether you’re on your own or catching up with someone.
It’s got that laid-back, chilled feel throughout. I spent a bit of time looking over the menu (one of those moments where everything sounds decent but nothing jumps out straight away), so I ended up going for the burger — not something I have often, which made it feel like a bit of a treat.
Service was solid. Friendly, efficient, and the food came out fairly quickly without feeling rushed. When the burger arrived, it looked the part — and more importantly, it delivered on taste. The burger itself was cooked just right, juicy without being messy, and the flavours worked well together.
If I was being picky, I’d say I could’ve done with a few more chips on the side. The portion was adequate and filled me up, but just a little extra would’ve taken it from “good” to “spot on.” That said, what was there was enjoyable, and the quality of the food made up for it.
The drinks side of things is where Durano Lounge really shines. There’s a wide range to choose from, and paired with the soft, ambient lighting, it creates a really relaxed, almost cosy atmosphere. It’s the kind of place you could easily linger for another drink without even thinking about it.
Overall, it’s somewhere I’d happily recommend if you’re in the North East. Good food, a strong drinks selection, and a setting that makes you want to slow down a bit. You definitely won’t be short of options when it comes to what to drink — and you’ll leave feeling like you’ve had a proper break from the day.