Hen Party Cocktail
Class in Durham
Shaken and stirred with a professional mixologist, with a buff butler available as an add-on. Private classes across Durham and the surrounding area, from £35pp.
By Butlers in the Buff · From £35pp · We come to you
Durham is one of England's most spectacular cathedral cities, the Norman Cathedral and Castle perched on a wooded peninsula above the River Wear is simply one of the greatest sights in the country. It's a compact, walkable city with a good selection of bars and restaurants and an increasingly strong accommodation offer for group bookings. Our mixologists cover Durham and the wider County Durham area.
Durham's UNESCO World Heritage site. Cathedral and Castle together on the wooded peninsula above the River Wear, is genuinely one of the greatest architectural achievements in England. Bill Bryson called it 'a perfect little city' and the description is apt. The city is compact, walkable and increasingly well-served by independent restaurants and bars in the Elvet and city centre areas. The university, which occupies the Castle and many other historic buildings, gives the city an intellectual energy and a young, lively atmosphere.
What to do in Durham for a hen weekend
Durham Cathedral
The Norman Cathedral is considered by many to be the finest Romanesque building in the world. The nave, the tomb of St Cuthbert and the Galilee Chapel are extraordinary. Climb the tower for panoramic views over the city and River Wear.
Durham Castle
Durham Castle is part of Durham University and still used as student accommodation, one of the most extraordinary educational settings in England. Guided tours run regularly through the Norman chapel and Great Hall.
River Wear Rowing
Hire rowing boats below the Cathedral and take in the famous view from the river, the Cathedral and Castle rising above wooded banks is one of the great views of England. Elvet Bridge to Prebends Bridge is the classic route.
Elvet & Independent Scene
Elvet Bridge and the surrounding streets have Durham's best independent restaurants and bars, much better than you might expect from a city of Durham's size.
Everything taken care of
Every cocktail masterclass is fully self-contained. Your mixologist brings the bar to you, no venue hire, no shopping, no stress.
Professional Mixologist
Your own charismatic mixologist runs the show, teaching techniques, hosting games and keeping everyone entertained for the full two hours.
All Ingredients & Equipment
Premium spirits, fresh fruit, mixers, ice, glassware, shakers and jiggers, everything arrives with your mixologist. You just supply the group.
2-Hour Private Class
Three cocktails each, a Sex on the Beach, a Mojito and a Cosmopolitan. Competitive rounds, taste-offs and a whole lot of laughs included.
Optional Buff Butler
Add a Butlers in the Buff butler to serve drinks and raise the entertainment level. Available to add when you get your quote.
How it works
From first enquiry to final sip, we handle every detail. All you need to do is gather your group.
Get a quote
Enter your date, location and group size for an instant price. Takes under a minute.
Secure your booking
Pay a small deposit to lock in your date. The balance is due 14 days before the class.
We set up the bar
Your mixologist arrives 15 minutes early and sets everything up at your venue.
Shake, sip, repeat
Two hours of cocktail-making, games and laughs. Three cocktails each, and you drink them all.
Planning your Durham hen party
📍 Where hens typically stay
Popular bases in Durham include City Centre, Elvet, Framwellgate and Neville's Cross, all well suited for large group Airbnbs and short-let houses where we can set up the bar.
Neville's Cross and Framwellgate have good large group houses in Durham. Victorian terraces within easy walking or taxi distance of the Cathedral and city centre. Durham is small with limited large group accommodation, so book well ahead.
🍹 What pairs well with a cocktail class
A walk along the riverbanks below the Cathedral, a visit to the Palace Green and Cathedral interior, or afternoon tea before the evening cocktail class.
🚂 Getting there
Durham is under 3 hours from London King's Cross and 20 minutes from Newcastle, perfect for groups gathering from the North East.
🥂 Ready to book?
Get a price for your date and group size in under a minute. We cover Durham and the surrounding area.
Get a Quote for DurhamPlanning your Durham hen party
Cocktail class Durham, questions answered
Durham Cathedral is genuinely one of the great buildings of the world, a masterpiece of Romanesque architecture that has stood since 1093. The scale of the nave, the intricacy of the carved stone and the sheer drama of the setting above the River Wear make it profoundly impressive in person. Many people consider it more beautiful than any other cathedral in England.
Durham is brilliant for a hen party that wants something different, the Cathedral and riverside setting are incomparably beautiful, and the city has a warm, friendly atmosphere with good independent bars and restaurants. It's best combined with Newcastle (20 minutes away) for groups who also want a bigger nightlife scene.
The class runs for 2 hours. Your mixologist arrives 15 minutes early to set up. Each guest makes three cocktails, a Sex on the Beach, a Mojito and a Cosmopolitan, with games and competitions woven throughout. It's the perfect way to start a Durham hen night before you head out.
Your professional mixologist, all premium spirits, fresh fruit, mixers, ice, glassware, shakers and jiggers are all included. Three cocktails per person are included in the price. There are no hidden extras, everything you need for an unforgettable evening is covered from £35pp.
The minimum group size is 10 guests. There's no maximum, just let us know your numbers when you get a quote. We regularly run classes for groups of 20, 30 and beyond.
Yes, we come directly to your Airbnb, holiday cottage or rented house anywhere in Durham and the surrounding area including Sunderland, Chester-le-Street, Spennymoor, Bishop Auckland. There's no need to travel, we set up and bring everything.
Absolutely. You can add a Butlers in the Buff butler to your cocktail class in Durham from £150. He'll serve drinks, help run the games and add a brilliant bit of theatre to the evening. Just request this when getting your quote.
We recommend booking at least 4–6 weeks in advance to secure your preferred date, especially for weekends in the summer and around bank holidays. That said, we do take last-minute bookings where availability allows, check our availability when you get a quote.
Still have questions about our Durham cocktail class? Read our complete guide to what to expect or browse our hen party planning guides.
Cocktail classes near Durham
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Shake things up in Durham
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2,100+ reviews, rated 4.9 · From £35pp · We come to you