Tucked away at 33 Saddler Street in Durham’s historic city centre, Pretty Waffle is a charming dessert stop beloved for its inventive bubble‑style waffles and playful presentation CityMaps+4The Bubble+4Bloc.uk+4. Its bright façade—often overlooked next to a chicken shop—hides a world of light, airy treats wrapped in cones, ideal for a grab-and-go pick-me-up or a quick indulgence.
🍨 What Makes Pretty Waffle Special?
- Focused menu: Unlike full-service cafés, Pretty Waffle offers a curated selection of bubble cone waffles, filled with ice cream and topped with sauces and decorations—perfect for a dessert‑style snack rather than brunch CityMaps.
- Instagram-ready treats: Customers love the carefully crafted presentation, pairing crunchy waffle texture with rich ice cream fillings—visually appealing and delicious at the same time Wanderloggowaffle.co.
- Friendly service: Reviews highlight the staff’s warmth and willingness to accommodate—even dog swaps outside—making the experience feel personal and welcoming secretdurham.com+11Wanderlog+11reddit.com+11.
📍 Location and Atmosphere
Situated on Saddler Street, Durham’s atmospheric historic route between the Market Place and the grand cathedral, Pretty Waffle occupies a compact, modern shopfront. Seating is very limited—just a few small outdoor stools—so it’s best enjoyed on the go. The space is cozy and cleverly designed for efficiency rather than lingering cafés Wanderlog+2The Bubble+2Bloc.uk+2.
🍽️ Menu Highlights
- Bubble cone waffles: The signature offering, these are warm, chewy, and served rolled with ice cream and toppings such as hot bananas, Nutella, or Biscoff. They’re a visual treat as well as tasty—and big enough to satisfy even serious sweet‑tooth cravings top-rated.online+3gowaffle.co+3CityMaps+3.
- Ice cream & floats: In addition to waffles, the café offers a selection of ice creams and refreshing bubble tea‑style floats with playful toppings.
- Limited savoury: While primarily dessert-focused, some variations offer sweet-savory combo options, but the core menu leans into indulgence over brunch-style meals reddit.com.
⭐ Reviews at a Glance
- Positive feedback: Patrons repeatedly praise the light & airy texture of the waffles, generous toppings, and friendly, helpful staff WanderlogCityMapswaffley-good-company.wheree.com.
- Mini‑venue charm: The shop’s size and location give it an intimate atmosphere—not for long stays but perfect for quick dessert fixes. Cleanliness, service, and presentation score particularly high marks waffley-good-company.wheree.comCityMaps.
- Minor drawbacks: Some visitors note limited seating and suggest it’s better taken as takeaway. A few felt the ice cream was good, but not extraordinary—overall though, still well above average for Durham Wanderlogwaffley-good-company.wheree.com.
🕒 Visiting Info & Tips
- Opening times: While the prior Go Waffle shop operated longer hours, Pretty Waffle’s current schedule isn’t fully listed on Google Maps yet. It’s best to visit between early afternoon and early evening. Seats are scarce, so plan for takeaway or a quick stop The Bubble.
- Best time to visit: Off-peak hours avoid queues—popular weekend afternoons can bring short waits, especially for hot or special items.
- Ideal pairing: A sweet treat after exploring nearby attractions like the Cathedral, Market Place, or Saddler Street shops makes for a delightful dessert break.
🎯 Final Thoughts
Pretty Waffle is exactly what its name promises: pretty, playful, and perfect for waffle lovers in Durham. It’s a compact space but serves generous portions of bubble waffles—with imaginative toppings, a friendly vibe, and great service. Best for dessert seekers rather than brunch‑goers, it’s an ideal stop for a sweet treat in the heart of the city.
Would you like suggestions for where to take your waffle next—perhaps riverside benches or nearby benches with scenic views?
