Durham. The pub has existed since at least 1850 and was originally called the City Tavern. In 1851 an Act of Parliament allowed meat, fish, and poultry to be traded in the market place so the pub became a focal point. In 1853 the Council Committee of Durham declared the water in the market unfit for human consumption so consumers could only quench their thirst at this public house. In 1865 it was renamed the Market Hotel and on November 20, 1869 delegates from the Durham Coalfield convened at the pub to establish the Durham Miners' Association. By 1940 is was the only remaining pub in the marketplace. It has a spacious interior featuring lots of dark wood, ornate wallpaper, green tiling and a checkerboard tiled floor. A Greene King pub, I enjoyed their Abbot Ale.