In Durham’s downtown, an Indo-British gastropub draws attention. The Viceroy advertises itself as a pub, but because it is frequently crowded, it has a hostess stand up front. Here, the air is filled with the deep, rich aromas of Indian cuisine, which is a good omen. Viceroy does a good job of straddling the line between a high-end restaurant and real flavors.

The Viceroy has a lengthy dining area to the right and a somewhat tiny bar on the left. A small table and stools are between the two areas for quick meals. The sidewall is lined with booths, while the remaining room is filled with 4-top tables. The Viceroy’s design is intricate and varied, with exquisite details like lush wallpaper and hanging lamps. Victorian-era artwork lines Viceroy’s walls, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting—perfect for a date!

Viceroy started as a food truck, so the limited menu is more understandable. You can choose a more Indian-inspired menu, but there are also a few British classics like pasties and shepherd’s pie. The gastropub serves a bunch of specialty cocktails, wines, and draft beers. Non-alcoholic drinks, like Heineken 0.0 and Untitled Art N/A Juicy IPA, are available for sober people and the sober curious.