We have found a number of shops and businesses with owners who have said that they would be happy to be interviewed by you. Simply turn up at the recommended time, tell them you are studying English. You can make up your own questions or use the set questions on our worksheets.
1. Choose a shop below and download its worksheet.
(Worksheets can also be collected from the school.)
2. Visit the shop
3. Start the Interview:
You: Hi, is Bill in today?
Shop Owner: I'm Bill. Can I help you?
You: I'm studying English at Durham School of English.
Would it be okay to ask you some questions?
Shop Owner: Sure, what would you like to know?
1. Choose a shop below and download its worksheet.
(Worksheets can also be collected from the school.)
2. Visit the shop
3. Start the Interview:
You: Hi, is Bill in today?
Shop Owner: I'm Bill. Can I help you?
You: I'm studying English at Durham School of English.
Would it be okay to ask you some questions?
Shop Owner: Sure, what would you like to know?
Talking Towns is open to all English language learners.
It is sometimes difficult to find opportunities to use your English outside the classroom.
Talking Towns is a guide to places where you can practise your English.
Talking Towns is a guide to places where you can practise your English.
Independent Shops (Speaking & Listening Practice)
Clubs (Speaking & Listening Practice)
We have selected a few local clubs where you will be able to use your English. Try and find one that matches an interest you have.
We have selected a few local clubs where you will be able to use your English. Try and find one that matches an interest you have.
Guided Tours (Listening Practice)
These are tours of buildings, companies and institutions.
These are tours of buildings, companies and institutions.
Treasure Hunts (Reading Practice)
Can you complete our museum treasure hunts? They’re a great way to learn about our region. I’m afraid there is no treasure at the end - only the satisfaction of finishing.
Can you complete our museum treasure hunts? They’re a great way to learn about our region. I’m afraid there is no treasure at the end - only the satisfaction of finishing.
Please Remember
• Don't introduce yourself if the shop is busy. Wait until it's empty.
• Stop the interview if the shopkeeper needs to help customers.
• Don't spend too long in the shop. 10 -15 minutes is usually long enough.
• Have a look around the shop. You don't need to buy anything.
• Don't introduce yourself if the shop is busy. Wait until it's empty.
• Stop the interview if the shopkeeper needs to help customers.
• Don't spend too long in the shop. 10 -15 minutes is usually long enough.
• Have a look around the shop. You don't need to buy anything.
Durham City
"Hi, my name is Ron, and I own the board game shop in Durham. Feel free to come and practise English with us in store." Ron
Name: Meeple Games
What: Board Game Shop
Ask for: Ron
General Location: Near Durham bus station
Visit: Mon - Fri 11:00am - 6:00pm
Talk about: local recommendations, their business, local events, local politics, being self-employed
What: Board Game Shop
Ask for: Ron
General Location: Near Durham bus station
Visit: Mon - Fri 11:00am - 6:00pm
Talk about: local recommendations, their business, local events, local politics, being self-employed
Name: Moon
What: Jewellery and Interior Decor
Ask for: Joanna
General Location: Near Durham marketplace
Visit: Mon-Fri 9:30am - 5:30pm
Talk about: local recommendations, being self-employed, their business, good things about Durham
What: Jewellery and Interior Decor
Ask for: Joanna
General Location: Near Durham marketplace
Visit: Mon-Fri 9:30am - 5:30pm
Talk about: local recommendations, being self-employed, their business, good things about Durham
Talking Towns
Name: The Rock and Fossil Shop
What: Mineral and Fossil Specimens, Gifts and Ornaments
Ask for: Colin
General Location: Durham Indoor Market
Visit: Wednesday 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Talk about: their hobbies, being self-employed, their business, good things about Durham
What: Mineral and Fossil Specimens, Gifts and Ornaments
Ask for: Colin
General Location: Durham Indoor Market
Visit: Wednesday 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Talk about: their hobbies, being self-employed, their business, good things about Durham
"We run a small non-profit making shop inside the church, selling Fairtrade / ethically sourced groceries and gifts ." John
Name: The One World Shop
What: Fair Trade Groceries and Gifts
Ask for: John
General Location: Near Haymarket, Newcastle
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Talk about: Being self-employed, their business, good things about Newcastle, local history, running, swimming, medal collecting
What: Fair Trade Groceries and Gifts
Ask for: John
General Location: Near Haymarket, Newcastle
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Talk about: Being self-employed, their business, good things about Newcastle, local history, running, swimming, medal collecting
Newcastle
"Hello. I've lived in Durham for 25 years. Our shop in the indoor market sells whole foods ie. herbs, spices, dried fruit, nuts, beans pulses, cereals, flours. My wife was a student at Durham in the 70s" Steve
Name: Mother Earth
What: Whole foods (Plant foods that are unprocessed and unrefined)
Ask for: Steve
General Location: Durham Indoor Market
Visit: Mon - Fri 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Talk about: local politics, being self-employed, local problems
What: Whole foods (Plant foods that are unprocessed and unrefined)
Ask for: Steve
General Location: Durham Indoor Market
Visit: Mon - Fri 4:00pm - 4:30pm
Talk about: local politics, being self-employed, local problems
"Hi,we are a new business in Durham, selling wine, beer and spirits. We love to talk so if you want to practise your English and learn about wine (or anything else) feel free to come and see us" Mark
Name: Market Hall Wines
What: Alcohol
Ask for: Mark
General Location: Durham Indoor Market
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed 11:00am - 4:00pm
Talk about: their hobbies, their business, local events, local politics
What: Alcohol
Ask for: Mark
General Location: Durham Indoor Market
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed 11:00am - 4:00pm
Talk about: their hobbies, their business, local events, local politics
Name: British Heart Foundation
What: Charity Shop (second-hand clothes, shoes, toys etc.)
Ask for: Sarah
General Location: Near Durham bus station
Visit: Mon - Fri 10:00am - 4:00pm
Email Address:
Talk about: what the British Heart Foundation does.
What: Charity Shop (second-hand clothes, shoes, toys etc.)
Ask for: Sarah
General Location: Near Durham bus station
Visit: Mon - Fri 10:00am - 4:00pm
Email Address:
Talk about: what the British Heart Foundation does.
Name: Tyneside Cinema
What: Specialised cinema and digital arts venue.
General Location: Near Monument, Newcastle
Visit: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat 11:00am
Email Address: box.office@tynesidecinema.co.uk
Cost: Free
What: Specialised cinema and digital arts venue.
General Location: Near Monument, Newcastle
Visit: Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat 11:00am
Email Address: box.office@tynesidecinema.co.uk
Cost: Free
Take a guided tour of the Tyneside as our tour guides show you the fascinating story of Newcastle's former News Theatre.
Name: Discovery Museum
What: Science museum and local history museum.
General Location: Near railway station, Newcastle
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 11:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: Free
What: Science museum and local history museum.
General Location: Near railway station, Newcastle
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 11:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: Free
Name: Great North Museum: Hancock
What: Ancient civilisations and natural history.
General Location: Near Haymarket, Newcastle
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 11:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: Free
What: Ancient civilisations and natural history.
General Location: Near Haymarket, Newcastle
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 11:00am - 4:00pm
Cost: Free
Name: Durham Rambling Club (Hiking)
What: Group walks (6, 9 or 12 miles) in Durham, Cumbria, Yorkshire & Northumbria
When: Every two weeks / Sunday
Cost: £10 per walk
Need: Walking boots, waterproof clothing, normal shoes (to change into) & packed lunch
Phone / Text: 07706 871812
What: Group walks (6, 9 or 12 miles) in Durham, Cumbria, Yorkshire & Northumbria
When: Every two weeks / Sunday
Cost: £10 per walk
Need: Walking boots, waterproof clothing, normal shoes (to change into) & packed lunch
Phone / Text: 07706 871812
Name: The Lit & Phil
What: Public Library
General Location: Near Newcastle Central Station
Visit: 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month
3rd Wednesday of the month
10:30am - 11:30am
Email Address: library@litandphil.org.uk
Cost: Free
What: Public Library
General Location: Near Newcastle Central Station
Visit: 1st & 3rd Saturday of the month
3rd Wednesday of the month
10:30am - 11:30am
Email Address: library@litandphil.org.uk
Cost: Free
Name: Around Durham City Tours
What: Daily Guided Walking Tours
When: Every day
Cost: £10 per walk
Tour Length: 60 minutes
Need: Strong shoes
Phone / Text: 07484 160 177
Email: arounddurhamcitytours@btinternet.com
What: Daily Guided Walking Tours
When: Every day
Cost: £10 per walk
Tour Length: 60 minutes
Need: Strong shoes
Phone / Text: 07484 160 177
Email: arounddurhamcitytours@btinternet.com
Name: Durham Brewery
What: Local Microbrewery (Beer producer)
When: 10:45am (See website for days.)
Cost: £12
Tour Length: 90 minutes
What: Local Microbrewery (Beer producer)
When: 10:45am (See website for days.)
Cost: £12
Tour Length: 90 minutes
Name: Mining Institute
What: World's Oldest Professional Mining Organisation
General Location: Near Newcastle Central Station
Visit: Wednesday 11:30am - 11:30am
Email Address: office@mininginstitute.org.uk
Phone: 0191 2322201
Cost: Free
What: World's Oldest Professional Mining Organisation
General Location: Near Newcastle Central Station
Visit: Wednesday 11:30am - 11:30am
Email Address: office@mininginstitute.org.uk
Phone: 0191 2322201
Cost: Free
Name: Durham Pointers
What: Volunteer group giving directions and information (They do not provide tours.)
When: Every day from Easter to October
9.30am – 3.00pm Mon – Fri
10.00am – 2.30pm Sat
11.00am - 3.00pm Sun
Cost: Free
General Location: Durham Market Place (Look for the pink jackets.)
What: Volunteer group giving directions and information (They do not provide tours.)
When: Every day from Easter to October
9.30am – 3.00pm Mon – Fri
10.00am – 2.30pm Sat
11.00am - 3.00pm Sun
Cost: Free
General Location: Durham Market Place (Look for the pink jackets.)
My Talking Towns Experience
I like playing boardgames . When I arrived in Durham, I saw a boardgame shop near to the railway station.
I discovered later that this shop is a member of the Talking Town network in Durham, in collaboration with Durham School of English. It was unusual for me to enter a shop and ask the seller whether we could chat, also because my English was not very well. But I decided to put my doubts aside and go to the shop.
The shop is a temple of boardgames. Everybody will be able to find what he likes, except the commercial best-sellers.
I met a shop assistant (not Ron the owner). She didn’t know about the Talking Town network and I needed to explain why I was in her shop. Even if my doubts were coming back, I tried to talk to her about the boardgames. How many boardgames do you have? Do you test all of them? Which boardgames are the most famous in the UK?
Finally, we spoke one hour. She answered my questions, presented me the events of the shop and her beginning as a shop assistant and I shared my experience with boargames in my country and my favorite boardgames. In fact, I didn’t realize how late it was.
Talking Town was a good opportunity for me. It is a way of discovering the town, sharing moments with people that I can see later again and speaking English with native speakers, of course.
I would like to encourage people who arrive in Durham and who want to improve their English to push the door of one of the Talking Town shops. In my case, I want to do it again, perhaps with the beer seller at the Market Hall. Alex
I like playing boardgames . When I arrived in Durham, I saw a boardgame shop near to the railway station.
I discovered later that this shop is a member of the Talking Town network in Durham, in collaboration with Durham School of English. It was unusual for me to enter a shop and ask the seller whether we could chat, also because my English was not very well. But I decided to put my doubts aside and go to the shop.
The shop is a temple of boardgames. Everybody will be able to find what he likes, except the commercial best-sellers.
I met a shop assistant (not Ron the owner). She didn’t know about the Talking Town network and I needed to explain why I was in her shop. Even if my doubts were coming back, I tried to talk to her about the boardgames. How many boardgames do you have? Do you test all of them? Which boardgames are the most famous in the UK?
Finally, we spoke one hour. She answered my questions, presented me the events of the shop and her beginning as a shop assistant and I shared my experience with boargames in my country and my favorite boardgames. In fact, I didn’t realize how late it was.
Talking Town was a good opportunity for me. It is a way of discovering the town, sharing moments with people that I can see later again and speaking English with native speakers, of course.
I would like to encourage people who arrive in Durham and who want to improve their English to push the door of one of the Talking Town shops. In my case, I want to do it again, perhaps with the beer seller at the Market Hall. Alex
"Hello, I live and work in Whitby, making jewellery from a very unique gemstone called Jet. Come and talk to me about its history and how it is made" Rebecca
Name: W Hamond - The Original Whitby Jet Shop
What: Jewellery
Ask for: Rebecca
General Location: Below Whitby Abbey
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:30am - 6:00pm
Talk about: Whitby Jet Gemstones, Jewellery Making
What: Jewellery
Ask for: Rebecca
General Location: Below Whitby Abbey
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, Thur, Fri, Sat, Sun 9:30am - 6:00pm
Talk about: Whitby Jet Gemstones, Jewellery Making
"Hi, G'day, Kia Ora, Ciao, Talofa lava - I'm Deb & I own Whitby Wholefoods, which sells vegetarian & vegan food as well as local items such as honey & coffee. What makes my shop different from other health food shops is that I also sell traditional fishermen's jumpers, called Ganseys. I'm very happy to explain why I like them so much and if you'd like to knit your own I can sell you the wool!" Deb
Name: Whitby Wholefoods
What: Health Food / Supplements / Traditional Ganseys
Ask for: Deb
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
What: Health Food / Supplements / Traditional Ganseys
Ask for: Deb
Visit: Mon, Tue, Wed, 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Whitby
