The Best Pubs in Exeter

Welcome to the Old Fire House, a legendary local pub serving epic 14" square pizzas and proper pints in a warm, informal setting. The menu is packed with bold, British comfort food like braised beef nachos, ox cheek lasagne, and Sunday roasts that are the stuff of local legend. With a buzzing courtyard garden for sunny days, regular live music, and a dog friendly policy, it’s the kind of place where everyone feels at home.

The Fat Pig is a brilliant brewpub that proudly serves as the home of the Fat Pig brewery, making it a true destination for real ale lovers. Their on site smokehouse turns out fantastic food, and the Saturday brunch is absolutely worth planning your weekend around. With a great selection of beer on tap, including the excellent Ham 69, this place is a lively and welcoming spot for anyone who loves top notch drinks and hearty fare.

Step through the doors of The Bowling Green and you will find an independently run local that truly lives up to its reputation for brilliant beer and top notch service. This is a place where everyone is welcomed like an old friend, and the legendary Sunday pub quiz hosted by a local character is an absolute must. Grab a pint of the highly praised Doom Bar or a Mex Beer, and settle in for a night of genuine warmth and good cheer. It is simply the perfect spot for a proper pub experience.

This award winning pub offers superb quality, choice, and value in both food and drink. It features an all day menu with traditional meals and popular international dishes, and has outdoor seating. It is a fabulous location in the heart of beautiful Devon, and is known as the number one breakfast place in the area.

Welcome to Double Locks, a traditional, dog friendly country pub ideally situated on the banks of the canal with a huge beer garden that offers covered and heated areas. They are passionate about British seasonal food with a fine selection of local brews, and their proper pub menu is stacked with all your favourites like juicy burgers, crispy beer-battered fish and chips, and hearty pies. Famous for its glorious pub garden perched on the water’s edge, it’s a perfect spot for a long and lazy pub lunch after walking, cycling, or even kayaking down the canal. This is one of Devon’s finest pub experiences and a mecca for dog lovers with walks and trails right on the doorstep.

Welcome to the Blue Ball Inn, a historic 17th century thatched pub and restaurant that is one of the prettiest pubs in the region. Head chef Henry Thompson crafts culinary delights using the finest seasonal produce from Devon, with menus thoughtfully curated and regularly updated. Enjoy a traditional pint of real ale by the real log burning fire in cooler months, or soak up the sun in the lovely beer garden when the weather is pleasant. The inviting restaurant offers a stylish and comfortable ambiance for lunch or an evening meal, paired with an extensive wine list. Guests can look forward to impeccable service and exceptional food that promises a truly memorable dining experience.

The Hour Glass Inn is a traditional pub that has been serving booze, good company, and food since 1846. It offers a sample a la carte menu, a fixed price early bird and lunch menu, and a Sunday lunch menu. Friendly staff and excellent real ales are highlights, with visitors praising the delicious food like sea bream and venison ragu. This cosy spot is a wonderful place to enjoy great drinks and surprisingly good food in a residential area.

The Turks Head is a brilliant, bustling brew pub that truly knows how to welcome you. Spread across three floors including a lively roof terrace, it offers a fantastic selection of beers with friendly staff who make every visit a pleasure. This is the kind of place where the energy is infectious and you instantly feel part of something special.

This pub offers excellent, home made, and locally sourced food alongside a wide selection of local real ales. You can enjoy a carvery on Sunday or take advantage of special deals like the April special and lunch club. The friendly staff serve delicious food, with the loaded potato skins being a recommended choice. Don't forget to ask for the free WiFi code and book early to secure a spot in the nice little off the bar room for dining.

On the Waterfront is a unique pub and quality restaurant on the beautiful quay, famous for its gigantic pizzas and award winning bar serving top quality, locally sourced food. The heated terrace offers glorious views of the historic quayside, perfect for sipping cocktails and grazing on tapas all year round. It is family friendly, dog friendly, and boasts two restaurant rooms, including the spacious Long Room for parties of up to 100. The Cask Marque accredited bar guarantees a good pint of local ale alongside a vast selection of beers, ciders, and cocktails.