The Best Pubs
in
Exeter

Tucked away on Melbourne Street, The Hour Glass Inn has been a beloved local fixture since 1846, offering a cozy retreat where good company and quality drinks take center stage. With a well-earned spot in the Good Beer Guide, you’ll find a superb selection of locally brewed cask ales, alongside a full bar of wine, cocktails, and more—all at a reasonable price. The dining room serves up properly priced, beautifully presented roasts and fresh dishes that have earned rave reviews, while the warm, dog-friendly welcome makes it an ideal spot for groups or a relaxed pint with your pup. Whether you’re stopping in for an early lunch or a Saturday night out, this historic pub delivers a genuinely inviting experience that keeps locals and visitors coming back.

Head to The Fat Pig, a freehouse for the free thinking foodie where quality local brews, global wines, and fine spirits flow freely. This beloved backstreet pub serves up hearty, home cooked dishes prepared to order, from legendary Sunday roasts to bold, flavour packed mains that have earned a devoted following. It’s a wonderfully dog friendly spot that’s perfect for groups, buzzing with joyful energy and a warm, welcoming vibe that makes every visit feel special. With a menu that changes regularly and a focus on local suppliers and low waste, every meal here is a delight. Just be sure to book ahead for a table, especially if you want to snag that famous Sunday roast.

Pull up a chair on Exeter’s historic quayside and settle into Topsham Brewery & Taproom, a lively microbrewery where the beer is the star. Their constantly rotating lineup features everything from juicy IPAs to crisp lagers, all crafted on site and best enjoyed in the sunny beer garden or cozy taproom. Pair your pint with a Neapolitan style pizza from the ever popular truck outside, while live music and a dog friendly welcome make it a brilliant spot for groups of friends or a relaxed afternoon by the canal.

For a proper Irish bar with a Devon soul, The Stand Off is the place to be. Founded by local rugby legends, this lively spot serves up a cracking pint of Guinness alongside a full range of beers, wines, and cocktails, with top notch pub grub and award winning roasts to keep you going. With seven big screens showing every match and a stage for brilliant live bands, it’s the perfect spot for a group of mates, a dog friendly afternoon, or a raucous night watching the game.

Step right into The Victoria Inn, a proper community local where the drinks are cheap, the welcome is warm, and the sports are always live on massive screens. With a fantastic range of beers and wines, plus pool, darts, and shuffleboard to keep you entertained, it’s the perfect spot for groups of mates or a dog friendly afternoon out. Open from 11am till midnight every day, this lively spot is a firm favourite with students and locals alike, offering unbeatable drink deals and a buzzing, friendly vibe that keeps people coming back for more.

If you know Exeter’s pub scene, you know the Old Fire House. It’s an iconic local where legendary 14 inch square pizzas, proper pints, and a dog friendly courtyard garden come together for unforgettable good times. Whether you’re diving into loaded nachos, catching live music, or gathering a group for cocktails in the Attic Bar, the warm welcome and hearty food keep everyone coming back for more.

Nestled in the charming Sandygate area, the historic 17th century thatched Blue Ball Inn is a true gem, recognized as one of the prettiest pubs around. Inside, you’ll find a cozy interior with a real log burning fire, while the lovely beer garden and outdoor covered area are perfect for sunny days and live music. The talented kitchen team crafts culinary delights using the finest seasonal Devon produce, with a menu regularly updated and paired with an extensive wine list. It’s a wonderfully dog friendly spot, ideal for groups, with a superb selection of drinks from real ales to cocktails, and a brilliant choice for a relaxed lunch or a memorable evening meal.

Escape the city centre bustle and drift away at the Mill on the Exe, a stylish retreat perched right on the river with views over the weir. Spread across two floors, it’s the perfect spot for anything from a celebratory dinner to an impromptu pint outdoors, with a tempting menu of reimagined pub classics and award winning ales. Bring the whole family, furry friends included, and enjoy a proper Devonshire welcome with beer, wine, and cocktails served in a setting that’s ideal for groups and relaxed get togethers.

Make your way to the canalside Double Locks, a traditional country pub with the biggest and best beer garden in the city perched right on the water’s edge. This dog friendly haven is a mecca for walkers and paddlers alike, offering a proper pub menu packed with seasonal British favourites like crispy beer battered fish and chips. With a fine selection of local brews, a summer spritz collection, and live rugby on the big screens, it’s the perfect spot for groups to soak up the sun or cosy up by the fire.

Step into a piece of living history at The Ship, one of Exeter’s oldest and most cherished pubs, where Sir Francis Drake himself was a regular. This welcoming local serves up a fantastic range of beers and wines, and the kitchen delivers phenomenal food from a seasonally inspired menu, with the Ship Burger and Duck Hash earning serious praise. It’s a wonderfully dog friendly spot that’s perfect for groups, with live music and a buzzing, sociable spirit that brings together everyone from students to seasoned locals. Whether you’re settling in for a tender Sunday roast or catching a World Cup match on the big screens, this historic gem offers hearty hospitality and unbeatable value.