We’re a sociable bunch, and there are few better places to unwind and de-brief after a day of Bigwave-ing than in one of Exeter’s many characterful and charming drinking establishments. With the long anticipated arrival of summer weather, a favourite Friday afternoon topic of conversation in the office is where we will go for a ‘Sun Pint’ once the working day has ended.
We thought we’d compile a list of our favourite and most noteworthy pubs in Exeter and set it out as a logical walking route so that it can be followed as our dream pub crawl. Unfortunately, the list proved a little difficult to whittle down, so you’ll deserve a medal if you’re still standing by the end of our route!
The Fat Pig – Popular with the Bigwave team, just a stone’s throw from Bigwave HQ. Nice atmosphere, they brew their own beer and cider and smoke their own meat. You’re likely to see Designer Jeff and Account Manager Laurence propping up the bar of an evening.
The Prospect Inn – Down on the quay in a beautiful spot and they also occasionally do BBQ’s in the summer. Most importantly it’s a decent place for cider.
On The Waterfront – Next door to The Prospect Inn. Bustling and popular with locals, great for food and delightful views of the quay. They do massive dustbin lid sized pizzas, the duck and hoisin is a firm favourite with the team. We built their website.
At this point you can either carry on along the river or head up into town via the Hourglass.
Double Locks – The more adventurous pub crawler can continue along the river to the Double Locks – a lovely spot on the river with a huge pub garden offering volleyball and BBQ’s in the summer and plenty of outdoor seating. A great spot for dog watching and getting the best of the sun.
The Turf – Continuing down the river it’s The Turf, a family run pub with views to die for over the estuary. Not accessible by car this is a popular spot for walkers and cyclists. Great for a relaxing pint watching the boats and the world go by. This is one of our favourite spots for taking #TeamBigwave dogs.
The Hourglass – Beautiful old character-filled pub with a limited but fresh and tasty menu. Interesting and varied range of spirits from around the world and has a stuffed badger wearing a tweed suit. Need we say more.
George’s Meeting House – Walk up the hill from The Hourglass and you can get to this pub. Always busy with a nice buzz about it, plus it’s a Wetherspoons and we all love a cheap beverage. A prime spot to get the Jaeger-bombs in!
The Well House Tavern – Up from George’s Meeting House and next to the Cathedral. Nice views and they have a skeleton in the cellar, which is somewhat of a USP.
The Ship – 16th Century pub full of history and apparently haunted by Francis Drake who used to drink here. If you’re tall and an Elizabethan ghost isn’t terrifying enough – be aware this pub also has low ceilings!
John Gandys – Great bar down Exeter’s version of Carnaby Street, Gandy Street, which was the inspiration for JK Rowling’s Diagon Alley. You’re likely to spot Account Manager and Harry Potter devotee Becky here hoping to catch a glimpse of Hagrid. Bustling atmosphere and they often have live music. We built their website.
The Angel – Quirky bar which often has live bands playing and DJs on weekends, most likely to spot Designer Chris ‘Fidi’ Fiddimore on the decks here. They make a wicked Dark ‘n’ Stormy.
Oddfellows – Serves lovely food and has an intimate cocktail lounge tucked away upstairs where they serve proper classic cocktails and also more contemporary concoctions.
The Old Firehouse – great venue for beer and atmosphere. Always packed, spread over a few floors. Get there early if you want a seat! They also serve great pizza and some lethal ciders.
Artigiano – Classy coffee and cocktail joint on the high street. Great for people watching and they make a mean espresso martini! We also built their website.
Hole in the Wall – Sports bar arranged over 3 floors, popular with students so there’s always a buzz. Voted Express and Echo’s Pub of the Year in 2014 by local residents.
Timepiece – A firm favourite that has seen almost all of us through our misspent youths. Good character with a nice courtyard area. Firm favourite with students, named ‘the easiest place to pull in Europe’ by Tatler Magazine. Good place to end up as there is food served in the courtyard too!
We know a lot about Exeter pubs or even hiring venues in London, but we also know more than a little bit about marketing. Give us a call on 01392 492380 or fill in our contact form here – we’d love to meet you. Especially if it involves a pint.