Living in Exeter

Food and eating out

Exeter and Devon are fascinating places for eating out and buying locally produced food and drink. There are numerous options, whatever you fancy, and a local ethos that emphasizes quality Devonshire produce. Whilst it’s true that this plays a large part in food in Exeter, cuisine from all around the world in available for your delectation.

Eating out

If you venture into town for food don’t worry if you’re not sure what you want, as the sheer variety of choice makes finding a restaurant easy. There is a branch of several of the popular chain restaurants; Prezzo, La Tasca, Pizza Express, Zizzi’s, Wagamama, Pizza Hut, Nando’s, and it’s not an exaggerated cliché to say many more. The Princesshay shopping centre is home to several of these, but also includes Café Rouge, Strada, and Giraffe whose menu includes food from around the world, plus ExeShed for fine dining and cocktails set in a stunning glass pavilion – it’s not cheap, but nor will it break the bank. However, should this not get you salivating there are a number of other independent restaurants you might like to consider.

Harry’s, located 86 Longbrook Street, serves ‘quality, tasty food at affordable prices’ in relaxed surroundings. They’ll proudly tell you that Will Young worked there in his Exeter days. You’ll find a great variety of dishes here, perhaps most infamous among students is Harry’s Heart Attack, a veritable heap of ice-cream, chocolate brownie, M&Ms, and chocolate sauce. It’s vanity to think one could manage it, and a challenge for two; you have been warned.

If you’ve a bit more money to spend, you might want to try Michael Caines' restaurant Abode in the Cathedral Yard, just off the green. Owner of two Michelin Stars, Michael Caines brings fine dining to Exeter. The prices are definitely not for the thinner of wallets, but at lunch-time, a set menu for about £14/15 represents excellent value for two courses.

When your parents or family are down to visit you, No. 21 Cathedral Yard is a suitable venue for all occasions. For a meal or a lavish and authentic Devon cream tea, it’s a taste of the modern West Country food scene. With panoramic views of the Cathedral, it’s the perfect place to stop after showing friends and family around the town or during an afternoon of shopping, to sit and admire Exeter.

Exeter Phoenix, predominantly a performance venue (theatre, comedy, music, dance) and art gallery, also has an attractive café bar with a pleasant terrace. The food is reasonably priced and students get a 20 per cent discount with a NUS card.

You won’t find it difficult to track down a pub lunch in Exeter either. The Firehouse does a Sunday roast that is great value, or try one of the places down by The Quay which has something for any budget. There are Indian, Thai, Chinese and even Moroccan restaurants to choose from, and plenty of gastro-pubs set in the Devon countryside.

All of the above offer vegetarian options, but if you’re especially interested in a veggie meal or snack, try visiting The Plant Cafe-Deli on the Cathedral Yard. As well as being a restaurant and cafe it doubles up as a bakery, grocers and deli. There is also Herbies on North Street, an Exeter institution for vegetarians and those in the know.

Local produce

Local produce in Devon is more than just the cream tea you’ll want when you visit Exeter. However, if Devon means cream teas to you, try No. 21 Cathedral Yard or any number of other cafes in and around Exeter or buy your own, but don’t neglect the many other delicious opportunities to support the community and environment by buying locally sourced produce. Many shops sell locally produced food throughout Exeter, try various greengrocers that are dotted around town, but there are some simpler options for consumers:

• A Farmer’s Market every Thursday at the corner of Fore Street and South Street is the central weekly spot for local produce. From 9am-2pm you can buy meat, vegetables, flowers, eggs, cakes, jams, cheese and the air lingers with the smell of fresh bread and pastries too. It’s worth a browse even if you’re not buying – and there are often a few free samples.
• A Love Local Food van visits the Streatham Campus once a week, and other areas around the town besides. They bring local vegetables, meat, and other assorted products depending on the season, just that little bit more locally to you.
• Pinhoe Organics, a company run by students for students, and officially affiliated with the Exeter Students' Guild, brings organic food not just to the Streatham Campus, but also delivers to the surrounding area. They are just one example of how easy it is to live on locally produced food that also helps the environment.

Among the melee of attractions at The Devon County Show, local food is paramount for many visitors. There are stalls selling meat, pastries, fruit, vegetables, ciders and juices. Have a look at the section about the Devon County Show in ‘Events and Festivals’.

There is a Summer Beer festival at Exeter Castle, and the University also plays host to a Winter Ale Festival in January, including an award for the best ale. Regional ales and ciders are often easy to find in the city’s pubs, and very popular. If you’re into your real ale, then the Imperial (see Pubs) always has several on tap, and a regular ‘guest ale’ slot.