Exeter Living
Restaurant Reviews
Double Locks
Canal banks
Exeter
tel: 01392 256947
Opening hours: Fri & Sat, food served 12noon-9pm, Sunday 12noon-6pm
We visited: Saturday lunchtime
Prices: Reasonably priced, around the £4.50-£10 range
Disabled access: Good
Service and atmosphere: An Exeter instituition
"Puddings are hearty too, a choice of sticky toffee pudding, hot chocolate pudding – which is lovely and dark like cocoa - or apple pie and custard (all £4.50). Don’t get caught out by the serving times. This time of year, food is available just lunchtime and evening from Monday to Thursday, but Friday and Saturday the kitchen’s open all afternoon from midday til 9pm, and on Sunday from 12 to 6pm.
"You can drive to Double Locks, if you find the road through Marsh Barton and cross a narrow bridge. But for me, it’s the perfect walk along the canal, the short stroll from the city just long enough to feel the sky above and the estuary beyond, and the knowledge that one of my favourite Exeter pubs is waiting with a warm welcome."
Reviewed: Issue 82
Published: January 10
Tea on the Green
2 Cathedral CLose
Cathedral Green
Exeter
tel: 01392 276913
Opening hours: Open seven days a week, food served throughout the day
We visited: Sunday lunchtime
Prices: Sunday roast £8 for one course, £10 for two. Breakfasts from £1.50-£9, salads from £7
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: A good selection
Wine list: A great selection of local wines, beers and ciders
Service and atmosphere: Traditional, but cosy and welcoming
"Tea on the Green is much bigger than it looks from outside, cosy but enough space between tables, and a quiet room upstairs that’s available for hire. They make families welcome, with highchairs and buggy space. For weekday lunches, there are hot dishes from sausage and mash to aubergine and butternut squash tagine (£6), or interesting panini with local ingredients. The salads sound especially tempting (all about £7), like chicken Caesar or roasted beetroot, feta cheese and orange.
Tea on the Green got the approval of my discerning London friends, and it certainly gets mine too."
Reviewed: Issue 81
Published: December 09
The Rusty Bike
67 Howell Road
Exeter
Tel: 01392 214440
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Starters £4-£6, mains £8-£12, deserts £4.50
Wine list: Not bad, but this is a pub first and foremost, so it’s quite short. Still, it is very reasonably priced
Service and atmosphere: A great neighbourhood pub that serves great food. The bar staff are as clued up on their food as they are on their booze
"There’s the addictive lure of the vintage table football, and the Rusty Bike’s bar is stocked with a refreshingly hand-picked range of drinks. The wine list is short, but everything you need, all priced reasonably (£13-£16 for a bottle). There’s a whole array of interesting beers on offer, and somebody who clearly knows about whisky has made scotch a speciality. The rum varieties look intriguing too, and they’re planning to build up the tequila range next. I know I’ll be back at the Rusty Bike soon, partly for the food and atmosphere, but also, to tell the truth, because I need to have another go on the table football."
Reviewed: Issue 80
Published: November 09
Café Boulevard
22 The Harlequin Centre
Exeter
Tel: 01392 273749
Opening hours: Mon-Sat, 9AM-5PM. Friday evening 7pm-10pm for Mexican food. Sundays 10am-4pm
We visited: Friday lunchtime
Do they welcome children? They certainly do. Probably the bet place in the city for a mother with her baby in tow
Vegetarian choice: Absolutely superb, loads of choice
Service and atmosphere: incredibly informal and relaxed, yet at the same time very professional. A winning combination
Tony claims his café serves the best cooked English breakfast in town (£5.25 for the full works). They cater for business breakfasts, happy to push the tables together if you need it. My partner goes on the record to say they make a good cappuccino. The coffee is fair trade coffee, roasted locally in Honiton, and the tea is rainforest alliance-certified. And this is probably the only place in Exeter offering fake bacon in its veggie breakfast.
Reviewed: Issue 79
Published: October 09
The Olive Tree Restaurant
Queen’s Court Hotel,
Bystock Terrace,
Exeter,
EX4 4HY
Tel: 01392 272709
www.queenscourt-hotel.co.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Thu lunch: 12-2pm; dinner: 7-9pm. Fri-Sat lunch: 12-2pm; dinner: 7-9.30pm. Sun lunch: closed; dinner: 7-9pm
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Starters from £5.50, mains from £15, desserts from £5.50
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Reasonable, but some steps to entrance
Service & atmosphere: Romantic and inviting
Dessert of course had to be romantically shared, and our choice of velvety smooth Italian-style lavender pannacotta (£5.95) with a lattice of silvery spun sugar enhanced by sweet strawberry salad and refreshingly tangy Earl Grey and lemon sorbet could not have been more perfect. Coffee and handmade petits fours completed a meal that had fulfilled, and even exceeded, all our expectations.
“No wonder you girls are so keen on it,” said Mr B as we stepped outside into a warm autumn night beneath the glow of a full moon. “If this is romance, I’m all for it.”
Reviewed: Issue 78
Published: October 09
Caffe Espresso
12 Castle Street
Exeter
EX4 3PT
Tel: 07980 601691
We visited: Friday lunchtime
Prices: They vary hugely, but it’s around £4 for soup and £6.50 for a bigger lunch
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Very good
Disabled access: Good
Wine list: Fairly good
Service and atmosphere: Lovely and relaxed service and a slightly bohemian atmosphere downstairs
The café has the feel of a place that’s been created with love and care, nothing corporate, and it’s refreshing to hear helpful staff Mal and Beth chatting with the regulars when they’ve got a free moment. If you arrive before your friends, you can dip into the little shelf of free books from local charity Bookcycle. And if that puts you in a bookish mood, you’re only just around the corner from the library.
Reviewed: Issue 77
Published: September 09
Dukes,
The Esplanade
Sidmouth
Tel: 01395 513320
Opening hours: Mon – Sun from 10am. Food served from 12 noon onwards.
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Starters from £4.25, mains from £9, desserts: £4.75, snacks from £2.75
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Good
Service & atmosphere: Relaxed, continental style.
The portions had been generous, and we should really have stopped there, but just then a tantalising plate of strawberry mille-feuille (£4.75) went past our table and we just had to try some for ourselves. Served with either clotted cream or Yarde Farm ice cream, this perfect summer pudding boasts light flaky pastry layers, strawberries and Duke’s own pastry cream – delicious. This restaurant really was as good as its reputation.
Reviewed: Issue 76
Published: August 09
St Olaves Hotel
18-22 Mary Arches
Exeter
Tel: 01392 217736
www.olaves.co.uk
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Two courses £14.95, three courses £17.95. A la carte menu: starters £6-£10, mains £16-22, puddings £7-8.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Very good
Wine list: Excellent, and includes some local wines
Service: Attentive but not overbearing
"I suspect the restaurant’s décor – and maybe the fact that there’s parking – appeals predominantly to older, discerning diners. In the daytime, the two-course menu is £14.95, going up to £17.95 for three courses. The à la carte menu, of course, is more pricey, with starters ranging from £6-£10, main courses in the £16-22 bracket, and desserts from £7-8.50. But the setting makes it incredibly versatile.
"Can picture a family celebration or a work lunch in a secluded corner, a special tea-time chat with a friend at the tables on the lawn, or wedding pictures by the photogenic courtyard fountain. And some time when we’ve got a babysitter, I’ll be hoping for a romantic dinner by the curved Georgian window."
Reviewed: Issue 75
Published: August 09
Route 2 Café Bar
Topsham
EX3 0JQ Tel: 01392 875085
Opening hours: 8am-8pm Mon-Sun
Prices: from 75p (salted nuts) to £8.95. Sweet things from £1
We visited: Thursday lunchtime
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Good
Service and atmosphere: relaxed and friendly
A Heron Valley apple and pear juice and an Amstel Bier larger were soon follwed by two coffees and something rather special to share. This was a scrummy slice of Real Dutch Apple pie (£2.95) made by Liz’s friend, Marion van der Giezen. Served with clotted cream, it teamed light-as-a feather pastry with plump raisins oozing with juicy sweetness and jut-tart apples with a gorgeous hint of cinnamon.
“Mmm,” said Mr B.
I raised my eyebrows. A tricky Sudoku had, of course accompanied us. I picked up a pen and went to pass it across the table, but Mr B waved the puzzle away impatiently.
He dug his spoon deep into the golden translucent apple mixture with absorbed concentration.
“At times like this I prefer to just savour the moment,” he said.
Reviewed: Issue 74
Published: July 09
The Holt
High Street
Honiton
Tel: 01404 47707
We visited: Tuesday lunchtime
Prices: Lunch, £5-£8.50. Dinner: Starters £4-£6.50, mains £13.50-£15.50. There is also a selection of tapas available
Vegetarian choice: Decent
Disabled access: Good
Wine list: Fine, but the beer’s better
Service and atmosphere: Relaxed: because it’s still a proper pub you never feel on your guard. The upstairs room is better for evening meals
The pigeon salad on the other hand was anything but simple. Gus McCabe is something of an expert when it comes to smoked food, and produces all of his own on site. You could certainly tell he knew his stuff as the deep, almost gamey texture of the meat was delightfully offset by the nutty, woody smokiness of its skin. In turn, the pigeon formed the ideal counterpoint to the sharp, vinegar taste of the pickled veg, with the sweetness of the beetroot cutting through the earthier flavours to really freshen up the palette. It was, in short, a triumph – a real tour de force and proof, if ever it were needed, that these Michelin judging fellows really know their onions.
Reviewed: Issue 73
Published: June 09
The Green Door
Woodbury
EX5 1LQ
Tel: 01395 232801
www.the-greendoor.co.uk
Opening hours: 11am-3pm then 6pm-12pm, lunches: Wed-Sun: served 12pm-2.30pm, dinners: Wed-Sat: served 6.30pm-9.30pm
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Evening menu: starters from £5.95, mains from £10.95, desserts from £3.95
Vegetarian choice: Good
Look out for: Wednesday theme nights (eg Curry Night, Meat Feast, Fish Supper, Scallop & Steak night). Cocktail Night every Thursday: two for one: 6.30pm-8pm
Disabled access: Good
Service and atmosphere: Relaxed and friendly
"However, if you think that a restaurant in deepest Devon might lack sophistication then you would be wrong, as every Thursday night is two-for-one Cocktail Night including the Green Door Devil, an exotic blend of rum, blue curaco, lime juice and orange juice – absolutely delicious. his offer is hugely popular and the bar area was packed with a convivial crowd. Good food. Good drink. Good company. Could it get any better?"
Reviewed: Issue 70
Pubished: April 09
River Cottage Canteen
Trinity Square
Axminster
Tel: 01297 631862
www.rivercottage.net
Opening hours: Mon-Sat. Breakfast 9am-12am. Lunch 12am-3pm. Dinner 6.30-9.30pm. Sunday. Breakfast 10.30-11.30am. Lunch 12am-3pm
Prices: Vary depending on what’s on the menu that day. The most expensive lunch was £10
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Good
Service and atmosphere: Laid back and very friendly
"Need I tell you that they were all awesome? No, thought not. The only complaint was that the torte was a little dry, but that was it. The rhubarb was the pick of the bunch, tasting wonderfully fresh and spring-like, though the juciness of the apple cake ran it a close second.
"What a place, there’s nothing not to like about it: food, ethos, décor; it’s all spot on. Nice one, Hugh, I knew I was right about you."
Reviewed: Issue 69
Published: April 09
Lily’s Restaurant
153 Fore Street,
Exeter,
EX4 3AT
Tel: 01392 278641
www.lilysrestaurantexeter.co.uk
Opening hours: Tues-Sat: 10.00 – 2.30pm; 6pm-11pm. Last orders: 9.30pm.
We visited: Thursday evening
Vegetarian choice: Good
Evening menu: Starters from £4.50, mains form £11.95, desserts from £5.50.
Themed nights (jazz, salsa, 40s swing, tango night): Ticket only: limited availability. Includes 4 course dinner: £28.50. Arrive 7.30pm.
Children: Welcome
Disabled access: Good
Gratuities: At customer’s discretion.
The first thing you notice on entering Lily’s is the fabulous Art Deco interior where curving white plaster and sophisticated black and silver bars conjure up the gorgeously sculptured lines of a 1920s Cunard liner.
Sitting at out table with its crisp white linen cloth and red rose we drank in the atmosphere with schmaltzy songs of the period while perusing the set menu offering a choice of three dishes for each course.
For starters Mr. B opted for the homemade Stilton and broccoli soup accompanied by fresh rosemary bread. “It’s great the way they have actual lumps of melted Stilton in this,” he enthused, “It gives it loads of flavour.”
Reviewed: Issue 68
Published: March 09
MC Café Bar
Abode Exeter
Cathedrale Yard
Tel: 01392 223626
Opening hours: Mon-Sun 9am-10pm
We visited: Tuesday lunchtime
Prices: £4.50-£17.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Good
Wine list: Extensive wine list and cocktail list
Service and atmosphere: Lively atmosphere; pleasantly busy without being overwhelming; attentive staff
"The chips on the other hand were a triumph. I would rive a long way for chips this good: earthy and crisp, with just the right amount of salt. In fact, had Captain Scott had a bowl of these inside him he might just have made it back to base camp after all."
Reviewed: Issue 67
Published: Feb 09
@Angela’s Restaurant
38, New Bridge Street,
Exeter,
EX4 3AH
Tel: 01392 499038
www.angelasrestaurant.co.uk
Opening hours: Lunch: Fri, Sat, Sun: 12.30-2pm. Dinner: tues-Sat: 6.30pm-10pm.
We visited: Thursday evening
Prices: Evening menu: starters from £6, mains from £14.00, desserts from £6. Sunday Lunch offer: 2 courses: £12.50, 3 courses: £15.50
Do they welcome children? Yes
Vegetarian choice: Good
Disabled access: Good
Gratuities: At customer’s discretion
"...Instead we drank Colombian filter coffee with Richard’s homemade fudge and truffles (£3.00), enjoying the company of a room full of contented diners, all the more surprising as it was a wet cold Thursday evening. It’s a huge tribute to Richard and Angela who only opened the restaurant in 2007, and have not only survived but thrived on the rollercoaster ride of the struggling British economy. Mr. B leaned towards me. “Feeling better?” he asked solicitously.
“Much,” I replied, and whisked the last delectable chocolate truffle from underneath Mr. B’s hovering hand into my mouth."
Reviewed: Issue 66
Published: Jan / Feb 09
Wagamamas
Princesshay
Exeter
Tel: 01392 274810
www.wagamama.com
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12noon-11pm, Sunday 12noon-10pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Lunch and dinner: £5-£15
Do they welcome children? Yes, as long as they are accompanies
Vegetarian choice: Plenty available
Disabled access: Good
Service and atmosphere: Informal, relaxed and buzzy with very friendly staff
"Wagamama may not be the place for a lingering dinner à deux, but for well-priced, well-cooked, fresh food in a no-frills atmosphere, you won’t be disappointed."
Reviewed: Issue 65
Published: Jan 09
The Jack in the Green
Rockbeare
Exeter
www.jackinthegreen.uk.com
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Prices: Devon menu £25, a la carte menus at £24 and £40. Bar menu also available
Vegetarian choice: No veggie choice on the Devon menu, when we visited, but good choice on the bar and a la carte menus
Disabled access: Very good
Wine list: Superb
Service and atmosphere: Excellent service, and good surroundings
Reviewed: Issue 64
Published: December 2008
Harry’s Restaurant
86, Longbrook Street,
Exeter
EX4 6AP
Tel: 01392 202234
Opening hours: Mon – Sat Lunch: 12 noon – 2 pm. Dinner: 6pm – 11pm.
Vegetarian choice: Good
Evening menu: starters from £2.00, mains from £7.15, desserts from £4.00
Children: welcome
Diasbled access: good
Gratitudes at customer’s discretion.
"Mr. B perked up with a starter of delightfully cheesy nachos served just as they should be with refried beans, jalapeno peppers, salsa and sour cream (£4.50), while I enjoyed the intense favours of garlic and breadcrumb-coated funghi al forno with blue cheese (£5).For mains we continued the Mexican theme as Mr. B tucked into authentic chilli beef enchiladas with two large filled soft tortillas covered with lashings of sauce (£8.20), while I opted for the informality of spicy marinated chicken fajitas (£9.50).
"The chicken strips, mixed with onions and sweet peppers sizzling in a skillet, have strong visual appeal, while four little tortillas, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and shredded lettuce allow you to mix and match your fajita exactly as you wish.
"Portions are generous, and this led to our one regret of the evening…"
Reviewed: Issue 63
Published: November / December
Mill End Hotel
Dartmoor National Park,
Chagford
Tel: 01647 432282
We visited: Thursday night
Prices: Two courses £28. Three courses £38. Coffee and petits fours £3.50
Vegetarian choice: Very slim, but fine if you eat fish
Wine list: Very impressive
Service and atmosphere: Excellent, formal yet delightfully relaxed
“The cheese was fantastic – a tribute (as was all the food served) to Devon’s wealth of local produce. Jay Allen is the head chef and local to Exeter, and I am in no doubt, after eating his food, that he could become as well known as another local chef, Michael Caines.”
Reviewed: Issue 62
Published: November
Exeter Phonenix Café Bar
Bradninch Place
Exeter
Tel: 01392 667062
Opening hours: Mon – Fri 11.30 am-3pm, 5.30-9pm, Sat 11.30am-9pm, Sun 12-4pm.
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime.
Prices: Wide choice of dishes from £5.95.
Vegetarian choice: Excellent.
Disabled access: Good.
Service and atmosphere: Friendly service and busy, bustling atmosphere. There are live sets from local DJs, acoustic artists and singer songwriters every Sunday.
"Well happily, for those of us in Exeter at least, I think I’ve found the perfect solution to the lunchtime conundrum: the Café Bar at the Exeter Phoenix. I know this may seem a little odd, perhaps a touch out of left field as the Yanks have it, the Phoenix being known more for avant garde exhibitions, trendy bands and the latest plays than for grub, but bear with me, for this is something of a hidden gem."
Reviewed: Issue 61
Published: October / November
The Fat Pig,
John Street,
Exeter,
Tel: 01392 437217
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 11.30am-3pm, 5-11.30pm, Sun 12-3am, 5-10.30pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime.
Prices: Starters £5.25-£6.95. Mains £10.25-£14.95, but the menu changes from day to day.
Vegetarian choice: Very good, a couple of choices per course.
Disabled access: Good.
Wine list: Excellent.
Service and atmosphere: Top rate.
‘As I knocked back the post-lunch espresso (actually two espressos: the coffee was so good I had to go back for more) I divided my time between the paper, chatting to the landlord and ear wigging on the conversation of the other diners. It turned out that the table next to me was full of chefs on their day off enjoying a bit of a bus-man’s holiday, and not one of them had a bad thing to say about the food. Praise from your peers, particularly when it’s completely independent, as this was, is as good as it gets…’
Reviewed: Issue 60
Published: October
The Oddfellows,
37 New North Road,
Exeter,
Tel: 01392 209050
Opening Hours: Lunch; 12-3pm. Dinner; 5.30-9pm Sun-Tues, 5.30-10pm Fri-Sat.
We visited: Tuesday lunchtime.
Prices: Lunches £3.95-£8.50. Starters £3.95 - £5.50. Mains £7.75-£12.95.
Vegetarian Choice: Good, at least one choice in each part of the menu.
Disabled access: Good.
Service and atmosphere: Laid-back, gastro-pub atmosphere, great for both a decent meal or a quick snack. Really good service.
Reviewed: Issue 59
Published: September
The Conservatory
18 North Street
Exeter EX4 3QS
Tel: 01392 273858
"It is the sort of place that immediately puts you at your ease"
Opening hours: Tues – Sat: 12 noon– 2pm, 5.30pm – 11pm. Last orders 9pm.
We visited: Tuesday evening
Vegetarian choice: Good
Evening menu: Starters from £4.25, mains from £9.95, desserts £5.50. Two-course options at £13.95 available for lunch (12pm – 2pm) and Early Bird Dinner (5.30 – 6.45pm).
Children: Welcome
Disabled access: Downstairs dining area.
Gratuities At customer’s discretion but 10% service charge for tables of 7 or more.
Reviewed: Issue 58
Published: August
Issue 57 - Here in Devon we have some of the freshest, finest seafood available right on our doorsteps. So we’ve decided to celebrate the sea’s bounty with three tasty fsh dishes that are perfect for summer dining.
Here's a taster (!)...
Baked sea bass with lime and lemongrass
Whole sea bass slashed and brushed with a green Tabasco baste, stuffed with garlic, lemongrass, ginger and lime slices and baked in the oven.
Serves 2
For the baste:
1 tbsp lime juice
1 ½ tbsp sunfower oil
1 tbsp green Tabasco
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 sea bass, 1½oz (or two medium mackerel) cleaned
1 lime, in thin slices
1in ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
2 spring onions, trimmed and cut on the slant
2 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced
½ stick lemongrass, crushed and thinly sliced into rounds
2 extra sticks lemongrass sliced lengthways
Pea shots for decoration
1. Mix baste ingredients together.
2. Season the cavity of the fish with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Slash the fish on both sides. Brush with baste on both sides and leave covered with clingflm in the fridge for 20 minutes.
3. Remove from fridge and stuff with garlic, lemongrass, ginger, spring onions and lime slices.
4. Preheat the oven to Gas 6/400F/200C.
5. Place remaining lemongrass on a baking sheet and sit fish on top. Brush again with baste.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until fish is cooked through.
7. Serve immediately on a platter decorated with pea shoots. Baked sea bass with lime and lemongrass. Whole sea bass slashed and brushed with a green Tabasco baste, stuffed with garlic, lemongrass, ginger and lime slices and baked in the oven.
The Digger’s Rest
Woodbury Salterton
Exeter
tel: 01395 232375
"Inside, the fishcake was an absolute revelation"
Opening hours: Lunch: midday-2pm. Dinner: 6.30pm-9.30pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Vegetarian choice: Good
Prices: Light bites: £4.75-£9.75. Main course: £8.95-£15.95
Disabled access: A wheelchair access ramp is available.
Extra information: All the ingredients used are sourced from local suppliers. The fish is from Brixton and Looe, the pork from east Devon and the beef is from Devon Ruby Red cattle.
Reviewed: Issue 56
Published: June / July
The Quay Brasserie
6 Topsham Quay
Topsham
EX3 0JB
tel: 01392 876123
Is Topsham the new Morlaix? With cooking like this it certainly could be. Wonderfully prepared French food served in a quirky and welcoming environment, with the beautiful estuary right on the doorstep.
Opening hours: Tues-Sun, 10am-11.30pm; last orders 9.45pm
We visited: Friday evening
Vegetarian choice: Good
Prices: Evening menu: starters from £4.95, mains from £11.95, desserts all £5.50. Specialised grill menu from £11.95. A la carte and grill also served throughout the day along with varied lunch menu. Coffee, snacks and soft drinks available all day
Children: Welcome. Special children’s menu
Disabled access: Good
Service charge: 10% charge added to bill
Extra information: Sunny alfresco dining terrace
Reviewed: Issue 55, Exeter Living
Published: June 13
La BoCa
St. Olave’s Close,
Mary Arches Street,
Exeter
tel: 01392 427524
Clare Blake is spellbound by Moroccan magic and mystery at La BoCa. Authentic Moroccan cuisine, well cooked using good ingredients, in a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant. You just have to keep reminding yourself that you’re in Exeter, not Casablanca.
“It is as if you have been transported to another world”
El Hamra Restaurant: Lunches and evening meals including six mezzas and bottle of house wine for £30;
Hareem Restaurant: more intimate venue ideal for parties e.g. Sultan’s Banquet including belly dancing from £14.95 per person;
Latino1/4: South American grill and carvery from £13.95;
Club Maroc: Late night lounge/cocktail bar with live music from residential DJs.
Opening hours; Mon - Sat: 11am until late; Sun: 5pm until late
Vegetarian choice: Good
Prices: Mezza from £3.75. Main dishes from £9.95. Desserts from £3.50
Children: Welcome
Disabled access: Good
Reviewed: Issue 53 Exeter Living
Published: May 2
FoodeaZe
St. George’s Hall
George Street, Exeter
tel: 01392 269590
(Entrances opposite BHS and next to Exeter Corn Exchange)
Fast food, but not as we know it: Clare Blake discovers a refreshingly honest dining experience at FoodeaZe.
It may not be hugely smart, but FoodeaZe certainly does have some excellent food at remarkably low prices. A great place for lunch when out shopping, or even for a working lunch.
Opening hours; Mon–Wed, 8am–6pm; Thurs–Sat, 8am–8pm; Sundays 10am–4pm
We visited: Saturday lunchtime
Vegetarian choice: Good
Prices: Main courses from £4.95. Freshly baked pastries, cakes etc from 65p
Children: Welcome
Disabled access: Lift at entrance opposite BHS
Reviewed: Issue 52
Published: April 11
The Drewe Arms
Broadhembury
EX14 3NF
tel: 01404 841267
Joe Woodward regrets a lost opportunity at a fish-lovers mecca, and offers up a salutary tale. “Vics’ huge salmon fillet was an unqualified success”
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday. Lunch 12noon-2pm. Dinner 7pm-9pm. Sunday 12noon-2pm
We visited: Monday lunchtime
Price: Starters £7-£8.50. Mains £12-£25. Puddings £5.65
Service: Not included
Vegetarian choices: None on menu
Disabled access: Good
Reviewed: Issue 51 Exeter Living
Published: March 20
Oliva
6-7 Fore Street
Topsham
Devon
Tel; 01392 877878
After a number of dead ends, Clare Blake discovers a sunshine eating experience at Oliva. “The adjoining terrace is ideal for more informal dining”
Opening hours: Mon and Tues, 6.30pm–late. Wed–Sat, lunch 12pm–2pm, dinner 6.30pm–late
We visited: Saturday evening
Price: Lunchtime set menu: two courses £11.95, 3 courses £15.45; evening menu: starters from £5.95, main courses from £12.95, desserts from £4.95; Thursday Night Tapas Special: 4 tapas £14.95, 6 tapas £18.95; Tuesday Night Paella for two plus two glasses of house wine £24.95
Vegetarian choice: Good
Children: Welcome
Service charge: Not included
Disabled access: Good
Reviewed: Issue 50 Exeter Living
Published: Feb 29
The Rock Inn
Haytor Vale
TQ13 9XP
tel: 01364 661305
Joe Woodward drives away the bad dreams at a renowned Dartmoor pub.
A very smart country pub, with a delightful air of olde worlde charm. Its reputation as a foodie haunt is well deserved, with good, locally sourced ingredients solidly cooked. The perfect place for a post-walk bite to eat. “This was a pudding above all other puddings”
Opening hours: 12noon-2pm. Dinner 7-9.30pm
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Price: Lunch. Starters £4.50-£7.50. Main £8.50-£14.95. Puddings £4.95. Dinner, two courses £16, three courses £21
Service: Not included
Reviewed: Issue 49 Exeter Living
Published: February 8
The Masons Arms
Branscombe
tel: 01297 680300
A windswept Joe Woodward checks out the credentials of an award-winning east Devon pub. “I have to say I was impressed Excellent food, reasonably priced, ideal for either a pub lunch or a smart meal out”
Opening hours: Lunch 12noon-2pm. Dinner 7-9pm
We visited: Tuesday lunchtime
Prices: Bar menu: Starters £3.50-£6.50, Mains £9.95-£14.50, Puddings £5-£6.50
Service charge: Not included
Disabled access: Good
Reviewed: Issue 48 Exeter Living
Published: January 18
Rendezvous 10 Wine Bar
38-49 Southernhay East
Exeter
"Feeling maudlin and a little bit Russian, Joe Woodward goes in search of a fine meal to brighten his day. Excellent local produce well cooked and very reasonably prices. Excellent service."
Opening hours: Monday-Saturday 12noon till late
We visited: Wednesday lunchtime
Vegetarian choice: One veggie choice per course
Price: Lunch: Bar snacks £1.50, Starters £3.90-£4.90. Mains £7.90-£8.90. Puddings £3.90-£5.50. Two courses for £10.90
Service charge: Not included
Reviewed: Issue 47 Exeter Living
Published: December 28
