Exeter's best pubs revealed in prestigious guide

Paul and Nataliya Knott, landlords of The Thatched House in Exwick
-Credit: (Image: DevonLive)


If you ever needed an excuse to enjoy a pub crawl around Exeter, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) branch members have provided the perfect one. In its latest book, The Good Beer Guide 2025, it has listed nine pubs in Exeter it recommends visiting.

Although the ones it has selected won't come as much of a surprise, what you might not expect is to find not just one, but three Wetherspoon pubs in Exeter featured in the guide for their quality of real ale. The Good Beer Guide is renowned for being the UK’s best-selling beer and pub guide.

Whether you agree with its latest listings or not, there is no disputing that Exeter is home some of the best pubs that are worthy of celebrating.

READ MORE:Iconic Exeter pub's remarkable transformation after huge changes

READ MORE:'Excellent' Devon pub leaves diners raving over 'everything'

The full list of Exeter's pubs in this year's Good Beer Guide 2025:

Bowling Green, Blackboy Road

The Bowling Green pub in Exeter
The Bowling Green pub in Exeter -Credit:Google Maps

The popular place for Exeter City fans to congregate before home games but it is also renowned for attracting both students and locals who mix well together.

What brings many people through its doors is its 'hidden secret garden', live music, quiz nights, good beer and food menu which is inspired by what goes well with a drink and includes favourites such as fish and chips and pizza.

Nigel Cook and Saskia Russell became managers of The Bowling Green in 2017 and then took on the business just six months before the coronavirus pandemic.

George's Meeting House, South Street

George's Meeting House, South Street, Exeter in 2001 -Credit:Express & Echo
George's Meeting House, South Street, Exeter in 2001 -Credit:Express & Echo

Among its many claims to fame is being Britain's first pub to ban smoking and having a secret burial garden in the back. The pub is set within an 18th century Unitarian chapel with a carved pulpit part of its quirky surroundings.

It became Wetherspoon's second pub in Exeter in January 2005 as the first ever smoke-free pub. It predated the British smoking ban by more than two years.

At the rear of the building is a burial yard with an entire brick crypt and deep vaults.

Hour Glass Inn, Melbourne Street

The Hourglass pub in Exeter
The Hourglass pub in Exeter -Credit:Frankie Mills

In 2021, after several months of closure, iconic Exeter pub the Hour Glass Inn was reopened by the owner of Exeter Brewery, Alan Collyer. Not only has its character been preserved, its reputation for great beers and top-quality food has carried on going from strength to strength.

It was established in 1846 and has its own separate dining room as well as a spacious, friendly bar area. It is hidden away close to the Quay.

The Imperial, New North Road

JD Wetherspoon pub The Imperial, Exeter -Credit:Express & Echo
JD Wetherspoon pub The Imperial, Exeter -Credit:Express & Echo

Affectionately known as The Impy, it is not just a magnet for students but people looking looking for cheap day or night out with good food and booze. The former hotel was the first Wetherspoon pub to open in the region.

The impressive Orangery was added by Dr William Buller Henderson, who purchased the property in 1897. It was originally a heated palm house designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel at Streatham Hall, which later became Reed Hall and is now part of Exeter University. It was moved at the beginning of the 20th century.

Wetherspoons bought the property in August 1994 and spent £1.5million refurbishing it. The pub opened to the public in March 1996.

Port Royal, Weirfield Road

The Port Royal in Exeter lit up at night
The Port Royal in Exeter lit up at night -Credit:The Port Royal

The riverside pub along the Quay is arguably one of the most popular places to flock to in Exeter when the sun comes out. lt dates back to 1844 and for the past five years has been run by business partners Dan Symns and Mark Drew.

It now serves a separate lunch and evening menu, both of which have an emphasis on traditional pub grub. It offers not just a well-stocked bar but also a restaurant and a function room - nicknamed the Boathouse -which is often used for wedding receptions and wakes.

The Sawyer's Arms, Cowick Street

The Sawyers Arms in Exeter
The Sawyers Arms in Exeter -Credit:Google

The 'locals' Wetherspoon boozer is in the heart of St Thomas and has more than its fair share of regulars. Visitors love its selection of beers among other things.

Records show there was a Sawyer's Arms in Exeter in at least the 1850s, although that was located closer to the river. The current building was built in 1966, but was taken over by Wetherspoon 15 years ago.

The Ship Inn, Martins Lane

The Ship Inn
The Ship Inn

One of the city’s oldest and most famous pubs, The Ship Inn, is rumoured to have been visited by the likes of Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh.

The Ship was revamped in 2015 with new furniture, lighting and paintwork as well new toilets and bar, but its refurbishment was careful to retain its original character.

A famous ghost story goes that The Ship Inn once banned Drake from coming in. Legend has it that his ghost now returns and enters the pub as revenge. However, historians have disputed he had any connection with the pub.

Thatched House Inn, Exwick Road

The Thatched House in Exwick -Credit:DevonLive
The Thatched House in Exwick -Credit:DevonLive

Another historical pub, it is run by husband and wife team Paul and Nataliya Knott. It is renowned for many things but perhaps mostly for its hugely popular weekly quiz nights, delicious food including its popular Sunday carvery, wide selection of real ales and beer festivals it hosts twice a year.

Topsham Brewery Taproom, Haven Road

A newer addition in Exeter, its microbrewery offers a diverse range of beers throughout the year. From Milkshake Stouts and juicy IPAs to Hefeweizens and crispy lagers. Also popular is its Portal Pizza truck, open seven days a week.

What's your favourite pub in Exeter? Log in and comment below.