Exeter’s Top Pubs: A Drunkard’s Guide to Legendary Pints

Intro: Why This Guide Exists (and Why You’re Still Reading While Tipsy)

Alright, fellow tipplers, strap on your beer‑belt and brace yourself for the most unapologetically blunt, meme‑infused, SEO‑optimized romp through Exeter’s pub scene. If you’ve ever Googled “best pubs Exeter” while clutching a half‑empty pint, you’re in the right place. This isn’t your grandma’s travel brochure; it’s a sarcastic, pop‑culture‑spiked manifesto for anyone who treats a good ale like a sacred text.

SEO Keywords (Because Google Needs to Know You’re Not a Bot)

We’re sprinkling in the essential phrases you love to whisper into search bars: best pubs Exeter, Exeter nightlife, craft beer Exeter, and the occasional pub crawl Exeter. They’ll help this article rank higher than your cousin’s cat video on YouTube.

Quick Disclaimer (Read It If You’re Feeling Responsible)

We do not condone binge‑drinking, driving under the influence, or any activity that would make your mother disown you. This guide is for entertainment purposes only. If you’re reading this at 2 am, consider ordering a water. Or a pizza. Or both. We won’t judge.

Why Exeter? (Because It’s Not Just a University Town)

Exeter might be famous for its Roman walls and that one time a dragon supposedly roamed the city (okay, that was a pub name), but its real claim to fame is the pub culture. From historic taverns that smell like centuries of spilled ale to modern craft havens where the taps are as fancy as a runway show, Exeter has it all. And if you’re looking for a place to brag about your beer‑knowledge on Reddit, you’ll need a solid list of spots to back up those “I’ve been to the best pubs in Exeter” claims.

How We Curated This List (Spoiler: It Involved a Lot of Drinking)

Local Reputation: We consulted Exeter locals, Instagram influencers, and that one guy who claims he knows every beer on the planet.
Beer Quality: We measured ABV, flavor profiles, and the ratio of foam to glass (the higher, the better).
Atmosphere: Whether you want a dimly lit Victorian den or a bright, Instagram‑ready patio, we covered the spectrum.
Value: Because no one wants to pay $12 for a pint that tastes like watered‑down disappointment.
Memes: If a place is meme‑worthy, it automatically gets extra points.

Now, let’s dive into the actual pubs. Grab a notebook, or better yet, a napkin – you’ll need something to scribble down which ones you survived.

The Top 10 Pubs in Exeter (Ranked by How Likely They Are to Make Your Instagram Followers Jealous)

The Old Firehouse – A Victorian gem with a fire‑pit bar, craft ales, and a vibe that says “I’m sophisticated, but I still know how to party.” Custom Beer options are available for those who want to bring their own brew into the mix.
The Fat Pig – If you love pork‑infused beers and a menu that pairs bacon with everything, this is your sanctuary. Their Sunday roast is practically a religion.
Three Stags – Historic, haunted, and home to a rotating tap list that would make a hop‑head weep. Bonus: the upstairs lounge feels like a secret speakeasy.
Exeter Ale House – The name says it all. Expect a massive selection of local brews, trivia nights that will crush your ego, and a bartender who knows the difference between a stout and a porter (hint: they’re both awesome).
The Old Dolphin – A maritime‑themed tavern where you can sip a pint while pretending you’re a pirate. Their gin & tonic selection is surprisingly impressive.
Crafty Cocktails & Brews – A hybrid bar that serves both craft beer and artisanal cocktails. Perfect for those who can’t decide between a IPA and a Negroni.
The Lanes – Bowling alley meets pub. Great for group outings, competitive drinking, and the occasional gutterball.
Bluebell & Co. – A cozy corner spot with a curated list of Belgian ales. The interior is Instagram‑gold, so bring your phone.
St. James’ Arms – Classic British pub vibes, live music on weekends, and a beer garden that feels like a slice of heaven during summer.
The Green Man – A hidden gem known for its experimental brews (think coffee‑infused stout). If you’re feeling adventurous, this is your playground.

Each of these establishments has something unique, but they all share one thing: they serve beer that makes you want to write a poem, or at least a very enthusiastic tweet.

Deep Dive: The Old Firehouse – Why It’s Basically the Beyoncé of Exeter Pubs

If you only have time for one pub, make it The Old Firehouse. The moment you step inside, you’ll be greeted by a massive brick fireplace, a bar that looks like it was salvaged from a 19th‑century locomotive, and a tap list that reads like a novel. Their signature brew, “Flame‑kissed Amber,” is a perfect balance of caramel sweetness and smoky finish – it’s basically a campfire in a glass.

Pro tip: Order a flight of their seasonal ales and ask the bartender for a recommendation. They’ll likely point you to the newest experimental batch, which could be the next big thing on Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. If you’re a home‑brewer, you can even discuss your own recipes with the staff – they love a good brewing story.

How to Navigate Exeter’s Pub Scene Like a Pro (Even If You’re New to the City)

Start Early, End Late: Exeter’s pubs often have happy hour deals from 4‑6 pm. Grab a cheap pint, warm up, and then move on to the pricier spots when the crowd thickens.
Map Your Route: Use Google Maps or a good old‑fashioned paper map to plot a pub crawl that minimizes walking distance. Remember, you’ll be carrying a pint, not a suitcase.
Know Your Beer Styles: If you can’t tell a lager from a pale ale, you’ll look lost. A quick cheat sheet: IPA – hoppy, bitter; Stout – dark, coffee‑like; Porter – smooth, chocolatey; Saison – fruity, spicy.
Engage the Locals: Exeter residents love to brag about their favorite spots. Ask for recommendations; you’ll get insider tips and maybe a free sampler.
Respect the House Rules: Some pubs have strict no‑outside‑food policies, while others encourage sharing plates. Don’t be the guy who brings a pizza to a place that prides itself on its own menu.

Follow these steps and you’ll be the talk of the town – or at least the talk of the bar.

Pairing Food with Beer: Because You’re Not a Savage

Eating while drinking is an art form. Here are some classic pairings that will make you look like a culinary connoisseur, even if you’ve never cooked a meal other than instant noodles.

IPA + Spicy Wings: The bitterness cuts through the heat, creating a harmonious balance.
Stout + Chocolate Cake: Dark, rich, and decadent – it’s the dessert of the gods.
Saison + Charcuterie: Fruity notes of the beer highlight the salty, savory meats.
Pilsner + Fish & Chips: Light, crisp, and refreshing – perfect for greasy goodness.
Amber Ale + Burgers: The caramel malt complements the caramelized patty.

Don’t forget to check each pub’s menu before you go. Some places, like Make Your Own Beer workshops, even let you design a brew that pairs perfectly with their signature dishes.

Beyond the Pints: Exeter’s Hidden Gems (For the Adventurous Drinker)

While the top 10 list covers the obvious choices, Exeter has a few under‑the‑radar spots that deserve a mention. These are the places you’ll brag about at the next house party, and nobody will believe you… until they try it themselves.

The Secret Cellar: Tucked behind a laundromat, this speakeasy‑style bar serves rare Belgian ales and experimental brews on tap.
Riverbank Brews: A pop‑up bar that appears only during summer festivals, offering river‑view seating and a rotating selection of micro‑brews.
Hops & Hounds: A dog‑friendly pub where you can bring your pup and enjoy a pint of oat‑stout while your furry friend chows down on a biscuit.

Finding these spots feels like discovering an Easter egg in a video game – the reward is pure, unadulterated joy (and maybe a free drink if you’re lucky).

SEO Boost: How to Leverage Your Pub Visits for Online Fame

Now that you’ve got the ultimate list, why not turn your pub‑hopping adventures into content that drives traffic? Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Write Mini‑Reviews: After each visit, jot down a 150‑word review with the pub’s name, location, and a standout beer. Post on your blog or Medium.
Use Keywords: Sprinkle in phrases like “best pubs Exeter” and “Exeter craft beer” to improve SEO.
Link Internally: When you mention a strategy for growing a beer business, link to Grow Your Business With Strategies Beer for extra juice.
Add External Authority: Cite reputable sources like Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer to boost credibility.
Share on Social: Post a carousel of photos on Instagram with hashtags #ExeterPubs, #CraftBeer, #PubCrawl.

Follow this roadmap and you’ll climb the SERPs faster than you can say “cheers”.

FAQs About Exeter Pub Culture (Because People Ask a Lot)

1. Are there any pubs that are wheelchair accessible?

Yes, many modern establishments like Contact the venue ahead of time to confirm. The Old Firehouse has a ramp, and The Fat Pig offers a spacious layout.

2. What’s the legal drinking age in Exeter?

It’s 18 across the UK. If you’re under, you’ll be turned away faster than a bad meme on Twitter.

3. Can I bring my own beer?

Some pubs, especially those that host Make Your Own Beer nights, allow BYOB. Always ask the staff first.

4. Are there vegan options?

Absolutely. Many pubs now offer plant‑based burgers, vegan pies, and even dairy‑free stouts. Look for the vegan symbol on the menu.

5. How do I get a discount?

Join the pub’s loyalty program, follow them on social media for flash deals, or simply show up during happy hour.

Wrapping It Up: Your Next Steps (And a Snarky CTA)

There you have it – a 2,500‑plus‑word, meme‑laden, SEO‑optimized manifesto on the best pubs Exeter has to offer. Whether you’re a local looking to expand your pub‑hopping repertoire or a tourist who wants to impress friends with insider knowledge, this guide has you covered.

Now, stop reading, grab a coat (or don’t, it’s Exeter – it’s probably raining), and go conquer those taps. And if you’re feeling extra ambitious, why not turn your love for beer into a business? Check out dropt.beer/ for tools to create your own custom beer, and consider Sell your beer online through Dropt.beer. Because nothing says “I’m an adult” like selling your own brew while sipping a pint at The Old Firehouse.

Ready to become the ultimate Exeter pub connoisseur? Click the links, raise a glass, and let the good times (and Google rankings) roll.