So I’ve left Exeter for good. I’m probably never going back, unless I somehow inherit a ton of money and decide to fly across the world. Before leaving, I spent my last few days wandering around alone, trying to take in as much as I can, forcing my neurons to retain all the sights, sounds and smells. So as a final tribute to this wonderful place I called home for three years, I decided to put together a list of places to eat and visit for people to truly enjoy Exeter.
To do:
Quay – Canal – Double Locks – I love going for a run/jog/walk/cycle by the Quay. If you follow the Exeter Canal (not the main river), you’ll came across the famous Double Locks. Keep going and you’ll find yourself halfway to Topsham. It’s meant to be a route for cyclists and you can actually make your way to Dawlish in a few hours, or take a ferry to Topsham. Why go? Because it’s stunning. Even under a cloudy sky, it’s just beautiful.
The Exeter Phoenix – For days when I feel like checking out some pretty interesting art exhibits. I never understand what’s up on the walls but it’s a great place to discover someone’s interpretation of life. They’ve also got live performances and bands and stuff. I signed on to their mailing list and often got invites to talks the by the artists who’s work was being showcased (there’s probably a proper term for this, let me know if there is!).
The Bike Shed Theatre – For budget plays and a relaxed place to catch live performances. Loads of acting companies use the space to test out their “works in progress” that end up in interesting debates and discussions. I rarely contribute but it’s always great to hear what other people got from watching the same thing I did.
We also have a museum, The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and the always stunning Exeter Cathedral. I once attended an Evensong and was pleasantly surprised to see the head of Flexible Combined Honours (my “school”) singing in the choir.
To eat:
The Glorious Art House – The prettiest place out of the lot, this places serves pretty good food and coffee. I usually get a soup or a stew or curry when I’m there. I love the paper straws they use too. Go up to the 2nd floor and there’s a really pretty clock. Carry on to the 3rd floor and you’ll find a small gallery showcasing work from local artists. It’s a really unique place. AND they have Wifi!
Devon Coffee – A cosy and tiny place squashed between some watch shop and Cafe Nero on Queen Street. I loved revising for exams in there. There was no wifi so it forced me to focus on my work, whilst enjoying their awesome playlist and the smell of coffee in the air.
The Exploding Bakery – They make amazing pour overs (I am appalled at my level of coffee snobbery) and quesadillas. I usually slap on some mustard or Sirarcha and it’s perfection. Another thing to try is their brownies. It’s absolutely moist (I hate that word) and doesn’t feel too heavy (or jelak for Malaysians), the way brownies can tend to morph into after the first few bites.
Boston Tea Party – For more substantial food, or just really yummy pancakes, I usually go to The Boston Tea Party, which is where I’m wrote the first draft of this post (fun fact for you there!). I love their high ceiling and giant windows. Equipped with Wifi, this place is usually swarmed with very hipster looking people in the middle of hipster meetings or typing away on their Macs. I try my best to blend in. #noshame
Coffee #1 – For a place with more couches and no Wifi, ideal for reading or eavesdropping on conversations, I go to Coffee #1 just behind Princesshay. The baristas there are incredibly friendly. It’s the perfect place for a 3pm coffee break, which I’ve been taking quite often these days.
The Old Firehouse – An oldie but a goodie. They serve awesome drinks and giant pizzas (even-a-6ft-rugby-player-would-struggle-to-finish-this, sort of ginormous) after 8pm every night at ridiculously cheap prices. I love their Pulled Pork Pizza, it’s a great mix of pork and jalapeños and barbecue sauce. Head over on Sunday evenings to catch live gigs by uni students.
I hope this is helps anyone visiting or heading over this September to start a new term. I’m going to miss this place so much, and no I am not sorry for going on and on about it.
Till my next post, ta!
NEXT TRAIN OUT 