Exeter, a town with a huge student population, unsurprisingly boasts a buzzing nightlife. The Devon city has a wealth of popular, fashionable bars to spend a weekend evening in with friends and family.
Cocktail bars are two-a-penny in Exeter, with stylish interiors and bars stocked with speciality liquors to concoct some truly jaw-dropping liquid masterpieces. Here are our favourite cocktail bars in Exeter.
The Botanist Exeter
Inspired by the varied and aromatic flavours and smells of the world of botanicals, The Botanist Exeter is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts and foodies alike. The bar prides itself on its innovative mixology, with skilled bartenders concocting an array of tantalising cocktails infused with rich botanical flavours.
Cocktail lovers will rejoice at The Botanist’s varied and experimental menu, while foodies will also find a delectable range of dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, showcasing the best flavours of Devon. The Botanist is the perfect spot for an evening of socialising with friends in a laid-back and tranquil environment.
Location: Unit 32, Queen Street Dining Shopping Centre, Exeter, EX4 3HG
Lloyds Lounge
A delightful mix of chic and cosy, Lloyds Lounge is a city centre cocktail bar with charm, charisma, and a fine roof terrace to boot. The atmosphere at Lloyds Lounge, which has been serving Exeter cocktail enthusiasts since 2011, is both inviting and vibrant, with eclectic decor that imbues an instant sense of relaxation upon arrival.
Lloyds Lounge boasts an impressive array of cocktails that are as imaginative as they are delicious. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic martini, or feeling adventurous with one of their signature concoctions, there’s a libation to suit every tastebud.
Location: Catherine Square, Exeter, EX1 1DY
Cosy Club
There’s no better accompaniment to a spot of weekend brunch than a magnificently crafted cocktail. Cosy Club Exeter marries grand architecture, expert mixology and mouth-watering food to create the perfect destination for starting your weekend off in style.
The Cosy Club is located on the ground floor of Exeter’s old Dean Clarke Hospital’s Halford Wing and boasts sublime period features and a large theatrical space for diners to enjoy. The menu at Cosy Club is full of delectable drinks and food with crowd-pleasing cocktails, fry-up brunches, burgers, and much much more.
Location: 1 Southernhay East, 1 Southernhay Gardens, Exeter, EX1 1SG
The Monkey Suit
Image from TripAdvisor
Tucked away in the heart of Exeter, The Monkey Suit is a cosy hideout boasting an eclectic ambience that effortlessly blends retro charm with a modern flair.
The decor at The Monkey Suit is a quirky mix of vintage and contemporary accents, creating a unique and relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding with friends. The bar, unsurprisingly, takes its mixology seriously, offering an impressive array of expertly crafted cocktails that are as delicious as they are inventive.
Location: 161 Sidwell St, Exeter, EX4 6RH
The Terrace
There’s no better way to enjoy a cocktail on a balmy spring or summer evening than on a rooftop terrace overlooking the captivating expanse of Exeter.
The Terrace has become increasingly popular with locals due to its enviable position in the heart of Exeter’s vibrant shopping district, making it the perfect location for socialising over a classic and meticulously crafted cocktail whilst soaking up the sights of Devon’s cultural capital.
The Terrace’s mixologists are friendly and knowledgeable and with a wide array of cocktails on the menu, you won’t be short of choice when visiting this vibrant bar.
Location: Higher Market Guildhall Shopping and Dining, Queen Street Unit 19, Exeter, EX4 3FB
The Bootlegger
Image from Trip Advisor
Nestled in the heart of Exeter, The Bootlegger offers a charming escape into the world of speakeasies and clandestine rendezvous. Tucked away from the bustling, busy streets, this cosy establishment welcomes patrons with a laid-back atmosphere and a menu brimming with tantalising cocktails.
The Bootlegger’s menu is a masterful fusion of classic concoctions and innovative twists. From the timeless Old Fashioned to the adventurous Espresso Martini, there’s a libation to satisfy every palette.
Location: 162-163 Fore Street, Exeter, EX4 3AT
Beckett’s Rooftop Bar
Image from Beckett’s Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars and cocktails are somewhat synonymous terms when it comes to the lexicon of nightlife. Beckett’s Rooftop bar is a stylish retreat for cocktail enthusiasts to enjoy all their favourite libations on a night out.
Beckett’s Rooftop Bar’s menu indulges in all things classic and contemporary, with imaginative twists of popular cocktails to accompany a stylish night out on the town. The bar wants visitors to experience nothing short of pure escapism when drinking in its plush surroundings, and with over 100 seats available, there’s plenty of room for birthday parties and events.
Location: 3 Catherine Street, Exeter, EX1 1EU
The Cocktail Club Exeter
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Looking for a no-nonsense cocktail bar in Exeter? Look no further than The Cocktail Club which, you guessed it, specialises in all things mixology.
The Cocktail Club has an edgy feel to it with its interiors draped in neon-tinged strobe lighting. The Cocktails also pack a punch, with a vast menu of drinks on offer to start the night off with a bang. The Cocktail Club also boasts two cocktails for £12 happy hour, whilst the bartenders are not averse to dancing behind the bar for your entertainment since the vibes at The Cocktail Club are nothing short of immaculate at all times.
Location: 23 Gandy Street, Exeter, EX4 3LS
The Ocean Club
Exeter’s famous quayside is the perfect location for locals and visitors to the city to enjoy a balmy evening looking out over the docks. Amongst The Quay’s many bars and restaurants sits The Ocean Club, one of Exeter’s hippest cocktail bars.
The bar has a distinctly Mediterranean feel and infuses the continent’s love of all things cocktails and nightlife with a lively bar, kitchen, and nightclub. Whether you’re looking to dance the night away or just sit and watch the world go by, The Ocean Club is an unparalleled location for indulging in all things cocktails in Exeter.
Location: The Ocean Club Exeter, 43 The Quay, Exeter, EX2 4AN
Crocketts
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Specialising in artisan gins, locally distilled in the southwest, Crocketts is a bonafide local classic of the cocktail bar variety. The interiors of this one-of-a-kind bar are inviting and stylish in equal measure while cocktail connoisseurs will have a field day looking over the bar’s imaginative menu.
Located in a Grade-II listed building, Crocketts is a popular institution in the vibrant and historic cultural quarter of the city. The establishment boasts a handmade copper bar and a ‘library’ with upstairs seating.
Location: 2 Upper Paul Street, Exeter, EX4 3NB