Exeter’s best indie cafes

Mango’s Café & Bar 

Good for: drinks options

Situated on Exeter’s quayside, in one of the historic cellars, this small, independent café is highly regarded for its breakfast and light lunches. For meat lovers, it offers a mouth watering farmer’s breakfast, consisting of all the usual English breakfast components plus a portion of grilled chorizo. It also has a great array of vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free alternatives. Depending on your mood, you can enjoy a wholesome hot chocolate and cake by the waterfront, or take advantage of their impressive alcohol menu for a boozy brunch. It is also dog-friendly.

Above: Chandos Deli. Image: Ella Woszczyk

Chandos Deli 

Good for: sandwiches

Centrally located in Princesshay but tucked behind the shops, Chandos is an award-winning sandwich deli, serving fresh homemade baguettes, pastries, and roasted coffee. They also have salad and charcuterie options, with flavours from around the world. They also claim to have the best freshly squeezed orange juice in Exeter… 

Above: The Press House. Image: Ella Woszczyk

The Press House 

Good for: stationary lovers 

A letterpress studio come coffee shop, The Press House is just 5 minutes from the busy shopping area in the creative quarter of Fore Street. For food, they serve a unique array of delicious-looking pancakes and toast, which you can personalise with add-on items. The café has a simple yet aesthetic interior and is well regarded as having great atmosphere and service.

Arrietty 

Good for: local connections

Located on Longbrook Street, Arrietty was opened in 2017 by the same family behind Exeter’s iconic Harry’s restaurant. Known for their hospitality expertise and high quality produce, the family’s small coffee shop doubles as a retail establishment selling flowers and small gifts. They have recently started hosting ticketed Paint ‘n’ Sip evenings where people can come together with a canvas, wine, and nibbles. 

Drakes Coffee House 

Good for: cheaper eats 

This tiny café is an easy one to miss. Tucked away in the cathedral yard, this hidden gem boasts some tasty sourdough options, as well as great coffee. A simpler option with a smaller menu, this is a great choice if you want to sit in a cobbled courtyard and enjoy the ambience. The only time we tried to get into Drakes, we couldn’t find a table indoors which certainly speaks for itself! 

Above: Sacred Grounds. Image: Ella Woszczyk

Sacred Grounds 

Good for: vegetarians

Located in the heart of Exeter’s Independent West quarter, this all-vegetarian café has been praised for providing fresh, innovative food at reasonable prices. The space has been specially designed to be welcoming to all, making it dog-friendly and wheelchair and buggy accessible. Like its menu, the interior makes you feel closer to nature, with the natural light from its glass ceiling revealing a room full of plants. You may audibly gasp when you approach the building, which stands at the end of a fairy light-lit alley full of artistic businesses, including a vinyl store and independent bookshop.

Above: The Glorious. Image: Ella Woszczyk

The Glorious Art House 

Good for: creatives

Just across the road from Sacred Groups, you’ll find the vibrant café bar and creative workshop, The Glorious. The building is a living work of art in itself, with its authentic Mexican tiles sure to grab the attention of any passers by. Food has been described as simple but nourishing, and be sure to try out the Glorious hot chocolate with marshmallows. It boasts a dark, inviting interior that makes you feel as though you’ve been transported away from the busy streets of central Exeter.

The Undergrad 

Good for: students

Just a 15-minute walk from Streatham campus on Bampfylde Street, this is an ideal student-friendly café. Not only can you buy coffee for around £3, you can also take advantage of their free Wi-Fi and get some university work done in a cosy environment. They frequently host events, including live music and pottery making, and have a tasty brunch menu.

Above: The Tiny Tasting Room. Image: Ella Woszczyk

The Tiny Tasting Room

Good for: writing

This adorable little café is down the same alleyway as the Ship Inn, offering an inviting downstairs with a till manned by smiley staff and a cosy upstairs complete with plenty of seating and plants. It offers more vegetarian options than it does meat, but its portion sizes are generous, and you are given the option of adding a side salad with no extra charge. Its tranquil vibe means that this café feels more like a home than a business, in the best way possible.