Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
will explain why—he uses the freshest local produce, and he has a fine touch with
French cuisine. The dining room is comfortably stylish with white table linens and
cream walls. The menu changes constantly, but starters could include a delicate
tartlet of Devon quail or pan-fried Brixham scallops with roasted parsnips. Main
courses might feature roasted partridge with braised chicory, slow-roasted pheasant
with pumpkin and lentils, or loin of local venison. Desserts are decadent, and service
is outstanding. This place is popular, so make reservations at least a day in advance.
In the ABode Exeter at the Royal Clarence Hotel, Cathedral Yard.
&
01392/223638.
www.michael
caines.com. Reservations required. Main courses £22-£25; fixed-price 2-course lunch £17, 3-course
lunch £24; 7-course table d'hôte menu £68. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Sat noon-2pm and 7-10pm.
Ship Inn
ENGLISH In a lovely historic building that dates back to the
16th century, this inn was, in its day, visited by Sir Francis Drake, Sir Walter
Raleigh, and Sir John Hawkins. Today it's a busy pub restaurant where you can
have a drink or two, or stay for a full meal. A selection of snacks is available in the
bar; full meals are served in the restaurant upstairs. The menu offers fairly good
pub options, including steak, fried and grilled fish, and sandwiches and hamburg-
ers at lunchtime. Prices are reasonable.
St. Martin's Lane.
&
01392/272040.
Reservations recommended. Restaurant main courses £6-£13.
MC, V. Daily noon-9pm.
Treasury Restaurant
CONTINENTAL A small but classy eatery in St. Olaves
Hotel in the center of town, the Treasury is a good option for those who like the personal
touch. The dining room is beautifully decorated with white linens and dark, polished
wood floors—the tables are gathered loosely around a fireplace. The menu reflects the
sophisticated palate of the congenial owners. The food is French-influenced local cui-
sine, so starters could include farmhouse-style ham hock terrine with brioche, or pan-
fried local scallops with apple and cider sauce. Main courses include roasted local lamb
with wild mushroom gateau, or whole lemon sole served on the bone with capers. The
cheese plate is worth trying for its rich local creations.
In the St. Olaves Hotel, Mary Arches St.
&
01392/217736.
Reservations recommended. Main courses
£16-£25. MC, V. Daily noon-2pm and 7-9:30pm.
Shopping
If you're looking for arts and crafts or antiques, head to the historic Quay off Western
Way. The
Quay Gallery Antiques Emporium
(
&
01392/213283;
www.exeter
quayantiques.co.uk) houses 10 dealers who sell furniture, porcelain, metalware, and
other collectibles. The
Antique Centre,
on the Quay (
&
01392/493501
), has 20
dealers, each with its own specialty era. The
South Gate Gallery,
64 South Street
(
&
01392/435-8000
), sells original local art and prints.
The High Street, which runs through the town's center, is the primary shopping
street in Exeter for clothing, books, food, and other day-to-day goods. The modern
Princesshay
shopping center (on Princesshay Street, signposted off the High Street;
&
01392/459838
) also has plenty of useful shops and restaurants including Acces-
sorize (for inexpensive jewelry), an Apple Store, Dorothy Perkins, Topshop, and
Debenhams (for clothing).
Entertainment & Nightlife
Exeter is a lively university town offering an abundance of classical music concerts
and theatre productions, as well as clubs and pubs.
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