Exeter Lives: Rosie Denham

Rosie Denham - Newly self-employed, learning how to run a business, and Exeter City Council Lead Member for Economy & Culture.

Rosie talks to The Exeter Daily about her Exeter and what makes the city a special place to live and work.

How would you describe yourself in 5 words?

Always busy, nearly always late

How would you describe Exeter in 5 words?

Beautiful, friendly, relaxing, adopted home

What brought you to Exeter?

A quirk of fate

Which part of Exeter or the surrounding area is home?

Currently Magdalen Road

What is your favourite place in Exeter?

Riverside Valley Park

What is your favourite Exeter event?

Respect Festival (except when it rains)

What was the last live performance you saw in Exeter and where did you see it?

dream//life at The Bike Shed Theatre

Favourite place to eat out in or near Exeter?

Tyepyedong on Sidwell Street

Best coffee in town?

I very rarely drink coffee, which is convenient because there are so many great local cafes and I don’t want to get in trouble with any of them!

Favourite pub?

The Fat Pig because it’s always so friendly

Favourite locally produced food or drink?

For a while the Real Food Store sold amazing biscuits called Valentines Biscuits and I’ve never tasted anything better. And Sharpham’s wine.

Favourite shop?

Bon Goût on Magdalen Road

Favourite shopping area?

Magdalen Road, although my favourite thing about shopping in Exeter is exploring all the different areas and finding new shops I didn’t know were there.

Exeter Chiefs or Exeter City?

Exeter City, because I was raised on football and also because (until this season!) they shared their red and white stripes with my childhood team, Southampton.

Beach or moors?

Moors

What or where is Exeter's best kept secret?

The view from the top of Renslade House, which I got to see just before I abseiled down the side dressed as Santa…

What one change would you like to see in Exeter?

Long term – everyone can afford to rent or buy a decent home

Short(er) term – a thriving and welcoming evening economy so that the City Centre feels alive after 6pm. I think our City Centre is actually very safe, but we do need to address the problems that make people feel unsafe at night.

Who is your local hero or heroine?

The team who run Devon Rape Crisis Service, which provides a lifeline for so many women.

Do you belong to any local clubs or societies?

I have a long list of things I keep meaning to join, but I’m a member of the Exeter City Supporters' Trust

What are you up to next?

It’s Friday night and I’m going to a meeting. Don’t let anyone tell you being a councillor is glamorous.

Exeter Lives is a regular feature for The Exeter Daily. If you would like to take part, send your answers via email to ted@thedailyuk.com