Grand opening revealed for Exeter’s new fine-dining and cocktail lounge on Cathedral Green
Visitors and residents of Exeter are in for a real treat as No. 5, an exciting new fine-dining restaurant and cocktail lounge located on Cathedral Green, has announced it will officially open its doors at 9am on Tuesday 8th December.
No.5 occupies the former ASK Italian restaurant in the historic grounds of Cathedral Green. The new venue will serve an incredible selection of the finest food and drink in a luxurious but relaxed setting. Dinner guests, coffee drinkers and cocktail connoisseurs are sure to fall in love with this incredible new venue. The restaurant will feature two individual dining rooms, each specifically designed with a unique theme and dining offering.
Set in a Grade I listed building dating back to the 16th century, No.5’s owners – Linda and Charles Horner – are said to have thoroughly enjoyed bringing this iconic building back to its full glory.
The couple, founders of No.3 in Topsham and popular Exeter gin bar, Crocketts, comment: “No. 5 has been a real joy to transform”, with Charles, who has a successful background in property, adding how he particularly enjoyed the process; “Anyone who has previously been in the building will know how incredible the rooms are with their spectacular period features. Our vision has been to restyle the interiors in a bespoke, contemporary fashion but with a classic twist. It has been a lot of fun selecting all of the pieces for the venue. It is furnished throughout with a range of carefully selected beautiful antiques, many of which are locally sourced, to complement the high ceilings and grand staircases.”
Despite the uncertain climate, which has brought great challenges in particular to the hospitality industry, Linda and Charles are more determined than ever with their launch. Linda comments: “I feel No. 5 is a great opportunity to bring something positive to the community during what has been an unsettling and difficult time for so many. We source locally as much as possible, so are supporting many local businesses wherever we can, and have also employed a number of staff who have been adversely affected by the redundancies from larger restaurant chains due to the pandemic. We want No. 5 to be somewhere for everyone to come, relax and enjoy themselves and believe we have achieved this by crafting unique rooms and a wide selection of food and drink options.”
Fine-dining will be a prominent feature of No. 5 with guests able to enjoy two areas on the ground floor – the Botanical restaurant, located at the rear, which offers a more formal setting and the Cathedral View restaurant, providing a more relaxed vibe. As well as lunchtime and evening dining experiences, including magnificent Sunday roasts, No.5 is also offering a Parisian style breakfast sourced from one of Exeter’s much loved foodie outlets, the Exploding Bakery. Luxurious and decadent afternoon tea experiences are also on the menu, meaning there are plenty of excuses to visit this venue day and night.
Linda adds: “Our intention is to create a destination venue that satisfies all tastes – intimate, romantic dinners, relaxed cocktails cosied up with friends or a classic afternoon tea and everything in between”.
Stepping into the magnificent No.5 through the beautiful grand iron archway, guests will be led through to an impressive staircase boasting a beautiful antique chandelier which was discovered in the roof space. Leading into the Botanical restaurant, guests will discover deep wood panel walls, immediately creating the impression of what is to come. Each and every room at the venue provides guests with an exclusive experience. On the ground floor lies the Botanical restaurant, taking its name from the botanical themed interior design (think sumptuous plants and pretty botanical wallpaper), this room offers a luxurious fine-dining experience, perfect for formal celebrations and intimate romantic meals, with a specifically crafted menu using locally sourced produce and ingredients designed by No.5’s head chef Sam Billson, formerly of Sandy Park.
Opposite, at the front of the building lies the Cathedral View restaurant. Serving the same excellent fine-dining menu in a more laid back setting. Guests can find themselves relaxing with friends and family, whilst enjoying an incredible view across the Cathedral Green. Finally, on the first floor, is the cocktail lounge, the perfect combination of luxury and tranquillity. Decorated in a vintage, Gatsby style, evoking the glamorous by-gone eras. The cocktail lounge provides an exciting menu full of both classic and innovative cocktails.
No. 5 also has another area, which previous owners have failed to take full advantage of – a stunning secret garden at the rear, to accompany the gorgeous courtyard in the front, making for a fantastic place to enjoy cocktails and excellent cuisine in the warmer months. In addition, to add some Christmas magic this year with their grand opening, No.5 will also feature two dazzling, magical domes in the garden, ideal for cosying up with friends, whilst sipping on splendid cocktails and winter-warmer drinks.
No.5 will open at 9am on Tuesday, December 8th, with bookings being taken now. The restaurant will be open seven days a week, from 9am - 11pm.
Website: no5-exeter.co.uk
Phone number: 01392 758681
