Alternative entertainment at Exeter University
Ok, say you don't like all that r'n'b stuff and like to tune into something most likely involving a guitar at some point, well Exeter has something for you too. It may not be London, which features the Electric Ballroom and Slime, but neither is it a desert for those with an inner goth/indie kid.
Information kindly supplied by The Student Room: http://www.thestudentroom.co.uk
The CavernA small underground bar/gig venue/daytime cafe between Queen Street and Gandy Street, the Cavern offers a pretty cool atmosphere to have a few drinks and enjoy live bands. Bar prices are average, but unlike many places, they sell snakebite - the essential get drunk quick drink (though of course, I don't recommend this...). The decor is an interesting mix of the modern and grungy, with pipes lining the ceiling near the stage yet poster art on the walls. You can buy band CDs at the bar.
Catfish
Catfish is the rather oddly named University Indie society. They run regular events, including Collision (on friday nights at Timepiece, Castle Street). Collision happens in the club part above the bar, but though the music is good, I find myself preferring the main bar downstairs (better drinks range, cool vintage signs). They do nights at the Cavern too, like their end of term xmas party and promote indie bands there such as The Subways - up-and-coming band hailing from my native Herts!
http://www.societies.ex.ac.uk/~catfish/index.htm
Campus BandsRare nights this year have been good, held in the Lemon Grove on main campus. Fortunately, the university has some very talented musicians, as the open mic night demonstrates (open mic is tuesdays at the lemon grove - a chilled evening, where you can cheer your musically gifted friends).
University GigsThe university hosts lots of gigs during the year: smaller ones in the Lemon Grove and larger ones in the Great Hall. Bands that have played in the last few years include Franz Ferdinand, Keane, Motorhead, Bloc Party, Hard -Fi, Supergrass, The Zutons, The Futureheads, Athlete, The Thrills, Doves, Ocean Colour Scene, James Blunt and The Subways amongst others. Tickets can be bought from the Guild Box office and many discounted with an Ents card.
Check out http://www.exeterboxoffice.com gig listings and online tickets.
Other stuffThere are lots of alternative shops in Exeter, particularly in Fore Street and Gandy Street. These include your typical greebo shops, like Blue Banana, and even interesting shops that sell digeridoos, crystals, jewellery, good quality vintage clothing and new age ephemera. All in all, a good place to be!
