Three Unusual Exeter Pubs you Need to Visit

Throughout Exeter there are hundreds of pubs, each with its own unique history and fascinating backstory. Many of us know that Sir Francis Drake often visited the Ship Inn on Martin’s Lane, whilst others may know that The Old Firehouse inspired The Leaky Cauldron in JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series. Still, there are some pubs that stand out from the rest when it comes to high strangeness, and we thought we’d introduce you to a few of them.

You Can Buy With Bitcoin at The Port Royal

"The Port Royal Inn Pub", Geograph, CC-BY-SA 2.0

The Port Royal has remained a favourite for many locals due to its friendly atmosphere, traditional food and entertaining quiz nights, but this pub is a lot more modern than it seems.

While you may have been to this idyllic waterfront pub in the past, you may not be aware that you can pay for your meal or your pint with Bitcoin. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, Bitcoin is an extremely popular cryptocurrency that exists solely online but can be used to purchase all kinds of goods and services, both online and in person. The security and simplicity Bitcoin offers customers and companies alike has encouraged many online and real-world businesses to embrace it as a form of payment, including Microsoft, Expedia and Steam. There are even brands that deal exclusively in Bitcoin such as VegasCasino, an online casino which you can visit now to play numerous casino games such as slots, roulette and even live poker in exchange for Bitcoin. The Port Royal’s choice to embrace Bitcoin is as innovative as it is unusual, and we hope to see more Exeter establishments follow their lead in the future.

The Well House Tavern has Some Hidden Secrets

Jonathan Thacker, Geograph, CC BY-SA 2.0

If you live in or around Cathedral Yard, chances are you’re aware of the fire that devastated all three of the buildings that surround The Well House Tavern including The Royal Clarence Hotel last October. Fortunately, this spooky pub is set to reopen in the near future, and we are definitely looking forward to it as this place has a very strange history (as well as some good grub).

As if the fact it somehow avoided a raging fire that destroyed the surrounding buildings isn’t eerie enough. The Well House Tavern is renowned around town as the home of an ancient well that dates back to the Norman Conquest as well as a mysterious skeleton consisting of both male and female bones from the ninth century. According to folklore, these are the remains of a monk and a nun who either jumped down the well together or were bricked up in the wall, depending on who you ask. Although the bones may now have to be moved, The Well House Tavern will remain a popular haunt amongst those who enjoy all things creepy and unexplained.

Cosy Club Used to be a Hospital

Derek Harper / Geograph, CC-BY-SA 2.0

When we think of brand chains, we usually think of modern establishments with cookie-cutter layouts and uniform designs. However, this doesn’t seem to be the case for Cosy Club as the newest chain to open in Exeter is extremely unique.

Situated in Southernhay, Cosy Club takes up the ground floor of the old Dean Clarke Hospital’s Halford Wing. Not only is it clear from the outside that this pub is based in an old hospital, the owners have even decided to embrace the building’s past within. For instance, there is a surgeon’s operating table-inspired bar that compliments the Victorian tarot card reader themed room. Portraits hand from the walls between rustic hospital doors and numerous old fashioned lampshades hang from high ceilings. Still, the pub remains tasteful so you shouldn’t worry about being constantly reminded that the space used to be packed with doctors and patients, but it is pretty cool to think about occasionally.