Exeter Pl, Derby DE1 2EU

About This Pub

You know, I had a lovely time at the Exeter Arms the other day, and I reckon it's one of those places that just hits the mark for a proper pub experience. It's got this wonderful old-school feel, like you've wandered into a cosy country inn right in the middle of the urban buzz, with dim lighting and a fire that warms you up on a chilly evening. The food is a standout – we're talking hearty, award-winning dishes that mix traditional pub favourites with a bit of flair, and it's all served up with real care. Pair that with a great range of ales from local brewers, and you've got yourself a winner for a casual meal or just sinking a pint. The team behind the bar are absolute gems, always chatting away and making sure everything runs smoothly, which adds to that welcoming atmosphere. It's even dog-friendly, so if you're out with your four-legged mate, that's a nice touch. On the downside, it does fill up quickly, so popping in on a whim might leave you queuing, and the hours can wrap up earlier than you'd like sometimes, which is a shame if you're in the mood for a longer session. All in all, it's a solid choice for anyone after good grub, decent drinks, and a friendly vibe – I'd say give it a go if you're in Derby, but maybe plan ahead to make the most of it.

Pros and Cons

Pros
  • The charming atmosphere feels like a step back in time, with cosy dimly lit rooms and a roaring fire that makes you feel right at home in the heart of Derby
  • The food is absolutely spot on – award-winning pub grub with a modern twist, from tasty pies and kebabs to adventurous international dishes, all at a reasonable price
  • The staff are wonderfully friendly and attentive, always ready with a warm welcome and helpful service that really makes the visit memorable
  • It's dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry companion along, and they've got a fantastic selection of great ales from local breweries like Dancing Duck
Cons
  • It can get quite busy, especially on evenings and weekends, so it's wise to book ahead to snag a table and avoid any waiting around
  • The closing times might feel a tad early on some days, which could cut short your evening if you're hoping for a late-night pint

Contact Information

Exeter Pl, Derby DE1 2EU
+441332605323
Pub
Closed

Opening Hours

Monday12:00 - 23:00
Tuesday12:00 - 23:00
Wednesday12:00 - 23:00
Thursday12:00 - 23:00
Friday (Today)12:00 - 00:00
Saturday12:00 - 00:00
Sunday12:00 - 22:30

Location

Recent Reviews

Been recently and had to return for another excellent Sunday roast with friendly efficient service from all the staff creating a great atmosphere in this lovely quirky pub. Second time here and the remembered by Lel as soon as we came in. Great pub, great food & welcomes dogs and their humans. Shout out to Lel & Joe for great service.
LP
Lawrence Phillips
Fantastic meal today before the Rams game. I had the Farmer and Fisherman which was sensational - far more fries than I thought but not complaining! Everything was lovely - from the steak to the prawns to the spinach. My friends had Korean Fried Chicken and the Fish Finger Sandwich - both enjoyed too.
JR
James Randall
One of the best traditional pubs I've ever been!! Great food, perfect service and a great choice of beer! A place to come back with no doubts! Bravi, ciao from italy
PD
Paolo D'Alfonso
Managed to get the last table available here on a Friday evening, worth booking in advance. Great menu with good vegetarian options and loads of ales. Really friendly staff that told you the wait time on food at the onset. Food was very good and reasonably priced, really great atmosphere also. Its only a short walk from the town centre and certainly worth a visit.
P
Paul
I wasn't quite sure what to expect, seeing as it was our first time having food at the Exeter Arms. My friend had booked a table for the two of us for 8 o'clock on Saturday evening. It's always a bit of a gamble one takes, when trying out somewhere new, and I never like to judge a place, purely by the reviews of others. But my word... This place was fantastic! Although it may appear unassuming from the outside, you step into such a cosy and delightful space. It was quite busy, of course being a Saturday night, but we were seated pretty quickly by one of the very pleasant ladies behind the bar. They have a pretty big selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from, as well as a diverse food menu (whether you're just after a snack or something much, more filling!) My friend decided on the Derby rib burger and I had the farmer and fisherman and were informed that there'd be around a 45 minute wait, which we were more than fine with. Well, the wait was worth it indeed! They certainly don't scrimp on the portion sizes here, you get a lot for your money. Everything just seemed to work well on the plate, from the combination of the garlic butter roasted king prawns and sirloin steak (cooked perfectly), which lay on a generous portion of chicken salted fries. The beef croquette was superb and, even though the name may sound off-putting, the bone-marrow mayonnaise was delicious! The flavours came together wonderfully and the tastes were exquisite. Yes, it was £25.95 but honestly? It was well worth it, because I was full after that with a smile on my face. The only thing my friend mentioned, was that his burger was a little dry. But he still enjoyed it and he himself, was very full afterwards too! It was a shame we didn't have any room left for dessert, as they sound superb! We'll definitely have to try them out next time around! The staff were really friendly, the food was great and the general atmosphere was wonderful, I would recommend coming here (cannot wait to return myself in the future!)
JC
James Cooper

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