Take the time to ‘turn the corner’ from the hustle of the high-street’s national brands, and you’ll discover a wealth of independents including shops, bars, restaurants and cafs in the surrounding back streets of Exeter. One such gem not to be missed is relaxed and friendly hostilliery ‘The Oddfellows’ located in New North Road with a total of 120 covers. Built in 1857 tucked between Victorian houses and city-centre offices, the multi award-winning gastro pub is one of the city’s most established meeting places and home to Exeter’s best kept secret, ‘The Speakeasy Cocktail Bar’ on the first floor.

Independently owned by landlords Yvan and Faye Williams, The Oddfellows is a fantastic place to patron for locals and visitors alike. The dcor is eclectic and interesting, the menu British themed (mostly) and centres itself around local, seasonal and sustainable produce. Proper cocktails upstairs in ‘The Speakeasy’, coffee, craft beers, dogs welcome in the bar, and a very impressive list of 30 West Country gins. Lunch, dinner and Epic Sunday roast.

Faye said; “Multi-national brands have their place, but people forget that when you support chains, the money doesn’t usually stay in the area to boost the local economy. When you choose independent, you are supporting local families, small producers, brewers, farmers etc. You are choosing to invest in your local community. Oooo Arrrrrrr!”

The Oddfellows do working lunch specials for those on a budget or are time constrained, and offer a fixed price lunch which changes often. As the seasons change – so does the dinner menu, taking full advantage of the best the South West region can offer. All food is freshly prepared and cooked on the premises by their chefs, supplied by long-established independent suppliers. Yvan explains: “We are passionate about supporting our local suppliers to source high-quality seasonal and fresh ingredients, such as free range, slow reared meats and sustainable fish as much as we can.” He adds: “We also cater for any special dietary requirements and take the time to create imaginative, varied and tasty dishes such as curried chickpea burger, cheese, mint and cucumber yogurt, beef tomatoes, baby gem and fries, perfect for vegans without the yogurt. For those with a sweet-tooth try our delicious pistachio and orange cake, lemon curd, complemented with homemade white chocolate ice cream.”

Other summer specials include:

• Lamb sirloin, pulled lamb croquettes, wild mushroom, peas, mint and asparagus, with lamb jus

• Brixham cod, tiger prawn, chilli, baked en papillote, with a flaked almond and pickled beetroot salad
• John Dory fillets, sauce vierge, chive mash, spinach, micro samphire

• ‘Ham & eggs’ with a twist: ham hock terrine, quail eggs, straw potatoes, pea puree and split peas

To make the most of your summer dining experience, why not enjoy a pre-lunch/dinner tipple with a cocktail at ‘The Speakeasy Cocktail Bar’, choosing from their top pick of 50 all-time classics plus 20 original ‘Oddfellows’ creations.

Patrons can now become an official member of the ‘Oddfellows’ with their newly launched loyalty card – try all 20 cocktails and you’ll have the opportunity to have your very own drink created! The in-house mixologist will keep a personal track of your libation adventure on your personal loyalty card, kept behind the bar, and you collect rewards along the way. To get you started on your unique cocktail journey – you get your first drink absolutely free as a big thank you for your custom from Faye and Yvan.

Visit: www.theoddfellowsbar.co.ukor call now to book a table: 01392 20 90 50

Read all about it: Exeter Living