BUDGET FOOD & DRINK

City hotspots

Exeshed

18 Bedford Street, Princesshay Square, EX1
Tel. 01392 429 970
This glass-fronted cocktail bar-come-restaurant is bright, light and slap-bang in the middle of town. Its position on the Square makes it a great place for people watching and posing. A diverse clientele are attracted to specials like the Mojo Rising cocktail night on Wednesdays with Mojitos for just £3 and bottled Corona for £1.50.

The Angel bar café
32 Queen Street, EX4
Tel. 01392 422 455
This European-style bar offers more atmosphere and a friendlier ambience then some of the more sterile city centre bars. A great selection of DJ-mixed tunes and live music is laid on throughout the week with an emphasis on cool grooves. The smoking porch out the back makes for interesting late-night conversations.

Wagamama
Princeshay, 16 Bedford Street, EX1
Tel. 01392 274 810
Since this noodle giant appeared on the city food scene, the novelty hasn’t worn off. Colourful, tasty and hey, healthy dishes are conjured up by the chefs in record time and the lay-out of long benches make it a buzzy, busy place for diners. The patio out the back offers a great place to slurp away in the sunshine.

Tiger Bills
7 North Street, EX4
Tel. 01392 215 499
A relative newcomer bringing some much needed cosmopolitan food and drink to this part of town. Spicy Thai selections or burgers and grills – something for most tastes and pockets is provided, all washed down with a naughty selection from the drinks menu. Attracting a mixed crowd and a great place to go with a group of friends. Book ahead to be on the safe side.

Cheap & Cheerful

Herbies
15 North Street, EX4
Tel. 01392 258 473
A veggie staple in the city for many years, Herbies offers a homely, nicely-priced alternative. You might even be able to pick up some hints or your own DIY dishes at home.

Let’s Do
144 Fore Street, EX4
Tel. 01392 678 965
Slip in for a hearty snack with mates and step back out into the fresh air of Fore Street with change jingling in your pocket. Good for a hangover-busting fry-up.

George’s Meeting House
38 South Street, EX1
Tel. 01392 454 250
If you’re hungry and thirsty then this place is the equivalent of a racetrack pit-stop. Loads of cheap meal deals are available from curries and steaks to burger, chips and a drink. A dizzying array of real ales and eastern European beers also leave change from a tenner.

The Old Firehouse
50 New North Road, EX4
Tel. 01392 277 279
£5 for a bottle of wine? Can’t say fairer then that.

The Perfect Head

The Well House
16-17 Cathedral Close, EX1
Tel. 01392 223 611
A real beer drinker’s tavern, this place hosts ale festivals throughout the year and provides somewhere to savour your pint while staring glassily over at the Cathedral.

Friendly local

The Victoria Inn
74 Union Road, EX4
Tel: 01392 494 800
Near to halls of residence and student digs, the Vic is a great mid-week meeting place with a pool table, dartboard, quiz night and pub grub.

Catch the sun

The Imperial
New North Road, EX4 4AH
Tel. 01392 434 050
When the sun breaks through the clouds, students break free from darkened rooms and head for this sunlit mecca of cheap-as-chips beer and food. The huge beer garden, set on a grassy hill overlooked by rollin’ Devon hills has been a beloved summer staple for many years. Being within sniffing distance of the Uni probably helps.

Mangoes Café Bar
Cellar 3, Kings Wharf, EX2
Tel. 01392 438 538
The definition of a place to chill out and catch the rays off the River Exe, this quayside café offers friendly service, snacks, free mags to read and a jug of San Miguel to quench the thirst.

Double Locks
Canal Banks, EX2
Tel. 256 947
Bit of a trek along the River Exe but once you get there, bed-in for a proper session in the outdoor grounds overlooking the waterside. Outdoor barbeques and live bands help to spice up lazy weekend afternoons.

Sunday Lunch

The Twisted Oak
Little John’ Cross Hill, Ide, EX2
Tel. 01392 273666
Within walking distance of the city, you can work up an appetite for a carvery that will let you pile your plate to trouser-straining proportions. A beer garden and a stroll over the bridge to Ide village means you get a real taste of the bootiful Devon countryside.

Late Night Snacks

The Golden Horn
166 Fore Street, EX4
Tel. 01392 499 497
Like a shining beacon amidst the colourful human debris that collects at the top of Fore Street on a Saturday night. Provides all the post-booze staples you need…doner meat on chips anyone?

Cheap off licence

The Beer Box
59 Blackboy Road, EX4
Tel. 01392 668 006
Grab a cardboard box and fill your boots in here. Great place to stock up on supplies if you’re having a party.

Bank of Mum and Dad

Harry’s Grillbar
6 Northernhay Place, EX4
Tel. 01392 438 545
Make the most of the ‘the olds’ being anxious that you have a decent meal in civilised surroundings and take them along to this relaxed but pricey restaurant and bar with a hint of Americana. The strains of Bob Dylan and selection of rare whiskeys will keep Dad happy, while you get chow down on locally-sourced prime steak and sup potent wines in the fine-dining area.