As much as I love university, and all the independence you gain from flying the nest for a few years, there is one home comfort that I can’t help but crave weekly whilst I’m sat eating beans on toast (or something classed as equally ‘studenty’) and that is the humble Sunday roast. I’m not saying me or my housemates are complete disasters in the kitchen, we haven’t poisoned anyone yet, but somehow any attempts we make to concoct the perfect roast fall short of Mum’s, Dad’s, Grandma, or Grandpa’s Sunday masterpieces. Whilst HCX can’t transport said chef to your student abode every weekend to give you your fix of home cooking, we can point you in the direction of Exeter restaurants that provide the next best thing. So here are our top pick of places to have a Sunday roast in Ex.
The Rusty Bike
The Rusty Bike resides on Howell Road, and really is a hidden gem in Exeter. The staff are friendly, the decor makes you feel like you’re in your lounge with its cushioned window seats, exposed wooden floors, plus it stocks a brilliant amount of board games for all its customers to enjoy. Having tried and tested The Rusty Bike’s infamous Sunday roast I can safely say that , yes, it is all it’s cracked up to be. For £10 you can enjoy either roasted shoulder of rare beef or roasted lamb with all the trimmings, and honestly their potatoes really are excellent. If you’re feeling especially flush their Sunday menu also offers an array of starters such as home smoked trout with cucumber and horseradish, and deserts such as ‘deconstructed’ chocolate creme brulee with passion fruit.
Double Locks
For its riverside location alone Double Locks is worth a visit, if it’s decent weather ( optimistic I know) and you’re feeling active you could even cycle from Exeter’s quay to Double Locks and back. For £11.95 you can enjoy roast sirloin of beef with a Yorkshire pudding, honey roasted parsnips, buttered carrots, green beans, roast potatoes and loads of gravy (of course). They also cater for vegetarians offering a veggie roast which consists of cauliflower cheese and a Yorkshire pud served along side roast potatoes, carrots, green beans and gravy – all for £9.95. They also offer a range of starters and deserts, plus for those of you who can’t stomach a whole Sunday roast (what is wrong with you?!) you can order a bowl of roast potatoes for £2.75.
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The Old Firehouse
Yes, believe it or not The Old Firehouse actually stocks food other than its infamous pizzas. The cosy candlelit atmosphere, that apparently inspired J K Rowling’s Leaky Cauldron, makes this the perfect place to chill out on a lazy Sunday afternoon. Their Sunday roast’s are served between 12pm and 4pm, and is unbeatable in value. For £5.95/£6.95 you can chose from a selection of west country meats, roast potatoes, veg and all the trimmings. To top it off The Old Firehouse is famed for its beer and ales ( plus bottles of house wine are pretty affordable at £6.95 a bottle, perfect).
Tea on the Green
If anywhere is going to make you feel like you’re sitting in someone’s living room its Tea on the Green, decked out with comfy armchairs and kitsch prints it really is the most homely eatery in Exeter. The staff go out of their way to make you feel comfortable, all food is fresh and cooked to order, plus the view of the cathedral isn’t half bad either. Tea on the Green offers traditional Sunday roasts between 12pm and 2:30 pm which consists of ‘local meats with all the trimmings’. This is a popular spot to enjoy a roast so make sure you book to save disappointment!
Mill on the Ex
Mill on the Ex is another restaurant that boasts a beautiful waterside location, with waterside gardens Blackaller Weird and Millstone footbridge. The spacious layout is perfect for large groups to relax and enjoy their Sunday carvery, booking is recommended, plus the riverside terrace is the perfect place to chill out when summer finally arrives and enjoy the brilliant views. The carvery is served from 12pm and boasts a selection of locally sourced meats, vegetables and all the regular trimmings.
Picture Credits: www.rustybike-exeter.co.uk, www.doublelocks.com, xmedia.ex.ac.uk, www.tripadvisor.co.uk, www.groupon.co.uk