Old Fire House
A legendary Exeter pub in a former fire station, famed for its massive square pizzas, lively atmosphere, and live music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Old Fire House
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary Exeter pub in a former fire station, famed for its massive square pizzas, lively atmosphere, and live music.
"You won't find a better pizza, a better value pizza, or a tastier pizza!"
Visit during off-peak hours
It gets busy, especially with students. Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds.
Try the lunch menu
Explore their new lunch menu, featuring must-try items like the Scotch Egg.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Pub Food
Price
Mid-range
Phone
+44 1392 277279
Address
50 New N Rd, Exeter, EX4 4EP, United Kingdom
Website
oldfirehouseexeter.co.uk/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Legendary Square Pizzas
Indulge in massive, 14" square pizzas loaded with generous toppings like Cajun Chicken, a student favorite.
Vibrant Former Fire Station Ambiance
Experience the unique atmosphere of a rustic pub set in a former fire station, with live music and a buzzing courtyard.
Live Music Nights
Enjoy live music every Friday and Saturday, creating a buzzing atmosphere perfect for a night out with friends.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit during off-peak hours
It gets busy, especially with students. Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds.
Try the lunch menu
Explore their new lunch menu, featuring must-try items like the Scotch Egg.
Renting the top floor
Consider renting the top floor for larger groups or special events for a unique experience.
Outdoor seating option
If cleanliness is a concern, the picturesque courtyard offers an alternative dining space.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit during off-peak hours
It gets busy, especially with students. Consider visiting during off-peak times to avoid crowds.
Try the lunch menu
Explore their new lunch menu, featuring must-try items like the Scotch Egg.
Renting the top floor
Consider renting the top floor for larger groups or special events for a unique experience.
Outdoor seating option
If cleanliness is a concern, the picturesque courtyard offers an alternative dining space.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Old Fire House is a beloved local gem known for its legendary square pizzas and vibrant atmosphere, drawing in students and locals alike. While many praise the delicious food, generous portions, and friendly staff, some reviews mention concerns about cleanliness and occasional staff rudeness. Despite these issues, its unique setting and consistent food quality make it a popular choice for casual dining and nights out.
"Fantastic place for pizza and those who love cider not wanting mainstream options"
Josh Bailey
"Pizza is good as always but expensive we came back for the nostalgia but the place is seriously filthy.
The baskets looks like they are never cleaned. Table 23 had rotten olives and food bits that smelled absolutely terrible and disgusting, toilets are nasty, chairs are dirty, no ventilation and smells like moist morning breath inside.
Looks like they just don't care anymore about the place cause they know people will keep coming back anyways for the memories.
Please don't reply to the review and just clean the place"
Marwan Nasr
"Really disappointed to be writing this. We're working in Devon for the next 6-9 months, so I'd had a look online where was recommended. Here came up as a good option on a Sunday (we'll all be travelling down Sundays and staying for the week, & Sundays are always hard to find somewhere decent).
I was on my own this evening, as the first one down here, so thought I'd give it a try. Its always fairly intimidating going into a place on your own, but this looked alright.
I ordered a pint (very well kept Estrella) & was enjoying the place. Decor is good, nice atmosphere and decent choice of drinks. A group of staff (some working, others not) were sat at the end of the bar, playing cards and having a laugh... all good to this point.
I'd noticed on the food menu (photo attached) that it said live music on Sundays, so when I ordered a second pint I asked the lad behind the bar if they had anything on this evening. He said "not tonight" and I thought that was it.
Next thing I know, he goes back to his colleagues at the end of the bar & starts making a joke that I'd asked about the music. "live music tonight. is he joking?" ... "live music?" followed by sniggers and people having a laugh at my expense. It only stopped when somebody said "did you want to say that any louder?" when I expect they realised I was in earshot.
It made me feel really uncomfortable, unwelcome and just went against the whole vibe of the place and the reviews I had read. I quickly finished my drink and left, I'm sure if you're a big group, or a regular, this would be an alright place, but as a person on your own I would absolutely give it a swerve... unless you want to be mocked by staff and openly talked about behind your back.
We'll find somewhere else to eat / drink the next few months."
Mark Sweetmore
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
The 14" square pizzas are legendary, especially the Cajun Chicken pizza. The Sunday roast is also highly recommended.
Yes, they host live music nights every Friday and Saturday, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
The restaurant can be very busy, particularly with students. It's recommended to go early, especially on weekends.
Yes, they have a picturesque courtyard adorned with buntings, which is a popular spot on warmer days.
They have a new lunch menu featuring items like the Scotch Egg. It's worth checking for any daily specials.
Yes, you can rent the top floor for larger groups or special events, offering a unique experience.
It's a rustic, dark wood pub with exposed ceiling beams, known for its buzzing atmosphere, especially during live music nights.
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Exeter & Topsham: a diet of deals in Devon | Food
And talking of students, I hear that the late-night pizzas at the Old Fire House are legendary among Exeter's student body?. Are they a mere preventative measure against a cracking hangover, or did I miss a culinary treat?
Explore Exeter's Nightlife
Pub nights are becoming much more popular – for example Old Fire House has insanely good pizza and pints and is often full to the brim with university students. The Imperial is a huge Wetherspoons just five minutes away from Streatham Campus and houses an impressive beer garden, which is perfect for summer evenings when the nights are a bit warmer. Karaoke is a university staple, and places like The Stoke Arms often host societies for karaoke nights.
The best pubs with beer gardens in Exeter
On a warm day drop by the Old Firehouse and enjoy a tipple or two with friends as you soak in the sun from the picturesque courtyard. Tuck into the three bean chilli with rice and fresh salad garnish or the pulled pork burger alongside a pint of Otter Ale or a glass of Zinfandel Rose. The courtyard is decorated with buntings, making for a cosy evening with friends where you can relax and enjoy live music with a pint of ale or cider.
Best open bars Exeter on Thursday night
Widely acknowledged to be one of Exeter’s best ale and cider pubs, The Old Firehouse is very popular with students and locals alike and offers a buzzy atmosphere along with a great range of food and drink. From pub favourites during lunch to delicious giant pizzas to feed a crowd, there’s so much choice that no-one’s going to go hungry!. We serve food daily from midday and work on a walk-in basis only.
The Best Exeter Bars For A Boozy Night 2024
A legendary spot among Exeter’s student community, The Old Firehouse is a buzzing bar that never never fails to impress. Housed in a former fire station, this iconic bar has a quirky character and great atmosphere that sets it apart from the rest. With regular live music, a huge array of drinks, a leafy courtyard as well as delicious stone-baked pizzas, this vibrant venue is a must-visit.
Best Exeter Restaurants with Outdoor Seating
The Old Firehouse has a great atmosphere and is a popular food and drink destination for locals and visitors alike. When it comes to drinks in particular, it has a reputation for having some of the best ales and ciders in the city. With plenty of outdoor seating, this cosy place is a popular choice for lunch or an evening meal.
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Old Firehouse serves 14" pizzas with a special house tomato sauce. In this atmospheric, independent restaurant you'll find a few quirky combinations to tuck into, with roasted butternut squash and artichoke toppings sure to catch your eye.
THE BEST 5 Pizza in Exeter City (Updated January 2025)
I dont know where you will find a better pizza, a better value pizza, a tastier pizza. The pizzas are 14 square, more than enough for 2 people. Decent price at around £20 and loaded with toppings.
The heart of the internet
PIZZA pt.2: Old Firehouse - very cosy, only downside is that it tends to be full of students and thus very hard to get a table unless you go early.
How to have the best night out in Exeter
My personal favourite nights are having a drink in the Imperial (a.k.a. Impy), the pub quiz at the Old Firehouse, and indie nights at Cavern!
Valentines Date Ideas Exeter | Top 10 Romantic Exeter Restaurants
Eating huge pizzas may not be the most romantic dining experience in Exeter but the cosy and candle lit tables definitely make up for it.
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