Old Firehouse, Exeter
Renowned for its cosy fairy-lit atmosphere, huge pizzas and tasty ales and ciders, Old Firehouse is a hotspot for university students and locals alike. The restaurant stretches across three floors, but despite its vast size it still feels homely and snug, like a good old-fashioned pub should.
Less well-known yet equally as impressive as the mammoth pizzas are the restaurant’s Sunday Roasts. Their Sunday menu offers beef, turkey, pork, a vegetarian and a vegan option, all of which are served with hefty trimmings. Sides are available but unnecessary as the portion sizes are generous and filling.
The restaurant was busy and buzzing as we arrived- a promising sign. We instantly felt welcomed and were seated to a humble wooden table on the ground floor. I ordered the vegetarian option, a mushroom and goats cheese wellington, whilst my friends opted for the turkey roast. All came with carrots, broccoli, braised red cabbage, cauliflower cheese, stuffing, a yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes. The wellington and cauliflower cheese were creamy, the roast potatoes crisp, and the broccoli and carrots soft. The only downfall for me was the stuffing, which sadly possessed a very dull flavour, as if it came right out of a packet mix. Yet with all the other add-ons tasting divine, this didn’t really impact my meal. After the feast I was full, and pleasantly surprised to see it only set me back £6! Amazing value for money.
The prices for the cider are extremely reasonable and the selection very expansive, ranging from Firehouse’s very own fruity flavoured Cider (mango, raspberry, elderflower...) to all the classics. What’s more is the restaurant often hosts fantastic live music on a Friday or Saturday night. Performances on their small ground-floor stage turn the relaxed pub into a whirlwind of energy, offering a perfect venue to grab a few drinks and a giant pizza with some friends in a bubbling atmosphere.
Overall rating: 7/10
