From the city's famously grand and Gothic cathedral, to the vibrant quayside and even the world's narrowest street (yes, really) there are many reasons to visit Exeter, the capital of Devon.
As well as being a cultural and touristic hotbed, another reason you may be there is to see the city's famous rugby team, the Exeter Chiefs (read our viral tongue-in-cheek piece on that particular name here). Having been crowned English and European Champions as recently as 2020 and with internationals such as Henry Slade, the Simmonds brothers and Stuart Hogg, the Chiefs are undoubtedly one of England's top clubs.
If you're heading to the city for a rugby match and want to sample some of the local culture and drink where the locals do, we polled the Chiefs supporters for their recommendations so here are
The TOP 5 Rugby Pubs in Exeter - as voted by the Fans!
(We've even created a convenient map at the bottom of the page to help you plan any pub crawl. However, please note that host a fan will take no responsibility for any inebriated mishaps, tellings off from your partner or an at-best hazy recollection of the match.
=5. The Hole in the Wall & The Mount Radford - 3% (of the vote)
Kicking off our top 5 (or should that now be top 6? - hey ho, what's another pint?) are these two contrasting local pubs, each offering a unique Exeter experience. The Hole in the Wall is, almost quite literally, a hole in the wall - a quirky small local on Little Castle Street that you probably wouldn't just stumble across, unless you noticed the big Chiefs flag hanging from outside. Inside is a large bar area serving local pints and good food (so we're told) and there's even a pool table if you're of the competitive nature.
By contrast, the Mount Radford is a large, corner pub that you'd struggle to miss even after a few too many pints. Well located as a final watering hole on your way out towards Sandy Park, this spacious and very British Greene King offers great value food and drink with several TVs showing live sport so you can whet your appetite as you wet your throat!
Best for: Sport fanatics who want to play pool or watch any pre-match live sport.
PSSSTTT: If you're heading to Exeter for a game and need some accommodation, why not experience the very best of the rugby family and stay with a local fan? We've got friendly, local supporters willing to host you so you can save the accommodation costs and buy your host a pint in one of the pubs in this list.
4. The Imperial - 4% 
Okay, we promised you the locals' favourites and in the interests of transparency, this is a Wetherspoons but in all fairness, it's a Wetherspoons with a difference. This former hotel is absolutely jam packed with history (see the website if you don't believe us), is one of the biggest 'Spoons we've ever come across and even features a ballroom based on Buckingham Palace. The jewel in this particularly royal crown though, is its impressive and uniquely grand Orangery (see image above), a stunning and large room with plenty of tables both inside and out, and a lively atmosphere.
Best for: Large groups and stag dos!
3. The Blue Ball - 20%
Woaaah, before you start running off to find the Blue Ball, a quick word of caution - this locals' favourite is situated outside of the city centre but is conveniently, right next to Sandy Park. It's so close in fact, that it's rumoured that a stray ball can often sail into the pub on a windy day (only joking but it is close). It therefore makes for a great final watering hole of any pub crawl and somewhere you'll be able to drunkenly stumble from to your seat in the terraces. It serves all the usual local real ales, pub grub and boasts a large outdoor seating area. With it's close proximity to the ground, it even doubles up as a convenient (but charged) car park on a matchday if you're planning on driving to and from the ground.
Best for: Parking and a drunken stumble to the stadium (but not both together).
2. The Turk's Head - 24%
If you're looking for a pub with an Oliver Twist, you may want to head to the Turk's Head, an historic city centre boozer that shows live sport and has a micro brewery on site. It is reputed to have been a favourite of a certain Charles Dickens - that's how historic it is - and having spent a rugby afternoon there myself, I can confirm it'll certainly live up to your Great Expectations.
The Turk's is perfect if you're in the city centre and perhaps want to have a cultural wander around and visit the cathedral first, then head to a pub that's just as popular with home fans as it is away fans - a tale of two cities. This pub is just a drop kick away from the cathedral (at the back to be precise) and you'll get a hearty, warm welcome from the landlord. Don't forget to discover the hidden sun-trap garden too!
Best for: Ticking the cultural box and visiting Exeter's famous Gothic cathedral whilst you're there.
DON'T FORGET: If you're heading to Exeter for a game and need some accommodation, why not experience the very best of the rugby family and stay with a local fan? We've got friendly, local supporters willing to host you so you can save the accommodation costs and buy your host a pint in one of the pubs in this list.
1. The Stand Off - 49%
Picking up almost half of our supporter's votes and running away with this Top 5 like Stuart Hogg runs his way through a packed defence, is The Stand Off. Perhaps the main reason for being such a clear winner is the pub's close affinity to the club. It all started when Chief's Fly Half Gareth Steenson converted his garage into a bar and filled it not just with the best beer he could find but all the merchandise he'd collected over the years. But don't worry, you won't have to navigate through Gareth's garden or past his dirty laundry. It's now a city-centre establishment with a full food and drink menu and several TVs. It retains its very unique rugby feel with merchandise (often signed) adorning the walls and is popular with home and away fans alike. Even better, you can even catch a bus right outside that will take you straight to Sandy Park on a matchday.
A Handy little Map Optimised for Your Route
Considerable mention goes to The Wigwam bar at the Ground (this received a significant share of the votes but didn't make our list as it's not technically a pub) but is well worth a visit if you get to the ground early or if youre hanging around after the match - the Chiefs players have even been known to drop in for a pint or two!
