The Turf Hotel, Exeter, Devon
Going to The Turf isn’t just about going to the pub – it’s an experience because this place has such a unique and very lovely setting. For almost 200 years, it’s stood on a thin peninsula between the former Exeter Ship Canal and the beautiful Exe estuary – fantastic views, spectacular sunsets. You can see why people want to come here.
One thing - you can’t drive to The Turf; you have to leave your car in one of two car parks and then walk 20-30 minutes, so a short walk, and very much worth it. Some people walk or cycle from The Quay in Exeter, some even hire kayaks from Saddles and Paddles and make their way along the waters. Otherwise you can catch the passenger ferry across from Topsham.
What’s great is that there’s still so much of the original character – wonky floors and windows, thick stone walls, cosy little alcoves, and the quality of light is just wonderful. It’s a lovely place to hunker down after a walk on a colder day, but best are the warmer months when you can sit out in the waterside garden and lap up the atmosphere; when it’s not busy here the tranquility is immense.
Something else that’s good is the food, homemade, with as much produce as possible sourced from the local area (meat comes from Darts Farm just over the estuary). If you’re not all that hungry pick something from the Lite Bites like Smoked salmon on toasted sourdough, with tarragon & chive creme fraiche, pickled cucumber and mixed salad, or Smoked haddock & sweetcorn chowder with toasted sourdough.
If on the other hand, you want a bellyful you’ll find plenty on the mains to tempt you; for example - Dart’s Farm double cheeseburger with tomato, baby gem, bacon jam, chunky chips & coleslaw, Turf fish & chips, crushed minted peas & homemade tartare sauce, Wild mushroom tagliatelle, courgettes, garlic, parmesan, parsley cream and truffle oil. There’s a menu for kids, and on Sundays you can go and tuck into a roast with all the trimmings.
Open: Mon-Sat 10:00am-10:00pm
Sun 10:00am-8:00pm
T: 01392 833128
All information correct at the time of writing