oldexeterinnDinner before the show at Ashburton Arts Centre
The Old Exeter Inn is the oldest freehouse in the world and has served Ashburton since 1130. It stands four doors along West Street from the Arts Centre.
Evening performances begin at half past seven. The kitchen opens at noon and serves through, seven days a week.
Before the performance
A table from half past five leaves two unhurried hours before the curtain, and the walk to the Arts Centre takes a minute.
Tell us you are going to the show when you book, and we will see that you leave in good time.
The table
A lighter supper before a performance: artisan cheese, conservas, bread and oil. Or the full menu, built around the pies for which the house is known.
The cellar
Cask ale, Devon cider, a considered wine list, Mumm Champagne by the glass for £10.
The Arts Centre
The Guardian has called it “one of the best small live music venues in the UK”.
It occupies the former Methodist chapel of 1835, Grade II listed, bought at auction in 2017 with some £180,000 raised within the town — the greater part of it lent interest-free by residents who wished to see the building restored to use. It is now a registered charity. The programme runs to jazz, folk, blues and classical, with theatre, comedy, poetry, film and festivals through the year.
A rare thing for a town of this size to have achieved.
Questions
How far? A minute on foot, along the same street.
When to arrive? From half past five, which leaves two unhurried hours.
Something lighter? Cheese, conservas, bread and oil. A supper rather than a dinner.
Sundays? The kitchen serves until six, which suits a half past seven curtain.
Booking? Advisable on performance nights. Mention your tickets when you call.
Menus, Bookings & Opening Hours
Click here to read all our menus, or you can make an online booking. If you prefer to book by phone, call 01364 652013. Check our opening hours: click here. Or to send us a message, click here
