Exeter has developed a strong independent coffee culture, with local roasters, specialty coffee shops, bakery cafés, and relaxed places for brunch. The city’s compact center makes it particularly easy to explore several spots in one day, while areas such as Magdalen Road and Exeter Quayside offer something different from the central streets.
Whether you prefer a carefully brewed filter coffee, a classic flat white, fresh pastries, or a café where you can settle in for brunch, there are plenty of options to choose from.
If you’re looking for the best coffee shops in Exeter, these are some of the places worth visiting.
Why Exeter Is Great for Coffee Lovers?
Exeter’s coffee scene has become increasingly interesting for people who care about how their coffee is sourced and prepared. The city has several independent roasters, including Crankhouse, EXE and 18g, alongside cafés that bring beans from specialist roasters around the UK.
The city center is also compact enough for an easy coffee crawl. Fore Street, Queen Street, Gandy Street, and the Cathedral area all have cafés within walking distance of one another.
Beyond the center, Magdalen Road has its own independent food scene, while Exeter Quayside is ideal if you’d rather combine coffee with a walk beside the River Exe.
1. Crankhouse Coffee
Crankhouse Coffee is one of Exeter’s standout names for speciality coffee. The roastery has grown from its original beginnings into a respected South West coffee business, with its current brew bar and roastery based in Clyst Honiton and its basement café operation at 130 Fore Street.
The Fore Street spot is particularly appealing if you want to experience Crankhouse coffee in a compact, coffee-focused setting. Beans are roasted locally, and the café also produces baked goods on site.
Best for: Specialty coffee and locally roasted beans
2. The Exploding Bakery
The Exploding Bakery is one of Exeter’s best-known independent bakery cafés and sits conveniently beside Exeter Central Station.
Coffee is only part of the attraction. The bakery is particularly popular for brownies, cakes, pastries, and freshly made food, making it a good choice when you want something substantial with your drink. The café also serves its own roasted espresso and batch brew.
Best for: Coffee, brownies, and freshly baked treats
3. 18g Coffee Roasters & Coffee Shop
18g is a strong choice for serious coffee drinkers. The Exeter business roasts its own beans and operates a coffee shop on Magdalen Road, giving visitors the opportunity to enjoy freshly roasted coffee close to its source.
The café is particularly suited to anyone interested in single-origin coffees and wants a more focused specialty coffee experience.
Best for: Freshly roasted coffee and single origins
4. EXE Coffee Roasters
EXE Coffee Roasters is another Exeter name worth seeking out if coffee quality is your main priority. Based on Heavitree Road, the independent roaster serves its own beans alongside filter brewing options such as Chemex and V60.
The café has a more coffee-first feel than many brunch-oriented venues, making it a natural choice for anyone exploring coffee shops in Exeter specifically for the drinks.
Best for: Filter coffee and coffee enthusiasts
5. Alma Coffee
Alma brings a more intimate specialty coffee experience to Magdalen Road. The café works with rotating coffees and offers both espresso and filter options, while its food selection includes pastries and cakes.
Its location in one of Exeter’s independent foodie areas makes it easy to combine a coffee stop with a wider walk around the neighborhood.
Best for: Filter coffee, pastries, and relaxed mornings
6. The Press House
The Press House on Fore Street combines specialty coffee with an unusual setting. It operates alongside a working letterpress print environment, creating a café experience that feels different from a conventional coffee shop.
The menu includes espresso-based drinks and specialty options, with coffee supplied by independent roasters. It is a good place for a slower coffee break or a catch-up in the heart of Exeter.
Best for: Specialty coffee and a distinctive setting
7. Pink Moon
Pink Moon is a newer café on Queen Street and has quickly become an interesting addition to Exeter’s coffee scene. It uses locally roasted Crankhouse coffee and pairs it with a brunch-focused menu.
The compact interior gives it a modern feel, while outdoor seating can be particularly pleasant when the weather is good.
Best for: Flat whites, brunch and people watching
8. The Common Beaver
Located on Magdalen Road, The Common Beaver is a good option for people who want quality coffee alongside something to eat. Its espresso uses Fire & Flow’s Aurora blend, while guest coffees can also appear on its batch filter menu.
The homemade bagels are another reason to visit, making it a useful choice when your coffee stop also needs to cover breakfast or lunch.
Best for: Specialty coffee and bagels
9. Devon Coffee
Devon Coffee is a relaxed independent option on Queen Street with a strong focus on coffee. Its central location makes it convenient for shoppers, visitors, and anyone exploring Exeter’s main streets.
It is particularly useful if you’re looking for a straightforward coffee stop without having to leave the city center.
Best for: Everyday specialty coffee and city-center stops
10. The Ridge Coffee Shop
The Ridge Coffee Shop offers a different kind of coffee break at Exeter Quayside. Its location near outdoor activities makes it a convenient stop after paddleboarding, climbing, or simply walking along the waterfront.
The café is known for its baked treats, including cinnamon buns and doughnuts, and has both indoor and outdoor seating.
Best for: Coffee, pastries, and Quayside visits
11. March Coffee
March Coffee on South Street is a smaller independent café known for its coffee and freshly made doughnuts. The baristas put plenty of attention into the drinks, while the doughnuts provide an easy reason to stay for a little longer.
Weekend brunch also makes it a good option if you’re exploring the city at a slower pace.
Best for: Coffee, doughnuts, and weekend brunch
12. 12 Bar Music & Social
12 Bar Music & Social combines coffee with a lively independent music atmosphere. During the day, it serves specialty coffee alongside focaccia sandwiches and local bakes, while the venue hosts music events later on.
It’s particularly suited to people who want their coffee stop to feel a little more social and energetic than a traditional café visit.
Best for: Coffee, casual food and a lively atmosphere
Tips for Choosing a Coffee Shop in Exeter
There are plenty of coffee shops Exeter visitors can choose from, so think about what kind of experience you want before deciding where to go.
- For serious coffee: Try Crankhouse, 18g or EXE Coffee Roasters.
- For filter coffee: EXE and Alma are good choices.
- For pastries and cakes: The Exploding Bakery and The Ridge Coffee Shop are worth considering.
- For brunch: Pink Moon and The Common Beaver offer food alongside quality coffee.
- For a unique setting: The Press House combines coffee with its letterpress environment.
- For a riverside coffee: Head towards Exeter Quayside and The Ridge Coffee Shop.
- For a coffee crawl: Explore Fore Street, Queen Street, Gandy Street and the Cathedral area.
- For independent food: Magdalen Road is another area worth exploring beyond the city center.
If you’re searching for a coffee shop Exeter locals recommend, don’t limit yourself to the main shopping streets. Some of the city’s strongest coffee options are tucked into neighborhoods such as Magdalen Road and Heavitree Road.
Final Thoughts
The best coffee shops in Exeter range from specialist roasters and compact espresso bars to bakery cafés, brunch spots and relaxed Quayside venues. The city’s independent coffee culture means there is plenty of choice whether you’re interested in the beans themselves or simply want a good coffee and something freshly baked.
If you’re continuing your café guides around the UK, check out Best Cafes in Woodlands, Best cafes in Bedok, best cafes in derby, Best Cafes in Nottingham and Best Cafes in Norwich for more recommendations.
For Singapore café inspiration, you can also explore the best cafes in Sentosa, Best cafes in Clarke Quay and best cafes in Holland Village.
Whether you’re after a carefully prepared filter coffee, a flat white and pastry, or somewhere to sit down for brunch, Exeter has plenty of independent spots worth discovering.
FAQs
What are the best coffee shops in Exeter?
Some of the standout options include Crankhouse Coffee, The Exploding Bakery, 18g Coffee Roasters, EXE Coffee Roasters, Alma, and The Press House.
Where can I find speciality coffee in Exeter?
Crankhouse, 18g, EXE Coffee Roasters, and Alma are particularly good choices for specialty coffee, with locally roasted or carefully selected beans and different brewing methods available.
What is the best coffee shop in Exeter for pastries?
The Exploding Bakery is an excellent choice for coffee and baked treats, while The Ridge Coffee Shop is known for its cinnamon buns and doughnuts.
Are there good coffee shops in Exeter city center?
Yes. Fore Street, Queen Street, Gandy Street and the Cathedral area all have several independent coffee shops within easy walking distance.
Where can I get coffee near Exeter Quayside?
The Ridge Coffee Shop is a convenient option near the Quayside, particularly if you’re combining coffee with a walk or outdoor activity.
Which Exeter coffee shops are good for brunch?
Pink Moon, The Common Beaver and The Exploding Bakery are good choices if you want coffee alongside a more substantial breakfast or brunch.
Is Exeter good for coffee lovers?
Yes. Exeter has several independent roasters and specialty cafés, with a particularly strong selection around the city center and Magdalen Road.
