Quick info
About Double Locks
Double Locks is a canalside pub in Exeter, set on the Exeter Ship Canal and reached on foot or by boat trip from Exeter Quay. The drinks list covers a range of beer and cider. Orders are placed at the bar, and the QR code on the tables does not take orders from a phone. The bar is small, so a queue can form, and the inside of the pub is not overly big. On the food side, the menu includes cider battered haddock with chips.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention canal-side location, cyder battered haddock, dog friendly and boat trip from Exeter Quay.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention canal-side location, cyder battered haddock, dog friendly and boat trip from Exeter Quay.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers return above all for the canal-side location, with the walk or boat trip from Exeter Quay and the outdoor tables with plenty of covering described as part of the appeal. Food gets mixed but mostly warm notes: cyder battered haddock with very crispy batter and fluffy chips, a pea risotto with goats cheese, and an oat milk latte are all singled out, along with a good range of beer and cider. Staff are repeatedly called friendly, and one reviewer says an issue was handled professionally. Dog friendliness comes up more than once. The main complaints are about cost and ordering. One parent found the child's mac and cheese too small, with no garlic bread, and others call the pub not the cheapest. A small bar can mean a queue, and one reviewer says the QR code ordering did not work, leaving a long line. Another notes litter in the garden. One long-time visitor says it no longer compares with decades ago and needs more attention to detail, and a pile of pallets for a bonfire sat in the garden.
Customer Review Summary
Reviewers return above all for the canal-side location, with the walk or boat trip from Exeter Quay and the outdoor tables with plenty of covering described as part of the appeal. Food gets mixed but mostly warm notes: cyder battered haddock with very crispy batter and fluffy chips, a pea risotto with goats cheese, and an oat milk latte are all singled out, along with a good range of beer and cider. Staff are repeatedly called friendly, and one reviewer says an issue was handled professionally. Dog friendliness comes up more than once. The main complaints are about cost and ordering. One parent found the child's mac and cheese too small, with no garlic bread, and others call the pub not the cheapest. A small bar can mean a queue, and one reviewer says the QR code ordering did not work, leaving a long line. Another notes litter in the garden. One long-time visitor says it no longer compares with decades ago and needs more attention to detail, and a pile of pallets for a bonfire sat in the garden.
Featured reviews
- John Cunningham
“Only had a light lunch. It was nice but would not be able to comment on menu more fully. Small bar can cause a queue but service was excellent. Great range of beer and cider. Beautiful location either plenty of seating.”
- George Datseris
“This is one of the most unique pubs in the country! Fully isolated, surrounded only by nature, and right at the river front! Service is relatively fast and prices are fantastic given the location. The atmosphere is just absolutely brilliant!”
- Danny
“I visited on Saturday to the Double Locks today with a friend after taking the boat trip from Exeter Quay, and it turned out to be one of the nicest days out I’ve had in a long time. The pub sits in a gorgeous spot along the canal, surrounded by peaceful countryside and water views. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel like you’re on holiday. The atmosphere was relaxed and welcoming, with plenty of space to sit outside and enjoy the sunshine. What really stood out, though, was the staff. Every single person we spoke to was friendly, helpful, and genuinely keen to make sure we had a great time. They went above and beyond in every way. Lunch was delicious, the service was faultless, and the food arrived super fast and the whole experience was spot‑on. I’d recommend Double Locks to anyone visiting Exeter especially if you can arrive by boat. A brilliant day out. Like to say WOW what an an amazing place Danny”
- Neil Kerridge
“Superb location, a lovely walk from the Exeter quay side, boat rides also available. Good food, great service. Dog friendly ( not that I have a dog) definitely worth a visit on a summer's day!!”
- Limitless You
“Pea risotto & goats cheese. Wow! I found the service provided was excellent and professional around dealing with an issue. A venue that goes beyond expectation is why I am writing this. Many places dont bother. Everything was swift. I have been here for years and seen it change hands many times. I am so pleased to say the food I received today was so tasty. A vast improvement to when I last visited a few months ago. Apparently new chefs. So defo visit! Our waitress Jess was very accommodating and made everything smooth and easy . Thankyou ☺️”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Situated on the Exeter Ship Canal, you cannot beat the Double Locks for its location. Whether you're after a family day out, celebrating a birthday, engagement, retirement, or just wanting a lazy summer's afternoon next to the water, the Double Locks is for you.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible car park · Wheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Bars near Double Locks
- The Seven Stars Hotel4.21,2741.3 mi
beef carvery, roast potatoes, beef and red wine lasagne
- 1.4 miOutdoor seating
pizza van pizzas, craft beer selection, waterside quayside location
- Mount Radford4.49111.5 miWheelchair accessible
steak and ale pie, fish and chips, pulled pork burger
| Place | Rating | Distance | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Locks | 4.43,592 | — | canal-side location, cyder battered haddock, dog friendly |
| The Seven Stars Hotel | 4.21,274 | 1.3 mi | beef carvery, roast potatoes, beef and red wine lasagne |
| Topsham Brewery & TaproomOutdoor seating | 4.6657 | 1.4 mi | pizza van pizzas, craft beer selection, waterside quayside location |
| Mount RadfordWheelchair accessible | 4.4911 | 1.5 mi | steak and ale pie, fish and chips, pulled pork burger |
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