
The Press House
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Quick info
About The Press House
The Press House is a coffee shop at 132 Fore St in Exeter, set in a former letterpress workshop that is split into three or four small backrooms. The brunch menu centres on pancakes, including a rhubarb and ginger crumble version, and it shifts with the seasons. Toast dishes come with cream cheese, among them avocado with pickled egg, and gluten free toast is available. The coffee comes from Triple Co Roast in Bristol, and the drinks list includes a charcoal, coconut and rose latte. The space is small, with only a couple of tables big enough for larger groups, so there can be a wait for a table. The shop is open daily, daytime only. Its cakes come from Exploding Bakery in Exeter.
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Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention pancakes, coffee, avocado toast and butternut squash with pesto.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention pancakes, coffee, avocado toast and butternut squash with pesto.
Customer Review Summary
Pancakes are what reviewers return to most, with diners calling them fluffy, freshly made and not too sweet, and naming caramelised banana, rhubarb and ginger crumble, and bacon with maple syrup. Coffee comes close behind, with praise for a well crafted cortado and an Americano whose taste notes developed as it cooled. Reviewers also single out the savoury brunch plates, including butternut squash with cream cheese and homemade pesto, mushrooms, and avocado toast, along with a charcoal, coconut and rose latte, peach iced tea and a decent battenburg. Several describe friendly, welcoming staff and a calm, chill feel across a few small rooms. A few note that tables can take a short wait and that larger groups struggle for space. One reviewer found the squash and pesto and avocado toast so plain it felt like eating bread, said portions seem smaller than in online photos, and felt staff did not react when told the food was disappointing. Even so, that reviewer called the coffee nice.
Customer Review Summary
Pancakes are what reviewers return to most, with diners calling them fluffy, freshly made and not too sweet, and naming caramelised banana, rhubarb and ginger crumble, and bacon with maple syrup. Coffee comes close behind, with praise for a well crafted cortado and an Americano whose taste notes developed as it cooled. Reviewers also single out the savoury brunch plates, including butternut squash with cream cheese and homemade pesto, mushrooms, and avocado toast, along with a charcoal, coconut and rose latte, peach iced tea and a decent battenburg. Several describe friendly, welcoming staff and a calm, chill feel across a few small rooms. A few note that tables can take a short wait and that larger groups struggle for space. One reviewer found the squash and pesto and avocado toast so plain it felt like eating bread, said portions seem smaller than in online photos, and felt staff did not react when told the food was disappointing. Even so, that reviewer called the coffee nice.
Featured reviews
- Chris
“**The Press House, Fore Street, Exeter** Tucked towards the lower end of Fore Street, The Press House announces itself modestly — a narrow shopfront that gives little away. Step inside and it opens into a sequence of bright, unhurried backrooms that feel deliberately removed from the city's churn. Light floods in; the pace drops. Small, but every inch intentional. The name isn't decorative. This was once a working letterpress workshop, and that history does quiet, effective work on the atmosphere. There's an artisanal seriousness to the place that never tips into preciousness. Coffee is from Triple Co Roast in Bristol — a genuine delight, though your wallet will register a mild protest. Cakes from Exeter's own Exploding Bakery, a brunch menu that shifts with the seasons; everything here is chosen with care. I should also confess to having talked at a barista who was, with admirable patience, simultaneously trying to make my coffee. What started as idle chatter became an unexpectedly absorbing conversation — the sort you don't plan for on a Tuesday morning. Dog-friendly, warmly staffed, and quietly confident. One of Exeter's real gems.”
- Howard Sewell
“Cute little cafe that we chose randomly when walking by after a visit to Exeter cathedral. Friendly people, great coffee and a very decent battenburg. Highly recommended.”
- Daniel Wall
“It’s not often I give places a full 5*s, I’m usually very constructively critical. Writing this with my partner. We stumbled across this place on a sunny morning walking towards Exeter on a hunt for pancakes. The exterior looked inviting, and sunny - stylish, fresh, open and independent looking. We had a stroll through and, while small, it has 3-4 different intimate environments - we sat at the front window for some sun. The pancakes were fluffy, well portioned, tasty - well balanced without too much sweetness - and freshly made. We had Caramelised Banana, and Rhubarb and Ginger Crumble. Honestly, best pancakes we’ve had in a very long time. Complimented with an a Americano, and, from my opinion, a very well crafted cortado. Service is friendly and pricing is pretty standard - we paid £30 for 2 pancake dishes and two good coffees. Looks like a beautiful spot to just sit with a book solo and relax - will most definitely visit again.”
- Rupert Green
“It was just great to take time to sit peacefully with a sketchbook on a Saturday afternoon with a black americano, whilst I waited for my wife. The coffee as it cooled revealed incredible taste notes that demanded ones attention. Time to hold the cup with two hands and be fully present. It's about the experience and being good to yourself. And this café with its happy staff is the place to do it.”
- Jodie Wool
“Myself and my partner came for brunch during the week and we had a lovely time. Super welcoming atmosphere and friendly service! The girl serving us was so smiley and helpful (we both said she had beautiful eyes if that helps with identifying!). They had a creative drinks menu, my partner tried a charcoal, coconut and rose latte and I was then very jealous and wished I went for the same! We had gluten free toast with our choices being one mushroom and cream cheese and the other avocado cream cheese and pickled egg. We’d definitely recommend going here when you next find yourself near fore street!”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Coffee Shop with a popular brunch offer on Fore Street Exeter, in the heart of the independent quarter. Specialising in pancakes and great quality speciality coffee.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating · Assistive hearing loop
Amenities
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Assistive hearing loop
Show more amenities
- Accessibility· 3
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible car park
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
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