
The Botanist Exeter
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Quick info
About The Botanist Exeter
On The Guildhall Shopping Centre in Exeter, The Botanist Exeter is a gastropub-style restaurant known for its hanging kebabs, served on a hook rather than a plate. The halloumi hanging kebab and halloumi panko kebab both arrive with fries and a sweet chilli and ginger sauce. Elsewhere the menu runs to camembert baked into a sourdough loaf with chutney, pork belly bites, and roast meals such as belly pork and beef. Brunch and botanical cocktails round out the offering. The room seats diners at table service, with staff on hand throughout, and live music runs on Friday nights for an added draw. Desserts arrive with attention paid to presentation. The space gets busy at times, and dogs are welcome throughout.
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Menu & Prices
56 dishes · mains £1–52- Hot Honey BBQ Dip£1.00
- Mixed Olives£4.25
- Pan Fried Salmon£22.95
- Garlic Aioli Dip£1.00
- Green Goddess Dip£1.00
- Ham & Cheese Croquettes£5.75
Reviews
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention halloumi hanging kebab, live music, pork belly bites and camembert baked sourdough.
What reviewers say
Reviewers most often mention halloumi hanging kebab, live music, pork belly bites and camembert baked sourdough.
Customer Review Summary
The halloumi hanging kebab draws repeated praise, with diners calling it delicious and filling, while the camembert baked into sourdough with its chutney and the pork belly bites also earn specific mentions. Close behind, live music on weekend nights and an upbeat, stylish atmosphere come up again and again as reasons the evening feels special, alongside consistently attentive, friendly service from the waitstaff. Roast meals like the belly pork and beef are singled out at lunchtime too, and desserts are repeatedly described as pleasantly presented. Celebratory touches stand out: one diner's cake was placed on a platter for a birthday, and a manager comped a free dessert for the celebrant. One reviewer's only complaint was that the restaurant ran a little chilly, otherwise the meal was excellent. Multiple visitors mention being seated during busy periods without trouble and returning happy despite arriving in a bad mood, with one describing help taking celebratory photos from a staff member.
Customer Review Summary
The halloumi hanging kebab draws repeated praise, with diners calling it delicious and filling, while the camembert baked into sourdough with its chutney and the pork belly bites also earn specific mentions. Close behind, live music on weekend nights and an upbeat, stylish atmosphere come up again and again as reasons the evening feels special, alongside consistently attentive, friendly service from the waitstaff. Roast meals like the belly pork and beef are singled out at lunchtime too, and desserts are repeatedly described as pleasantly presented. Celebratory touches stand out: one diner's cake was placed on a platter for a birthday, and a manager comped a free dessert for the celebrant. One reviewer's only complaint was that the restaurant ran a little chilly, otherwise the meal was excellent. Multiple visitors mention being seated during busy periods without trouble and returning happy despite arriving in a bad mood, with one describing help taking celebratory photos from a staff member.
Featured reviews
- Jude Byron
“Michaela and Katie were so amazing I don’t think I have seen a team so close like this in a while. I had the pork belly bites the sauce was actually amazing. Would definitely recommend for anyone who visits Exeter”
- Millie.hayward
“We had such a lovely time last night. The service was great and the food was incredible. The waitresses were extremely lovely and accommodating and really made our visit easy and lovely. Huge thank you to Katie for helping us with everything we needed.”
- Joy Davies
“We had a fantastic meal at The Botanist. The live music made for a brilliant atmosphere, the food was delicious and the whole evening was lovely. Liv was a fantasic server - friendly, helpful and all around lovely. Thank you.”
- John Smith
“Recommended to us by the other couple in our party of four, go here for the best lunchtime food in a very handy and attractive City-Centre setting. Staff are attentive, and enjoyed serving us with enthusiasm. Excellence all round.”
- Ophelia McManus
“I came into Botanist in something of a bad mood due to having a challenging day and left very happy. The atmosphere of the restaurant was absolutely wonderful, with live music, with an upbeat vibe. Service was both quick, friendly, and attentive - I especially want to mention my server Lily who ensured our table was brilliantly looked after. Food was tasty and very filling! The Halloumi hanging kebab left me feeling very sated, and tasted delicious. The camembert baked into a sourdough loaf was clever, and the chutney it came with was to die for! 10/10; I really recommend coming here for dinner!!”
Hours
- Monday
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Good to know
“Gastropub-style dining, kebabs, botanical cocktails, draught beers and wine in striking interiors - with free Live Music every weekend.”
- AccessibilityWheelchair-accessible entrance · Wheelchair-accessible seating · Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Amenities
- Wi-Fi
- Wheelchair-accessible entrance
- Vegan options
- Bar onsite
- Gender-neutral restroom
- Beer
Show more amenities
- Coffee
- Free water refills
- Happy hour drinks
- Late-night food
- Great dessert
- Live music
- Facilities· 13
- Restroom
- Alcohol
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great wine list
- Rooftop seating
- Accessibility· 2
- Wheelchair-accessible seating
- Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Location
Restaurants near The Botanist Exeter
- Bella Italia - Exeter4.52,2160 mi£10–20Vegan optionsVegetarian optionsWheelchair accessible
vegetarian options, signature carbonara, ultimate calzone
- Bill's Exeter Restaurant4.63,8140 mi£10–20Vegan optionsVegetarian optionsWheelchair accessible
bbq brisket mac and cheese, chicken schnitzel, unlimited friday pancakes
- The Ivy Exeter4.41,7780.1 mi£30–80Outdoor seatingVegan optionsVegetarian options
champagne afternoon tea, birthday chocolate cake with candle, specialty cocktails
| Place | Rating | Distance | Price | Mentioned in reviews |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Botanist Exeter | 4.1833 | — | £20–30 | halloumi hanging kebab, live music, pork belly bites |
| Bella Italia - ExeterVegan options · Vegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible | 4.52,216 | 0 mi | £10–20 | vegetarian options, signature carbonara, ultimate calzone |
| Bill's Exeter RestaurantVegan options · Vegetarian options · Wheelchair accessible | 4.63,814 | 0 mi | £10–20 | bbq brisket mac and cheese, chicken schnitzel, unlimited friday pancakes |
| The Ivy ExeterOutdoor seating · Vegan options · Vegetarian options | 4.41,778 | 0.1 mi | £30–80 | champagne afternoon tea, birthday chocolate cake with candle, specialty cocktails |
The 3 nearest restaurants by distance. Ratings, hours and review terms come from public business profiles.
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