The Holt, Exeter

Blackthorn _ left this review about The Holt

A relatively recent opening in an attractive old building opposite the cathedral green, it’s owned by the Otter Brewery (hence the name) and includes an attractive and good-sized garden at the rear, which is something of a rarity in this part of town. It’s not particularly obvious from the street outside, with just a small arched entrance to a passageway being the only visible sign of the pub, but it’s well worth making the effort to investigate further.

At the end of the passageway is a courtyard with further seating, and this leads in to the pub itself which looks like it could have been an old mill of some sort. Internally it’s much less industrial than that though, with wood panelling on much of the walls making it reminiscent of an elegant hotel drawing room. The first room you come to is a sort of entrance hallway, with stairs to the first floor, although we did not investigate this. A large table takes up most of the available floor space with padded bench seating around the perimeter, and there is a fireplace stacked full of logs at the end. A small entrance hallway leads in to the main part of the pub with the bar counter, and there is a further room beyond this, perhaps more geared up for dining. Flooring was a mixture of sanded wooden boards and flagstone style tiling, whilst there were plenty of black timbered beams on the ceiling. Elsewhere were some old beer barrels for vertical drinking, and a few random pieces of artwork were dotted around the walls.

Beers on tap were all from Otter as might be expected and consisted of Bright, Amber and Ale, whilst a fourth pump appeared unused. The solitary cider meanwhile was Sandford Orchard’s Devon Red. Overall, a very pleasant spot and friendly staff as well.

On 22^nd June 2026 - rating: 8
[User has posted 2150 recommendations about 2046 pubs]