Exeter Nightlife Ranks 10th Nationally

Ellie Green
Authored by Ellie Green
Posted Thursday, June 11th, 2026

The latest data shows that Exeter ranks 10th for bars and pubs per resident. The area has earned a lot of recognition for being one of the top nightlife destinations, with the city able to deliver memorable evenings, even with growing competition from nearby cities and the online world of entertainment.

Exeter is Competing with the Online World

Even though other cities rank above Exeter, there’s still stiff competition from the online world. Streaming and online entertainment all compete for people’s free time, which is especially the case during the week, when people aren’t as likely to go out.

Amazon Prime offers free trials of services like MGM and discounted package deals for those who want to take out multiple subscriptions, which gives people plenty of options. Food delivery apps like Just Eat also run weekday discounts, with Tuesday deals as well as free delivery promotions. 

Even in iGaming, promotions run during a specific timeframe. People who check Paddy Power bingo offers will notice that the site offers boosted bingo games every night from 6 pm, which gives them a window of opportunity to play games from the comfort of their home, during the weekday or weekend hours they have free time. 

As a result of all of this online competition, venues are becoming way more creative in the way they attract customers. Midweek drink promotions combined with themed quiz nights, discounts, and live entertainment are all becoming much more common than they once were. Local businesses are also looking to encourage footfall outside of their peak weekend hours.

Affordable Late Night Food

Interestingly, even though Exeter's drink prices rank amongst the highest in the country, the city has some of the cheapest fast-food places. The city is known for its many takeaway options, which helps to balance the cost of living for those who want to go out. You can find out more about what’s available on the Visit Exeter website.

On the Waterfront at Exeter Quay is a popular spot, with people then going to the Topsham Brewery or Prospect. During summer, the scenery is stunning, with plenty of outdoor seating, something the online world can’t compete with. The city has a Wetherspoons, which often offers mid-week deals on food, which includes drinks as well. 

The Old Fire House is another popular option, with the venue offering pizzas for £20. The pizzas serve three people, meaning it’s possible to have a meal out for just over £6 each.  For nightlife, the venue serves cocktails in the “attic”, with the Devon Mojito being a favourite amongst the locals. 

The attic is open on Thursday evenings and helps to give people an incentive to go out midweek rather than waiting for the weekend.

Exeter’s ODEON also offers cheap cinema tickets, with Saver Mondays. You can book via the ODEON app and then get a ticket for £4.50. This covers any movie at any time, specifically on Mondays. Examples like this go to show how powerful Exeter’s nightlife scene is, and with so many discounted attractions and venues, it’s clear to see how the city is able to compete with other regions across the UK, as well as the online world.

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