The Botanist Exeter Bar & Restaurant in Exeter

Rigtig god madoplevelse. Vi valgte Hanging Kebabs, som skal prøves. Meget lækre desserter. I den dyre ende. Der var flere fodfejl hos personalet. Øl som ikke var kold, manglende glas til ny drink og så måtte vi selv tage initiativ til at bestille dessert.

I had enquired about reserving the upstairs bar area for a leaving do/birthday celebration. From the start of the booking process, straight through to the actual evening Gabi and team were incredibly helpful. They allowed us to decorate as we wished and were super speedy and accommodating. I didn’t manage to catch the gentleman’s name who worked behind the bar all evening but he was friendly and very helpful throughout the night. Highly recommend this venue for a private get together!

We chose the Botanist as a pre concert location for dinner and regretted our decision right from entering the door. The lift was broken and as I have mobility issues, we had to struggle up the stairs. The noise hit you as soon as you entered. We went to the roof terrace for a drink prior to dinner, it was full of noisy students and the tables were not cleared of empty glasses. We went down to the restaurant which again was so noisy it was impossible to talk without shouting. Tables were sticky. We waited nearly half an hour for our food after ordering. The steak was tough and the chicken on the hanging kebab overcooked and dry. The toilets are disgusting and we walked out without using. There were drunk students in there singing their heads off and it was intimidating to try and walk past them. We would not recommend and will never visit again.

My work has a social at the Botanist. The food was delicious and the staff were very helpful. I'd recommend a hanging kebab and wanted to say a big thank you to Jodie who looked after our table.

We missed happy hour at turtle bay, so where recommended here. We chose 2 cocktails and 3 sharing dishes for £22. We asked 2 staff about cocktails, both seemed to be on their 1st shift as couldn't help us. Our food was really good, when we got our bill we'd been charged full price for cocktails. The manager changed it

My sons took me for Mother’s Day. Superb roast but there were 4 of us and only one roast potato each asked for more which we had but was amazed we had to pay for them. Surely that was not enough Food was cooked wonderful. Mother’s Day cocktail was delicious had to have another so did my sons. Starters and dessert was amazing. Service excellent

Took my Mum for an early Mother’s Day meal and was amazing. Drinks and food were 10/10 !! Thank you for a great time, will definitely be back :)

Amelia was amazing, I don't think I could of asked for a better server when coming to the botanist. Funny, lovely and all round amazing

It was my 60th birthday and we were shoved in a corner where the waitress explained it was a quiet spot! Until the music started playing! You could hardly hear each other chat! I was cold throughout the experience too! My sister had the club sandwich which was cold! I’ve been a caterer for 42 years and was classically trained and everyone should know how to make a club sandwich! I rang later in the day to complain and was told someone would contact me the next day, which They didn’t. All I can say is we even paid the gratuity on top and not one person came to apologise or ask us about our complaint! All I can say is, I won’t go back and will pass that on, your company is disorganised and a shambles!

Very nice food. Although basically chicken and chips the hanging kebab is a novel idea which makes for an enjoyable occasion. However, it was very noisy in the area and tables were cramped together. The service was very average, at best, very slow to even take a drink order and then pretty much neglected us until we had finished and they brought the bill over with a service charge already added ( and no option to remove it) which wasn't really deserved. As we left we tried to use the toilets - unfortunately you can't run a restaurant without toilets and even worst if these toilets are not cared for. Combined toilets which were dirty and most of the locks not working- this is not a pleasant experience.

Lovely amazing hanging kebabs. The food was amazing. Lovely cocktails too. Good service. Will definitely come back here again.

Really lovely food and first-class service not fussy but efficient and very friendly and on time with a really genuine smile. The food did not disappoint interesting and thoughtful without pretension - and very tasty indeed. Live music was a bonus and cemented a relaxed and ambient atmosphere. Hanging Kebab was very good and a house speciality. A restaurant where it is obvious care has been taken by the proprietors. Would certainly recommend if you are in Exeter for a family or friends daytime or evening out with just the right range of dishes so worth checking the menu. Only pointer would be late on a Friday the gents needs a little more attention.

Really good place for a night out, great service and friendly staff. Unfortunately only managed to get one of the staffs name, Edward. Would highly reccomend

A Fantastic meal at The Botanist, Exeter yesterday evening for our Anniversary. We chose this place on a whim after reading the menu outside - and what a great choice it was. We were seated on a nice large table surrounded by the very relaxed theme of the bar/restaurant. Our server Katie (Katy?) was very friendly, helpful with a smile and was more than happy to recommend from the menu - also informing us we could've in fact brought our dog with us (which we certainly will be doing in future). Thank you Katie! The food was great, from the starters to the 'hanging kebabs' and a very thoughtful complimentary glass of prosecco. We'll definitely be returning again!

Large group of us with no booking and made to feel welcome and looked after from the moment we walked in. Haydon (I believe the manager), first class customer service, genuine, funny guy and a credit to the business. Started with a pint of Tiny Rebel IPA and then went on to try the cocktails, highly recommend the Cherry Blossom Martini and Botanist Pornstar. Myself and partner shared one of the Hot boards which we both enjoyed, amazing scotch eggs!! One of our group was celebrating a birthday and Haydon and the team went out of their way to make her celebration one to remember. First time we have visited and won't be the last. Thank you 😃

Having been forced to leave not one, but two venues due to ridiculously bad customer service (see reviews of Revolution and Turtle Bay), we were outside of the Botanist when the chef and manager came down. Clearly having been told what raving nutters were causing havoc downstairs, they came down to see what was happening. After we'd explained the car crash of an afternoon we were having, the manager asked if he could see the supposedly fake ID's in question that the staff in Revolution had lied about. He looked at them, accepted them (because they were GENUINE), acted like a proper manager and invited us into his venue. To say the staff there made the girl's 18th birthday special is an understatement. Haydon (i think that was his name) was absolutely brilliant. set up tables for us straight away, we had a 3 or so hours in there and some food, which was also excellent. At the end he invited the girl's whose 18th it was, to make her own cocktail. He showed initiative and good business sense, as well as being a brilliant host. Because he used his brain and common sense, his business was hundreds of pounds better off that day. Will 100% be back.

Took my mum out for her birthday here. Had such a lovey time and amazing food as usual, we definitely recommend the lamb kebab and vegan burger! My mum and I are regulars and the waitress automatically recognised us and remember my mums allergies. This was amazing to see and shows how much the staff care and want to make sure the customers have a good experience. We will be of course coming here again.

Arrived and was found a table. Ordered food and drinks quite quickly. Word of advise, it’s cold in there if you are sat near entrance!!!! Our food came before our drinks so had to ask where our drinks were. They must have forgotten them as table next door ordered way after us but got all theirs before us! Has chicken hanging kebab and coconut rice. For £15.95 it wasn’t much. Could hardly taste chilli sauce on it and just all very dry. Very disappointed and husband had chicken burger with cheese and couldn’t really taste any cheese and very dry. The worst part was when they brought the bill they had added £5 into a £40 bill for service charge!!!! How rude not to tell us and luckily we saw it and told them to take it off. We gave a tip but as food wasn’t great and service slow we gave what WE thought they deserved. We would not recommend

What a great restaurant with a lovely atmosphere. The food was exceptional and the staff deserve a special mention too as they couldn’t be more friendly and professional. Great night out. Highly recommended.

Have visited this restaurant a number of times now and have never been let down. Most recently came for a friends birthday. Food was lovely and all staff were very attentive. Lovely experience. Thank you.

Had a lovely time here. Went for a spontaneous lunch out. The servers were very friendly and the vegan meatball hanging kebab was delicious!

Came for a friends Birthday, food was amazing and Jess our waitress was very attentive and made the evening extra special, nothing was too much trouble. Thank you we will be back.

We arrived at 8.00 pm and mains did not arrive until just before 10.00pm - and then only because we chased up and said we were about to cancel the order . Waitress avoided us , people we asked to chase our order never appeared...

The service is horrendous. Several members of staff have apologised for the poor service with our order of food. The table next to us walked out after waiting an hour from having their starters, shame really as the venue is good. The kitchen really needs...

This is becoming a new Christmas tradition. Great service, perfect food and nice atmosphere. Thanks to all the staff and Merry Christmas.

The atmosphere was buzzing with Christmas parties and friends gathering for dinner but unfortunately the food was a bit of a let down. We didn’t mind the wait but it was barely warm on arrival and wasn’t to the normal standard of the restaurant. The...

A nice restaurant and rooftop terrace relaxed atmosphere. Food we had was terrible and had not got what we wanted. Being a Christmas time event I was hoping for a nice meal. Disappointed. The rooftop terrace has a nice vibe.

Terrible had to ask for everything twice. We pre ordered but I only got my main meal never got starter or dessert. They gave me a pile of spoons which also had 2 knicker blocker glory spoons but I never had the knicker blocker glory...

Great service and quick to take order and food and drinks arrived promptly. The menu was a bit disappointing. Not all vegetarian want to live on halloumi and cauliflower! Saying that the plant burger was tasty. Also, very loud music so hard to hold a...

It may have just been due to the busy Christmas period but our experience here was not great. Had to ask for everything twice and it took us to be half way through our meal after asking for cutlery and napkins for the waitress to...

Excellent food and fantastic atmosphere. Live music added to ambience. Vert friendly staff and prompt service. Would definitely go again. Special thanks to Haydyn who managed to find my wife's missing grandmother's engagement ring. Credit to all

We recently went to the Botanist for my brothers birthday and we had such a lovely evening. Our waiter was attentive and quickly took our drinks order on arrival, we didn’t have to wait too long for our food and the food was just stunning....

Terrible service, cold food and a 3.5 hour wait for a three course meal. Apart from that it was perfect. Complete waste of money . Never again.

Service was good. Very polite. The starter soup had nice seasoning but was cold. For the main, the meat and vegetables were luke warm and the potatoes were very dry. The meat was on a cabab stick, probably why it was cold. Also the meat...

I was planning a small surprise birthday meal for 4 which grew into a family and friends gathering of 16. Staff were so helpful and accommodating with the growing numbers and on-line pre-ordering was easy. On the day everyone had a great evening. We brought...

Brilliant evening for my birthday at the botanist, the live music created a brilliant atmosphere and the food was amazing. The staff made it their priority to ensure our evening was tip top. Would definitely recommend!

We recently visited my niece in Exeter and spent a lovely afternoon together wandering around the beautiful city of Exeter. We had booked ahead to go to The Botanist, as we'd been to other branches before, specifically Marlow. The Exeter branch is located in the...

Went for my husbands birthday, the food was incredible as always, the service was excellent and there was live music which made such a nice environment to spend the evening eating and having a couple drinks with friends!

The Botanist is the best around if you’re looking for great food and drinks and an even better atmosphere in Exeter. We went with friends for dinner and the food was excellent. Accompanied by a nice bottle of wine and live acts that were playing...

Absolutely woeful service in The Botanist on Saturday night. Waited 40 minutes to get a drink, another 20 minutes to get some garlic bread and gave up on mains after waiting for 2 hours. No communication from the staff whatsoever. In fact the waitress we...

My husband and I went away for the weekend with my brother in law and his wife. We were seated at a lovely table and the waiters and waitresses were amazing, they were rushed off their feet but always very prompt and helpful. Our food...

Well not a great visit for us late Sunday afternoon ! First drinks, we ordered a cider and 2 ales, the cider we ordered was off so we were offered a bottled fruit cider, a choice of 3 ok great, but the one picked was...

The menu is limited for a vegetarian, however, I picked a pasta dish which sounded nice. It had potential but was way too hot. I don’t recall it being classified as hot on the menu. The pudding was ok but lacked the peaches. Whilst service...

Nice place and lovely staff but the hanging kebabs are always luke warm! Whichever Botanist you go to - they should be lovely but would be much better if hot!

We were on a break from another country for the weekend and picked this restaurant for Saturday dinner. It was a disgrace for such a nice looking restaurant. The waitress came to the table and introduced herself as our waiter for the evening, we saw...

Service was very slow never got the drinks we asked for, had the roast lamb meat was okay Yorkshire pudding was cold, carrots were hard roast potato was more like fried potato. Waited 20 mins and no one took our dessert order so paid and...

Dinner and wine with a friend! A gorgeous venue with wonderful staff! Josh looked after us and was absolutely amazing! The manager Chris also checked in on us! They really went above and beyond to make sure we had a great time! Can’t wait to...

Came for a friends Birthday, food was amazing and Jess our waitress was very attentive and made the evening extra special, nothing was too much trouble. Thank you we will be back.

Very disappointed. Booked for 8 people for a birthday lunch and the food was poor. Had to send our started back as it wasn't cooked all the way through. Mains course finally arrived and yet again had to all be sent back due to it...

We had drinks but left before ordering food as the music was noisy and we were unable to hold a conversation. The waiter was lovely and apologetic and agreed it was too loud. He got the music turned down, but within 5 minutes the bar...

The food was absolutly awsome..Steak to die for....Hanging kebabs also really tasty..All round a great lunch,friendly attentive staff. Especially Josh. After suffering being on a bus that crashed on his way into work...here he us,in work and a great server..Thanks to all the team for a great meal....We will be back abd defo recommend the Botanist...xx

Table booked for 40 people. Absolutely perfect, extremely attentive staff, great service, great food, lovely venue. Brilliant on all levels from pre booking to arrival. Credit where it's due, fabulous team from servers to management.

We are a big family - we decided to go out for a late lunch early dinner when the grandchild visited. We phoned up and booked very late and they were able to accommodate the 10 of us. We were a mixed age party including one little one - he is only 2. We were so glad that we did. The food was served after a bit of a wait - but we ordered just about everything on the menu - and it all managed to come out hot and delicious. The burger I had was delectable, juicy and delicious and although I usually end up giving the fries to the kids - I ate the lot and stole a couple from my husbands dish. They were something else. I was the designated driver but the cocktails looked delicious. I thought the server was knowledgeable and very polite - checking back on several occasions to see if the meal met our standards. They also were very specific on allergies which was refreshing to see. We even found room for puds - totally recommend the ice cream. Will definitely visit again.

Lovely place, visited twice and cannot wait to return when I am in the area, food is FANTASTIC, staff are very polite and welcoming

Terrible service received for large group booking for a hen party! Menu not as described, insufficient food produced for party, service in the evening was terrible (with the exception of bar staff) complained to branch manager only to be thanked for feedback. All 22 of hen party left very disappointed. Food some overcooked/burnt, some items not provided at all. Very disappointed experience for what should have been a memorable occasion.

Had lunch with my mum today .We enjoyed our fish and chips which tasted freshly cooked and were presented well.The food was piping hot and all the staff were polite and attentive. Would definitely come back.

Really nice place food very tasty great range of drinks service a tad slow which is the only reason for a four star rating today

Waitress was lovely, helped answer all of our food related questions! Food was really nice too, exactly as described and very tasty!!! will definitely come again

Firstly, food is AMAZING! Was a bit disappointed as they had run out of the wine we wanted and some of the food was sold out. However, what we did have (chicken kebabs) was awesome. What lets this place down was the state of the...

Amazing dinner at the Botanist Exeter this evening!! Could not fault the food, the hanging kebabs are a must. Can’t wait to come back again soon and thank you to all the staff for always making it such a positive experience here.

Not only do they not have what is on the menu When you choose an alternative they don’t even toast the bread on both sides What an absolute disappointment…. Will never come here again and as it was a spaecial occasion (graduation) what a rip...

Visited The Botanist on a Saturday night with the girls. There is a really wide variety of food on the menu with lots of vegetarian options. Staff were very friendly and helpful with both food and drink recommendations. After dinner we headed up to the...

We have visited the Botonist twice in the past and both times we have really enjoyed it. But unfortunately this time (15/7/23) it has completely changed. First I must mention our server Emily she was lovely. We were seated and Emily informed us that the...

Was not impressed at all was for a very happy celebration for my wife charged for a glass of champagne or thought it should of been on the house ran out of food on the menu on a Saturday night joke Server was looking didn't...

We had previously visited the Manchester version and had a great time so expected a similar experience. Sadly not to be. First impressions were fine although the restaurant was pretty empty on arrival. Our friendly and enthusiastic waitress informed us that one of our drinks...

Lovely food especially the hanging kebab and great service as well. Lots of choice on cocktails, the classic mojito was incredible.

We arranged to have lunch here on Saturday 6 May. Overall, the experience was okay. It was average and generally we got what you would probably expect from a chain, so it is what it is. The food was okay. It looked better than it...

Visited last year and had a good experience, so brought my husband here. Massive disappointment. I had a cocktail; literally half the tall glass was just plain ice, with what tasted like a rather bland slush puppy in the bottom topped with a dried out...

Excellent service, great food great atmosphere. All the staff were very friendly and welcoming. Would def recommend

Fantastic evening! Excellent customer service from Chris and the rest of the team, great food and lovely cocktails. Retired to the roof terrace after the meal which was a lovely end to a great evening. Would thoroughly recommend, 5 stars ⭐️

Me and a few friends went here last night and had a great evening. Staff were brilliant, the food was amazing and the atmosphere was excellent. Highly recommend a night here.

I’ve been a couple of times now in large groups and forgot to leave a review. Both experiences have been great but comments below are about the most recent visit. We were a party of 9 and the service was great, the food and drinks...

Great atmosphere for a few drinks on a Saturday night. Lovely staff. All round great experience. Definitely recommend!

I just want to say a massive Thank you to Jess, The head chef and his team for laying on the most perfect baby shower for me. I honestly couldn’t have wished for anything better! They all went above and beyond! The food was absolutely...

Friend had a baby shower lovely buffet provided amazing food great service made a special day. The food was so yummy and served so quick

Amazing experience for a baby shower on the terrace. The buffet was superb and there was plenty for all. Great atmosphere and friendly staff. Will definitely come again.

We came in for a family meal greeted by a well mannered wait staff, the food was brilliant the best steak I’ve had in years melt in your mouth, great atmosphere wonderful cocktails. Will definitely recommending to anyone and will be back

Well what can I say... I think this was one of the best experiences I have had, The food, cocktails and desserts were amazing and probably the best I've ever had, Josh our server was extremely professional and polite and also thank you to the...

Lovely setting with attentive waitress but two meals were definitely below average, the steak and Stilton pie had little steak and what was there was tough.

When we arrived for our 8pm booking we were informed that the table wasn’t ready, it was suggested that we went upstairs to the bar. Unfortunately the bar was full of people intent on getting as drunk as possible. No problem with that but it...

Having previously visited the Botanist in bath which is in a wonderful building with a nice feel, we were happy to see the botanist in Exeter when we were there. Went in, they offered us a place by the window, which is high up and...

This was my first visit but I’m sure I will be back. The Botanist has a good range of vegan dishes, a wide drinks selection and great service. It’s slightly pricey but you’re in a great central location. There is a friendly vibe and a...

Brilliant meal this evening, with great service. The rib eye steak was cooked perfectly and the peppercorn sauce had a real punch to it. Highly recommend having it cooked medium. On previous experience, weekend nights on the open air terrace with the resident DJ are...

Ideal place for food and drinks! Staff are always friendly and welcoming and the atmosphere is great. Perfect for an evening meal with family or a few drinks with friend. Highly recommended the hanging skewers and sweet chilli fries. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Lovely atmosphere here, highly recommend the sharing hanging kebabs! Such wonderful experience! Lovely cocktails too! The cookie dough is a must! Brilliant staff who catered to our every need. Will be coming back soon!

Lovely atmosphere and great team of people working. 10/10. Would recommend to friends and family. Really enjoyed our time.

Lovely atmosphere and a wonderful team. Would recommend to friends and family 10-/10 would recommend!!!

Great food and the staff were brilliant. Highly recommend! Drinks are incredible. Staff are really helpful for food and drink recommendations.

This was my first visit to the Botanist. It was a good evening; I’d say it’s more one for the experience than the quality of the food. It’s a good open space with a wide range of drinks with very interesting and unique cocktails. I...

Great place for lunch!! Took my sister for her birthday and we had the best time! The whole team were so welcoming and friendly. Especially Faith and Tom who went above and beyond for my sister! Food was so delicious. Can’t wait to be back...

Quite over crowded, the food wasn't all that great despite the hype and especially the high cost. What you'd expect from a chain really. Also staff include the service charge in bill so make sure you check.

Visited with my wife on a Tuesday evening. On arrival we’re given a table as booked. Food and drink all good - nothing bad, or amazing. Disappointed that it appears to be routine to add a service charge to the bill.

Have been twice in the last 3 weeks for an evening meal with friends. 6 people the first time and 8 people last night. Both times have been good and bad. The good : Service is very good, very attentive and polite. Cocktails and drinks...

Must be linked to The Club House in Plymouth I'm sure, same menu. Very good, not the cheapest but not ridiculous. We came in on a busy night just before Christmas, was full of work parties and yet we were still very looked after and...

We’ve been trying to get into a Botanist in a variety of cities for a while now, and finally managed it with Exeter by booking online. It was midweek so there were plenty of slots available, but the classic dinner times (6-8) were filled. We...

Came here for some lunch and cocktails yo celebrate a friends birthday and the whole experience was amazing. The service was brilliant, all the staff were super polite and the food well what can I say, it was absolutely delicious. The cocktails were very tasty...

I went to the botanist Friday evening for dinner. Firstly we were waiting for our food for 45 minutes. When it arrived I tried my meal,it was over bearing with the taste of salt and my roast potatoes were hard. All I could taste from...

We didn't realise there was a Botanist Restaurant in Exeter, so this was a pleasant surprise. Great friendly welcome and great service throughout the evening. Although we were there on a Friday evening we didn't feel rushed and enjoyed very tasty food, cocktails and beer....

We booked to visit the Botanist on a Tuesday night expecting to be a nice midweek treat. Our table was booked for 7pm, we were greeted by the friendly waiting staff and had drinks orders taken swiftly which arrived straight away (only soft drinks) and...

Stumbled upon this restaurant as set back a little, real fun find. Both had kebabs one chicken one lamb really tasty.