The Exploding Bakery in Exeter

Excellent pastry thingie with meat and fruit. And also one of the best Americanos I have had in a long time. Not necessary-- as we get used to boring morning black-- but a pleasant surprise nonetheless.

Abysmal got chocolate that was more lukewarm than hot and was somehow lumpy- no value for money. Came in a glass too which was off-putting. Tiny inside with hard chairs - not very relaxing. Overhyped.

Had heard great things about this place, but visited yesterday and was very disappointed. The place smelt very smoky (as in burnt food not cigarettes). Coffee was poor and whilst cakes were good they did not make up for the acrid smell which lingered on your clothes for the rest of the day and further meetings.

Nestled near Exeter Central Station, The Exploding Bakery offers a simple yet charming haven for those seeking a delightful culinary experience. During my recent lunchtime visit, I found the stripped-down interior style to be a refreshing change, allowing the focus to be on the star of the show – the fantastic food. The brownies and cakes, crafted with evident love and care on-site, are a testament to the bakery's commitment to quality. As I enjoyed my lunch, I couldn't help but appreciate the enthusiastic staff bustling about, embodying a warm and friendly atmosphere. The frittata with sweet onion slabs, soup and the giant sandwiches were standouts, showcasing a perfect blend of flavours without unnecessary frills. The emphasis on good value was evident, making it a satisfying and wallet-friendly experience. The exceptional coffee served alongside the meal was a pleasant surprise, adding to the overall enjoyment. The staff's enthusiasm was contagious, creating a welcoming ambiance that enhanced the dining experience. The Exploding Bakery, with its unassuming charm and commitment to excellent ingredients, has successfully grown while maintaining its values. The cake gifting service is a thoughtful touch, and the lovely packaging with free handwritten gift cards adds a personal flair to every order. In conclusion, The Exploding Bakery in Exeter is a gem for those who appreciate quality food in a relaxed setting. With its simple yet inviting interior, friendly staff, and delicious offerings, it's a place worth visiting for a satisfying and genuine culinary treat. Highly recommended for those seeking a taste of exceptional cakes without unnecessary extravagance.

Cool, laid back bakery serving a great range of local, handmade produce in a really cool space. Staff great, food great, all very good. We came late but they had the Lentil Dahl and boy it was tasty!

What a complete mess. First of all, tea was served in a glass (??) with no spoon or anything to stir it with or take the tea bag out with leading to me having to semi stir it with the glass itself. My partners hot chocolate was lukewarm at best and the chocolate had sunk to the bottom and was yet to melt, leading it to be bland and tasteless until the bottom, at which point she was met with the disgustingly overwhelming taste of incredibly rich chocolate all at once. The cake we were served was okay but very very sweet and left my partner feeling sick. This all came to £10, which for what we got, was about £3/4 overpriced. The service was completely and utterly nowhere near up to par. When we were brought our food and drink, we were just met with a brusque “there you go” and we then witnessed the workers throwing an item at each other in an extremely offputting manner. When I came here two years ago, I had a very enjoyable experience. Today has made me feel very different, very disappointed and has left me thinking what happened?

Amazing pastries & the most delicious daal I have ever eaten. Popped in after the lunch rush and ate twice what we meant to as it’s so good.

Delicious coffee and oat hot chocolate. Worth a pit stop to fuel up before exploring the local area. Great service and punchy flavour of coffee

We had a really outstanding experience at The Exploding Cafe, Exeter today. It was pouring with rain outside, but the Cafe had a really nice buzz to it. The staff and other customers are friendly and warm. You may well share a table with others when it is busy, but that adds to the good vibes. The food and the drinks are of excellent quality, and the flavours combine in a delightful way. Would give it my highest recommendation.

Leaving Exeter after working here for a week. Early at the station so popped into a random cafe, most fortuitously. Understated, kind, knowledgeable service; excellent coffee without any hipster foolishness, just quality sourcing and delivery. A marvellous sausage roll - not mucked about with, beautifully seasoned, excellent pastry and with a jigger of house made sauerkraut. Sensible sized collection of cakes (bought one for later so can’t comment yet). Good value too. This is the kind of place that everyone should patronise and forget the chains. Top ingredients handled with skill and no poncing around. Magic.

Went here to do some work pretty standard for a coffee shop but there was no customer wifi and everything was overpriced.

Popped in for quick coffee as I waited for train. Never again. Coffee tasted odd. Cashier didn’t speak. Toilet cold and dirty. Strange atmosphere. Price reasonable.

Είναι ακριβώς Δίπλα στο σταθμό του τρένου . Βλεπεις τον φούρνο που φτιάχνονται τα ψωμιά .Είχε πολύ καλο καφέ και γλυκο

I'm not hard to please, just a half decent coffee and a bit of respect and I'd be 100% happy, but we got neither. The coffee was... weird.... not just highly roasted, it was actually 'sour'. I don't know how you even do that to coffee! The cups were so tiny and over styled, i couldn't even get one finger in the handle to pick up the cup and the aluminium tray it was delivered on was so dirty it looked like it had been dug up somewhere. Perhaps the fact that I am over 30 and don't have an undercut affected their service, but I didn't even feel vaguely welcome while spending my hard earned cash. Perhaps they're more polite to their 'target audience', people who like bad coffee and thrive on disrespect.

I had high hopes for this bakery/cafe but was a bit underwhelmed. The staff are a pleasant, not overly friendly, maybe because it’s busy & popular? I stopped by en route from St David’s station to the town centre and had a coffee & cake. The coffee was excellent (flat white) & faultless, the cake however, was very dry, dense & hard to swallow (banana & chocolate loaf) & I’m glad I had water with me!! I also bought a frittata and side order of millet & squash. Both looked interesting & were just OK. The frittata was packed full of potato but again both were quite dense & dry. I wouldn’t rush back but maybe I chose badly?? Good location though next to the central station.

Popped in here to get a takeaway coffee , we'll the lady who served me was extremely rude and she laughed in ny face when I asked if she did any flavours and then said its just sugar so take some sugar. Very rude and the coffee was very strong. Will not be going back.

We are new to Exeter and came upon this place on our walk from the station into town. It looked interesting so we had an excellent quality coffee and then another. I noticed the lovely looking sandwiches so we decided to eat here too. The quality was fabulous and the prices are fair - about £6.

Had coffee & croissants for breakfast 2 days running. Top quality coffee & fresh hot croissant straight from the oven. Lovely staff & good entertainment watching the lunchtime meals being prepared. Wish we had one in Somerset.

We had a fab lunch today. A millet salad that was just bursting with roasted veg and flavours be and a frittata that was moist, tasty and delicious. Plus excellent portions

Visted here on a saturday afternoon. The coffee was fantasic. The cakes were very very good. Well worth a stop.

I live on the roof of Exeter College and I come to the Exploding Bakery everyday. I swoop down and collect lots of delicious food items to feed my chicks. Sorry for if I upset some customers, but I just love those tasty cakes.

Nice croissants but staff and other customers are a little hostile. Usually have loads of food for takeaway

A seagull nicked our grub but left our coffees though he landed on the entire tray. The 'manager' Joe charged me TWICE for our meals after attempting to give me back coffees that a giant seagull had tarnished and a brownie. Joe? the thing to...

Relaxed & welcoming atmosphere & amazing homemade food! Everything feels very organic & natural, gives off a very good vibe. Perfect for a quick pick me up coffee or a more intimate lunch! Very layed back.

My wife and myself are currently holidaying in Devon and before returning to London from Exeter St Davids Station our friend took us into the nearby The Exploding Bakery for a farewell coffee. It is an artisan setting and - not surprisingly - a very...

An artisan bakery, situated next door to the station, seating inside and on the large pavement out front, limited menu but all food is cooked on site and on trays at the front. We ate excellent spicy sausage rolls, frittata, almond croissant, fruit cake with...

Called in by chance as we'd just arrived in Exeter by train ,cortado coffee was very good and the nduja/soft cheese sandwich was too die for.

Stopping back in Exeter I always need to come back to this lovely eaterie. This is one of Exeters best artisan foodie place. Great coffee, creamy and smooth, but as ever the CHEESE & KIMCHI sandwich is worth the trip alone.... This toastie reminds me...

Staying in Exeter but trying to avoid hotel breakfasts. I had heard of this bakery so thought I would try it before taking a train. I must say that their almond croissants are superb. When I order a almond croissant I expect sliced almonds on...

I ordered a coffee and sat outside with my friends when a incredibly rude worker came out to tell my friend to ‘get out’ because she was smoking, even though that doesn’t make any sense. She did leave and I sat down to have my...

Venue is clean with wooden tables. Staff friendly enough and prices average. Coffee was average and banana bread a little over toasted. Also, had to specifically ask for sugar as none was available on the public side of the counter. Not unpleasant but not a...

Really really bad coffee. Asked for semi-skimmed milk with my latte and was treated as though I'd asked for someone to dangle fly paper in my drink and told "Erm, we only have WHOLE milk". Changed my order to an Americano with a bit of...

Visited for a quick coffee, both the flat white and cortado were excellent. Outside seating space, great ambience and absolutely recommended.

Best bakery in Exeter, and arguably the best coffee too. Refreshingly simple cakes, vividly flavoured, and a small but tasty selection of savoury dishes as well. We're fortunate to live nearby.

Located conveniently next to Exeter Central train station, we dropped by here after a long journey from London. They had a wide variety of baked treats and coffees available. We went for a focaccia, a flan and some flat whites - all of which were...

I ordered Peanut Brownies for my husband's birthday- they were delicious and all eaten in a day! They arrived on the day I chose, and the packaging was a delight- all eco friendly and a proper treat. I love the box! Hoping to have another...

I ordered 2 boxes of raspberry brownies, one for a friends birthday present and one for me to share with my parents OMG so delicious. The packaging is amazing that I didn’t have to wrap for a present, I’ll be back !

Great latte - good balance of milk and coffee, not too acidic. Their carrot cake was nice and moist and the brownies have a nice rich chocolate taste. Highly recommended and great place to pop in during the rain - conveniently located next to Exeter...

In these pandemic times, good service and Tasty food in nice surroundings is hard to come by. This place has it all.

Disappointing. Suggest you check your takeaway before leaving. Only when I got back did I realised the toastie was a overdone.

Came here after reading decent reviews, I was only in Exeter for one day and decided here would be good. When I arrived the lady behind the till was rude, didn’t smile once even though I was being extremely friendly. Her and her colleagues seemed...

Can’t believe the reviews below. In middle of chaos and covid the exploding b has been great. Been coming for years and coffee outstanding and great food. As the months since lockdown have progressed so the cafe has evolved. Give them some credit for heavens...

Arrived at 1pm for a bit of lunch. Had called to book but was advised to drop in. Table outside with left overs on it which we moved aside. But no one came to clean or remove. Popped in to order lunch but no savoury...

Used to come here often when Monmouth coffee was served, was really good food. Today I visited expecting the same. What a disapointment. Messy sandwich, asked for knife & fork, couldn't find a knife! Nobody wore gloves, despite handling food & to secure lid on...

Perfectly decent coffee, that was the positive. £2 for a croissant, not even a great croissant and no option to be served with jam. And no plate. 2 people, 2 croissants, 1 metal tray. If you're not going to provide plates to eat off, at...

Great cakes and drinks, really nice place to visit if you are in the area. However, in their website it says that the cakes are made by 'sexy people' I saw no evidence of that being true.:)

エクセターセントラル駅のすぐ横にある人気のベーカリーカフェ。 店内はパンとペストリー、コーヒーの香り満たされ入るだけで幸...

This was my 3rd visit to the Exploding Bakery. Whenever I stay in Shaldon I try to fit in a train ride into Exeter from Teignmouth along the coast and Exe estuary to Exeter Central Station. So often at train stations you only have the...

The exploding bakery is a lovely oasis of reclaimed furniture and homemade food. the cakes are delicious, the coffee is unique and there are options for vegans and vegetarians too. The staff all seem nice and friendly.

Rude staff. I got the impression they find serving customers an inconvenience. However I am a support worker and visited with two vulnerable adults who I support so perhaps it is just customers like us they treat that way. They only got 2 stars because their coffee is good.If you want a flavour of the place, just read their responses to their 1 star reviews.

Beautifully presented cafe with very nice coffee, however the cakes were really lacking flavour - sour cherry cake that did not taste of cherry and ginger cake with tasted primarily of butter - this is unforgivable to me for a bakery.

Have been here a few times fir a takeaway toasted sandwich, the inside is basic, rustic bpwurh large wooden tables where you can share with others, staff very friendly and quite a lot if them so always been served quickly. I always have a toasted sandwich with cheese and kimchi, it's aboutv10 mins wait to warm up but it's very good, lovely bread, think it may be sourdough, not sure but gorgeous and I will continue to have these as right next to train station home,

This place take there coffee seriously. This place is really popular for the students, where Exeter college is located like a couple of steps from the coffee house. There coffee is so good. The taste the texture the look is all beautiful. How ever you may have to ask for it to be extra hot as they are not so keen on giving hot coffee more, luke warm. Latte art is always amazing. In the mornings the place is very busy. Furniture isn’t the best, I wound take my grandma here lest put it this way. The decor is urban. With a mix of vintage and old fashioned furniture chairs and tables. Great place for Instagram or chilling with a laptop. There ginger bear drink is really good.I would recommend the flat white here.

Whilst in Exeter with a friend we decided to have a coffee at The Exploding Bakery and was unhappy with my coffee latte being served in a small tumbler glass. The coffee was lukewarm, also we decided to have a cake each which was brought over on a small metal tray. As we had a cake each i asked for a couple of plates which I was told they did not really do plates but I could have another tray !Not sure what the idea is for no plates but I certainly would not return for a coffee or cake here again.

Been here twice recently for coffee and croissant. Each time the coffee has been fantastic. The best I have had in Exeter.

Met some friends and relatives here and we all enjoyed the experience. Nice menu and friendly staff, however we were warned about a problem they were having with birds feeding off the tables etc, but we didn't see any.

Nice place, lovely food, great coffee, good location. Didn't like being stared at like I was stupid because I asked 'where is the toilet?' by one of the staff though.

Not celiac or gluten free friendly, only have non gluten free oat milk or cows milk. No Soya or Almond milk.

I came down from my hometown Bristol on the train and getting out at breakfast time by central station came across this bakery/coffee shop. The decor is nice and the black coffee i ordered was excellent.

Had heard lots about The Bakery and finally had an opportunity to visit last Friday lunchtime before catching a train from Exeter Central Everything spot on - staff very welcoming and friendly , food inventive and super tasty Definitely be back

I have visited the EB three times, first time was ok etc etc secound time 3 grandchildren and myself, Grandchildren thought it was awesome, cold drinks not the norm and cake lovely, I agree. Oh the best thing they allow dogs and provided water if needed.

Visited for first time in a few months and last time we were disappointed but hoped it was a blip. However, service by two young men was surly and slow and the flat whites were almost cold and tasted more like lattes. Off our Exeter good coffee list.

Sadly I was not impressed. The coffee was cold and the cake was not great (served on a small piece of baking paper).

Stopped by this inviting cafe as it had great outdoor seating in the sun, and it was independant. Although I only had coffee, the baked goods on display looked absolutely delicious.

There are so many good coffee places in Exeter so to be the best everything has to be so perfect, which is exactly what Exploding Bakery is.

I love going to this place, great service, delicious bites and a chefs right in front of you making bread!

i went to the exploding bakery in exeter yesterday. i've been before and the service is always good. the things my friend & i ordered yesterday were very nice. however, during our stay the friend i was with noticed anal beads and a butt plug on their shelves. which, on the service, is a bit quirky for a regular cafe but not a problem. however, then some of the staff members took the butt plug off the shelves and took it into the kitchen and began posing with it & taking pictures of each other with it. as i had eaten in the cafe prior to this happening, i began to feel really nauseous as i just found it a gross that sex toys were being bought & played with in a working kitchen. probably won't be going back to be honest.

Klein, nett, stylisch. Mit frischen kleinen Köstlichkeiten und gutem Kaffee Zentral gelegen mit Sitzmöglichkeiten innen und außen

Caught the train so could sample a wine or two. Managed to grab a table outside and enjoyed a rose in the sun. Once we moved inside, we watched in awe as the chef expertly put together endless dishes of the most wonderful food, whilst carefully listening to the waiter talk about his passion for sourcing some new and different wines, including natural ones. I still can't believe how some chicken wings can be transformed into something your taste buds go wild for. If you truly appreciate food and want to try some wines you won't see in the supermarket, this is the place for you. An absolute must!

I regularly meet people here or grab a slice and coffee to go. Frittata is excellent, kimchi pokey as you like and the coffee, still the best in town. Cakes are what they do the most of, I'm GF and they never disappoint.

Das Kaffee ist klein und hip. Die Einrichtung jung und das Angebot, selbstgemacht, modern und frisch - wir waren sehr begeistert und können das Lokal mit sehr gutem Gewissen weiterempfehlen!

Would like to give this more than an average but don't think it warrants a very good. Popped in for coffee and croissant for brekkie. Enjoyed watching the team in the kitchen making that days lunch. Popped back on the way to the station for a slice of frittata and a sausage roll for our journey. Both very tasty and would love to have tried more.

Nice and cozy inside, but very expensive for what you get. Coffee was £2.80 and came in a small glass and wasn't very hot. A small sausage roll £3.50. Very over priced and very small quantities. I wouldn't recommend as coffee mediocre.

Love calling in for a quick, yummy, snack whilst shopping in Exeter. Everything is delicious and fresh. Rather have snack here than eat in some of the new restaurants in Exeter. All fresh out of the oven. Foodie's paradise.

Called in to this bakery whilst in Exeter, we were not disappointed. We ordered the lentil dhal soup and soar dough bread. It was a fantastic soup and full of flavour and the soar dough was terrific! Also had a coffee and this was equally as good. If you’re in Exeter this is a must visit place.

Food. Awesome. Coffee. Fabulous. Tea. Beautiful. Sausage rolls. Epic. Cakes. Delicious. Hours. Too short. :-)

I want with my dad for coffee and lunch. He had a mediocre coffee and I had a very tasty hot chocolate. However, the table was covered in crumbs and dirt and was clearly not regularly cleaned between sittings. A staff member did wipe up when asked, but he clearly didn't think the dirt was a problem. The food preparation counter and choppjng boards were covered in crumbs and clearly not reguarly cleaned. I saw a staff member there and make more mess, but still no sign of cleaning up.

Good coffee, but slightly less than you'd expect for the price you pay. There are times I've gotten a warm one, but overall would say it's a great place to grab a quick bite and coffee.

Fab coffee, delicious food and a relaxed and friendly atmosphere....would definitely recommend to others!

The staff, food and atmosphere are all excellent. Their brownies are the best I've ever tasted! Would recommend this cafe to anyone and everyone!

This was my first visit to the Exploding Bakery. I was with a regular who raves about the place. Really impressed with a relaxed atmosphere. Able to sit and talk without any hassle to leave. Also watched some bread prep. Definitely will be back and a far better option than the coffee chains.

This is a great place to grab coffee, everyone is always friendly and the cake is lush! would recommend this place, its a nice local business doing things right

This café is next to Exeter Central station, and I pass it on my way to and from work every day. When I come out of the station every morning I am greeted with yummy smells of coffee and baking. Sometimes I treat myself to a seed flapjack which is really delicious! If any of my friends want to meet for lunch I bring them here and I always have the same thing - a slice of frittata and a ginger and honey tea. The choices are limited, there's the frittata, soup or a salad, some toasted sandwiches and filled croissants, but everything is of the highest quality. The cakes are fantastic. Customers share tables and the atmosphere is very relaxed. It's a great place and we'll worth a visit (or two!).

Popped in here before visiting relatives in Exeter on a very windy day. Loved the coffee, great flavour. Cosy inside.

Popped In on Monday afternoon for a quick coffee, I often pop in with my girlfriend as its her favourite hot chocolate in town. We received a friendly greeting from the staff on our arrival, drinks were made quickly and looked great! Shame my girlfriend only had one sip before knocking it over, spilling her hot choccy all over the table and herself however the staff were quick to help clean up and even brought over a fresh drink for her for free which was very kind. Thanks guys! We shall definitely be back

I delayed my review because I was so upset that I didn't trust myself to be objective. Now that time has passed I can write about the facts.

Loved this place. Very rugged (don’t be pretentious), great aesthetic. Definitely unique and stands alone. Above all great coffee, smart and friendly staff, if the toilet wasn’t the cleanest. Who cares - it’s better than a wheelie bin behind Argos!

我和同學為了計畫聖誕節期來到這家離車站很近的咖啡廳，很有特色的一家店，我點了火腿可頌滿好吃的，我點了市售的lemonade，不知道咖啡嚐起來如何，店裡的氛圍很棒可惜沒有提供WiFi，但還是會想回訪的咖啡店

Lovely cafe! One of the few places for cappuccino in Exeter that is not burnt from over heating the milk. I have coeliac disease, and have never had any concerns with the coffee, tea or gluten free cakes. I have had serious concerns from coffee and tea in other cafes (I am very sensitive to gluten). Also, I much appreciate that I am not rushed out when I am sat on my laptop.

Consistently good coffee and great cakes. Carrot cake is to die for. Reasonable prices. What more do you need?

What a friendly place to pop into. Delicious coffee, cakes and a couple of choices for a light lunch. Everything is baked on the premises. It's easy to share tables with other drinkers and chat. There's no wifi though if you plan to stay a while. Location next to Central is good.

I tend to fancy myself as a coffee connoisseur and really enjoy visiting independent coffee houses to taste their particular blends. I wasn't disappointed, in fact we bought a pack of coffee to take home for my stepson, so he could enjoy it too.

What is there not to like about the Exploding Bakery?!? The place is great, the staff is really friendly, the food is fantastic (the cakes are just amazing).....I come here every day when I’m in Exeter. And love it every time.

Always enjoy visiting the Exploding Bakery. Lovely range of cakes, pastries and quiches. My favourite is the banana and chocolate loaf! Staff are very friendly and it is nice to have the option to sit inside and outside.

They specialise in tray bake cake here with a small but excellent range. They are a very good independent coffee shop as well.

Exploding bakery is my favourite place in Exeter, really friendly bunch of guys there who are always happy to chat about what they’re all about and where everything comes from. Coffee is great, food is great, service is great! Also the music in there is bold and something different which I love.

Stopped in for something before catching a train next door. Amazing croissant and great coffee. The sausage rolls looked really good...next time! Great service too. And reasonably priced.

Trendy cafe with a simple yet delicious menu offering. Prices no worse than equivalent in London so didn't feel overly expensive.

Expensive, but that’s a given for Exeter. We wanted a small bite, some cake, some coffee.

We arrived in Exeter in pouring rain a bit too early to check in to our hotel. We felt warm and welcome at the exploding bakery, enjoying hot drinks and soup, frittata and a toastie. Although the the food menu is quite limited, all the things we had very very tasty and substantial. A nice escape from the rain near Exeter central!