The Hour Glass Inn, Exeter

A January evening in one of Exeter's oldest pubs

There's something about a proper old pub on a winter's night: soft lights, a busy bar, a good pint and a menu worth lingering over. The Hour Glass Inn has all of that, and a fair bit of history besides.

You'll find it on the corner of Melbourne Street and Colleton Row, a short stroll from the Quay, in a curved, wedge-shaped building that has been a pub since the 1840s. Back in 1848 its landlord, John Stuckes, declared his house "not to be equalled by any similar establishment in the city", and boasted of an enclosed skittle alley so his customers could play whatever the weather. Bold words, but the Hour Glass has outlasted most of its rivals, and it's one of a dwindling number of traditional city pubs still going in Exeter.

These days it's run by Exeter Brewery, so the bar pours their own ales, including Avocet, Devon's original organic real ale, alongside local ciders, a wine list with plenty by the glass and a serious line-up of whiskies. The kitchen cooks with local, seasonal produce from small Devon suppliers, so the menu changes through the year, but steaks with hand-cut, triple-cooked chips are a fixture, and it has long had a reputation as one of the city's best dining pubs.

This is one of our first unhosted gatherings. There won't be a Dinners With Friends host at the table; instead, eight of you will share a table booked in our name. Everyone arrives independently, settles in and gets the conversation going. If you've been to one of our dinners before, you'll know how quickly a table of strangers turns into good company. If you haven't, this is a relaxed way to start.

A little note about the bill: your Dinners With Friends reservation secures your seat at the table. Food and drinks aren't included. You'll order from the à la carte menu and pay the pub directly for your own on the evening. The pub adds a discretionary 10% service charge to bills.

Allergies or dietary needs? The kitchen does its best to cater for everyone. Please let the pub know before the evening, on 01392 258722 or at [email protected], and mention the Dinners With Friends table.

When: Wednesday 27 January 2027. Please arrive at 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start, and ask for the Dinners With Friends table.

Where: The Hour Glass Inn, 21 Melbourne Street, Exeter, EX2 4AU.

Just eight seats. A cosy pub, good food and new faces: a rather nice way to see off January!