It's been 8 years and a 2-2 draw, Bramble scored both ours, since I was last in the university town, so many thanks to those fine drinkers at www.ciderspace.co.uk for allowing me to use their excellent site for research and pinching the odd quote.
There are plenty of small local breweries in Devon, and one in Exeter itself: The Exeter Brewery.
Club Bar :
Exeter City's Social Club at the ground is normally open to away fans. Inside the stadium food is the usual football ground fare.
Great Western Hotel; St David's Station Approach.
As Brunel did nothing on a small scale this is not a little place. Has two bars on different levels and a restaurant. Only 150 yards from Exeter St David's Station it is most useful for those alighting there. It's then about 20 minutes walk to the stadium.
There are up to fourteen real ales on at a time, with Branscombe Vale Branoc, Dartmoor Jail Ale, O'Hanlon's Yellowhammer and Original Port Stout and Fuller's London Pride regulars. Food is served all day.
Website: www.greatwesternhotel.co.uk
Imperial; New North Road.
Huge Wetherspoon - one of four in the city - close by Exeter St David's Railway Station, which makes it a 20 minute walk from St James Park, converted from the old Imperial Hotel in 1996.
Has the usual strengths and weaknesses of that chain. Wide range of ales, with more effort than some in the stable make to source local beers. Large beer garden and the standard Wetherspoon menu served all day.
Old Firehouse; 50 New North Road.
Close by Exeter Central Railway Station and the main Bus Station and about ten minutes walk from St James Park. Opening is officially noon - 3.00 p.m., though reports from customers suggest opening times, especially for the earlier parts of the day, can be somewhat random and it has been known to close on Saturday lunchtimes!
That said, when punters do manage to get inside reports are almost universally glowing. The pub spreads across three floors and food is served lunch times and in the evening. Very reasonably priced as it goes for the student market in term time, but should be relatively free in the holidays.
There are two house real ales, Sharp's Doom Bar and Wychwood Hobgoblin, and two changing guests, usually from local West Country breweries.
Well House Tavern; 16-17, Catherdral Yard.
Fifteen minutes walk to the ground. The pub is attached to the Royal Clarence Hotel. Food is served lunchtimes from noon to 2.30 p.m. The pub and hotel are owned by renown chef Michael Caines, but as he owns at least half a dozen venues scattered all round the country it's not that likely he'll be on site frying your chips. Otter Bitter is the house ale, with three changing guests.
There's Rich's Medium Farmhouse Scrumpy for those that like their real cider, and Becks Vier, Grolsch, Skinners Cornish Lager, Worthingtons, Guinness and Old English Cider for keg drinkers. Prices are at the more expensive end of the market but not outrageous.
O'Hanlon's Yellowhammer has been on a special offer at £2.00 a pint between 5.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. if your waiting for a train!
Wells Tavern; 31, Well Street.
Closest pub to the stadium, in fact right by it, but reports are that away fans are welcome and there are no issues. Was the Brook Green Tavern until very recently, but has had a name change.
As it was being deliberately run down and under threat of closure by the previous owning brewery this suggests it has now been sold on. Used to have up to six real ales, but presuming it is under new ownership will have to hope it's kept that on.
Great Western; top far left, top of St. Davids Hill.
Imperial; top far left, parallel to Great Western slightly higher, New North Road is the pink one!
Old Firehouse (if open!); top third right, pink road, opp. North Gardens.
Well House Tavern; bottom third right, top of Cathedral Close.
Wells Tavern; top far right, on Well Street, just after Sidwell Ave.
Exeter City Ground: top far right opposite St. James Park Station.
Victoria Inn; 36, Victoria Inn.
Other side of St James Park from the city centre, across the railway line. A recent change of management, and the new team are getting good reviews.
Clearly making an effort to build trade and a Tony Fort on Duncan
Adams' generally very good Football Ground Guide also recommends this pub, but claims it's fifteen minutes from the stadium, he must have enjoyed himself before the game!
The landlord says two minutes but we'd give it five. Well used by home fans, but no issues. Does real ale and good cheap food.
Victoria Inn; top square, top of Victoria Street, only 5 minutes to ground.