Old Fire House

If you're looking for a place with a unique character, the Old Fire House is exactly the spot you shouldn't miss. This legendary pub, located in the very heart of Exeter, occupies a former fire station on New North Road. Here, the authentic spirit of the past blends harmoniously with the energy of a modern student city.

The Old Fire House. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The venue is widely known throughout the United Kingdom for its cozy and slightly mysterious atmosphere. The interior is decorated with massive wooden panels, exposed ceiling beams, and quirky details, while soft candlelight creates a sense of intimacy and warmth. This iconic spot, which opened in 1986, has become a true home for locals and a must-visit for tourists.

The pub's popularity stems not only from its historic charm but also its reputation as an excellent entertainment hub. You'll find a diverse crowd here—from university students to long-time residents—all united by a love for quality music and a welcoming environment.

For your convenience, we have gathered current contact information to help you easily find the venue and reach the staff if needed.

The first thing you should do at the Old Fire House is order their famous square pizza. Huge 14-inch portions with diverse and generous toppings have become the venue's signature. Complement your dinner with a glass of one of nine types of ale served straight from the barrel, or choose from an impressive collection of farmhouse ciders, numbering around twenty.

Special attention should be given to the music program. On Fridays and Saturdays, there are live music nights featuring local talent. If you prefer a quieter but competitive evening, take part in the regular pub quizzes—it's a great way to meet locals and test your knowledge.

The pub's interior is worth exploring in detail: with its chandeliers, portraits, and flickering lights, it is often compared to the atmosphere of the "Leaky Cauldron" from the Harry Potter books. On a warm evening, be sure to visit the cozy courtyard decorated with glowing fairy lights to enjoy the cool air and conversation outdoors.

For those planning a private event, the Attic Bar is located on the top floor. This space, with its own sound system and bar, is perfect for birthday celebrations or gathering a large group in a more private setting.

Finding the Old Fire House is very simple, as the pub is located at 50 New North Road, just a few minutes' walk from the bustling shopping center and main pedestrian streets. Its central location makes it easily accessible for those who prefer to explore the city on foot while sightseeing.

If you plan to use public transport, there are numerous bus stops nearby connecting the area to all parts of the city. A walk from the central station to the venue takes no more than 10–15 minutes. You can also always call a taxi to take you directly to the doors of the former fire station.

For drivers, several paid parking lots are available in the city center. Thanks to accurate coordinates in navigation apps, the journey to this iconic spot will be quick and straightforward, even for first-time visitors to the area.

The building that houses the pub today was constructed in 1834 and served as the headquarters for the West of England Insurance Company's fire brigade. Back then, the ground floor contained a spacious stone garage for fire engines, with stables next door for the horses that pulled the water wagons and equipment.

In the 19th century, Exeter earned the nickname "Fire City" due to frequent and devastating fires. A turning point in the city's service history was the tragic fire at the Theatre Royal in 1887, which occurred just 50 meters from the station. Following this event, the municipality purchased the building and established the Municipal Fire Brigade, which operated within these walls until 1931.

Over the following decades, the building served many roles: during World War II, it housed an army recruitment office, and later, commercial warehouses and offices. It wasn't until 1986, after an extensive renovation, that it opened as a pub. The new owners sought to preserve its historical heritage: original fire helmets and other artifacts from that era can still be seen in the interior today.

To simply enjoy the atmosphere and have a bite to eat, 1.5–2 hours is usually enough. This allows you time to appreciate the unique interior and try some of the local food.

If your goal is to catch the evening live music program or participate in the famous quizzes, it’s better to plan for a visit of 3 hours or more. Friday and Saturday evenings are particularly lively here, and time flies by as you enjoy good company and excellent drinks.

The pub's doors are open daily, though the schedule varies depending on the day of the week. On Mondays and Tuesdays, the venue is open from 16:00 to 02:00. From Wednesday to Saturday, the Old Fire House opens at noon (12:00) and continues to welcome guests until late at night: on Fridays and Saturdays until 03:00. On Sundays, the pub is open from 12:00 to 01:00.

It's important to keep the kitchen hours in mind: signature dishes and the legendary pizza are served daily from 12:00 to 22:00. If you plan to arrive later, you can still enjoy a wide range of drinks and the live music atmosphere.

Exploring the surroundings after a visit to the pub can significantly enrich your travel experience. The Old Fire House is located in the heart of the historic district, so just a few steps away, you will find many interesting architectural and cultural sites.