On The
Waterfront
Riverside restaurant, bar & events venue on Exeter Quay. Handcrafted pizzas, cocktails, live events and private hire.
Live Events at On The Waterfront Exeter
Jazz evenings, drag brunches, murder mystery nights and more — all on Exeter's Historic Quayside.
Riverside Dining on Exeter Quay
A unique pub and quality restaurant experience on Exeter's beautiful Quay. Famous for our gigantic handcrafted pizzas and proud to serve only top quality, locally sourced food in our award-winning restaurant and bar.
The Best Pizzas
Famous throughout Devon
Fresh Tapas
Small plates to share
Cocktails on the Quay
BOGOF Mon–Thu 12–6pm
Award-Winning Bar
Cask Marque accredited
Our Restaurants & Bar
Four unique spaces, one unforgettable location.
The Bar
Cask Marque accredited. Wide range of beers, wines, ciders, spirits and locally produced soft drinks. Walk-ins always welcome.
View Drinks Menu
The Long Room
Perfect for parties and group dining. Seats up to 100 — ideal for birthdays, corporate events, and celebrations.
Book the Long Room
The Boat Room
A more intimate setting for smaller groups. Tables seating up to 6, with views across Exeter's Historic Quayside.
Book the Boat Room
The Terrace
Heated terrace with glorious quayside views. Dog friendly — four-legged friends always welcome.
Explore All Spaces
Exeter's Tastiest Tapas
Graze your way through our selection of tapas and small plates — perfect for sharing around the table. Though once you taste them, you may not want to.
View Food MenuCocktails On The Quay
Enjoy our selection of refreshing cocktails — classics and signatures — whilst kicking back on our waterfront terrace.
Monday–Thursday 12–6pm: buy one get one free on cocktails.*
*Cheapest cocktail is free.
View Drinks Menu
The Best Pizza in Exeter
Already famous throughout Devon for our gigantic handcrafted pizzas. Order for delivery via Deliveroo, or call us to collect.
Live Entertainment
Exeter's Best Nights Out
From drag brunches to murder mystery nights — there's always something happening on Exeter Quay.
A message from us ❤️
The On The Waterfront you know & love is coming to an end… but not quite as soon as we thought!
Back in September, we shared the sad news that after 20 years of independently running On The Waterfront, Punch Pubs had decided not to renew our lease, with plans to take the venue back in January 2027.
Well, we have a little update!
Due to delays with Punch's refurbishment plans, including complications surrounding the planning and heritage requirements of our historic building, the handover is now looking more likely to take place in Spring 2027.
The exact date is still subject to change, but it looks like we'll have a little longer together than originally expected!
And while we're delighted to have some extra time, the situation hasn't changed. Punch still intends to take the venue back and operate it as a Managed Partnership following a refurbishment.
So we're still making the most of every day we have left — and we need your continued support! ❤️
20 years of memories, and a few more still to make…
For the last 20 years, On The Waterfront has been independently run by us. During that time, we've made it our own and created the Waterfront you know and love today — from our famous pizzas and cocktails to bottomless brunches, birthdays, live entertainment, Christmas parties and countless celebrations.
Our lease is coming to an end and Punch Pubs have decided not to renew it.
The Waterfront isn't disappearing, but the independently run On The Waterfront that you know and love — including our famous pizzas — will be coming to an end.
And while that's going to be incredibly emotional for us after 20 years, we're definitely not saying goodbye just yet!
We've still got Christmas to look forward to, and now hopefully a few more months into 2027 — and we intend to make every bit of it count.
On The Waterfront has been part of Exeter Quay for 41 years, and we know how much this place means to so many people. First dates, graduations, birthdays, Christmas parties, family meals, nights out and sunny afternoons on the Quay — so many memories have been made here.
The incredible support we've received since announcing the news in September has meant so much to us and our team.
But as an independent business, we need that support to continue right up until our final day.
So don't just come and see us once to say goodbye. Come and make the most of the Waterfront while it's still the Waterfront you know and love.
Book the party. Have the pizza. Order another cocktail. Come to the brunch. Bring the family. Then come back and do it all again.
We're open as normal, taking bookings and looking forward to welcoming you for a little longer!
❤️ ❤️ Let's make these final months something truly special. Thank you for being part of our story.
On The Waterfront • Exeter Quay • 20 years independently run. Open as normal and taking bookings.
Guest Reviews
What People Are Saying
Rated one of the best places to eat in Exeter.
"Absolutely stunning location right on the quay. The pizza was incredible — best we've had outside of Italy. We'll be back every time we visit Exeter."
Sarah M.
Google Review
"Booked the Long Room for my 40th birthday. The team were amazing from start to finish. The food, the atmosphere, the views — everything was perfect."
James T.
TripAdvisor Review
"The drag brunch was the most fun I've had in years. Brilliant entertainment, great food and the cocktails were flowing. Already booked tickets for the next one!"
Emma R.
Facebook Review
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Locally Sourced, Community Minded
We're proud to be part of Exeter's community. We source locally wherever we can — Devon beef, daily fish from Brixham, and seasonal produce from local suppliers. Some ingredients are sourced from across Europe to get the best quality for our dishes.
A portion of every Hawaiian pizza sold goes directly to local charities. We also employ locally and support community events throughout the year on Exeter's Historic Quayside.
Learn More About UsLocal first
We source locally wherever possible
100%
Devon beef, always
Daily
Fresh fish from Brixham market
Every pizza
Hawaiian sales support local charities
Why Visit On The Waterfront?
There's nowhere quite like it in Exeter. A riverside restaurant, bar and events venue right on the Historic Quayside — with something for everyone, every day of the week.
Unbeatable Riverside Location
Sit right on the banks of the River Exe at Exeter Quay. Whether you're on the heated terrace or inside the Long Room, the waterfront views are always part of the experience.
Explore Our SpacesHandcrafted Pizzas & Seasonal Food
Our gigantic handcrafted pizzas are famous throughout Devon. Alongside 17 pizza options, we serve fresh tapas, seasonal mains, and indulgent desserts — all made with locally sourced ingredients.
View the MenuAward-Winning Cocktails & Bar
Cask Marque accredited and proud of it. Enjoy our signature cocktail list, local ales, fine wines and spirits. BOGOF cocktails every Monday–Thursday 12–6pm.
See Drinks MenuLive Events & Entertainment
From drag brunches and murder mystery dinners to jazz evenings and live music — there's always something happening at On The Waterfront. Exeter's most exciting events venue.
See What's OnGroup Celebrations & Private Hire
Celebrating a birthday, planning a work do, or looking for a wedding venue? Our Long Room seats up to 100 guests and can be hired exclusively for your event.
Enquire About HireSocial Dining on the Quay
Whether it's a casual lunch, a date night, or a big group gathering — On The Waterfront is the perfect setting. Walk-ins welcome at the bar and terrace, or book ahead for the restaurants.
Book a TableGiving Back
Supporting Exeter's Charities
We're proud to support local charities and causes close to our hearts. A portion of every event and private hire goes towards our community partners.
Your local cause here?
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Need to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting On The Waterfront, Exeter.
Still have questions?
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