Devon


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-where">WHAT/WHERE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivyexeter-exterior.jpg" alt="The Ivy Exeter exterior with the Cathedral in the background " class="wp-image-73914" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivyexeter-exterior.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivyexeter-exterior-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivyexeter-exterior-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivyexeter-exterior-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>The Ivy, darling! Located in a historic 1900s Grade II Listed former bank, and neatly sandwiched between Exeter High Street and Cathedral Green. It&#8217;s one of the few buildings in the city to have a front row view of the Gothic-style Cathedral which you can enjoy from a seat outside under a Bentley-green parasol, or the private dining room indoors which seats up to ten.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-vibe">THE VIBE</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/exeter-ivy.jpg" alt="The Ivy Exeter" class="wp-image-73645" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/exeter-ivy.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/exeter-ivy-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/exeter-ivy-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/exeter-ivy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Grown-up glamour and that botanical Art Deco decor for which The Ivy is known. Worth popping on the heels for! You&#8217;re welcomed in an entrance lobby, which always feels wonderfully elegant, before being led in through the doors. Inside is all velvet cushions, monogrammed Ivy linen and a chic golden glimmer that makes me think of French café culture.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-tablefortwo-750x1000.jpg" alt="table at The Ivy Exeter " class="wp-image-73915" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-tablefortwo-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-tablefortwo-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-tablefortwo-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-tablefortwo.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>The occasion is my sister-in-law&#8217;s birthday, and we&#8217;ve hit the jackpot with our table for two (ask for the ones High Street side at the far end of the bar). The curved green banquette feels like our own private jewel-coloured boudoir, perfect for catching up on family goss, people-watching and feeling spoilt rotten for a stolen hour or two (tea is served 3-5pm). </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scoff-amp-quaff">SCOFF &amp; QUAFF</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/833b965c-7ba0-4e3d-9f06-a8c84e00bcee-750x1000.jpg" alt="Ivy Afternoon tea menu " class="wp-image-73916" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/833b965c-7ba0-4e3d-9f06-a8c84e00bcee-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/833b965c-7ba0-4e3d-9f06-a8c84e00bcee-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/833b965c-7ba0-4e3d-9f06-a8c84e00bcee-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/833b965c-7ba0-4e3d-9f06-a8c84e00bcee-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/833b965c-7ba0-4e3d-9f06-a8c84e00bcee.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>The afternoon tea menu can be upgraded to add a glass of Champagne, and comes with a choice of dainty savouries, scones and sweet cakes. There are a dozen different teas, including The Ivy&#8217;s own blends, plus a variety of coffees and hot chocolate. Intolerances are catered for if you let them know in advance, although it was no problem to swap out the smoked salmon and butter for my sis on the day.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/fcc74bc4-8a03-4319-b6e9-4e4b190e303c.jpg" alt="The Ivy Exeter champagne " class="wp-image-73917" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/fcc74bc4-8a03-4319-b6e9-4e4b190e303c.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/fcc74bc4-8a03-4319-b6e9-4e4b190e303c-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/fcc74bc4-8a03-4319-b6e9-4e4b190e303c-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/fcc74bc4-8a03-4319-b6e9-4e4b190e303c-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Fizz first, tea later! Well, it&#8217;s not a celebration without bubbles, and The Ivy&#8217;s was just peachy. You can buy a bottle to take home, and online now too.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-dryice-750x1000.jpg" alt="Afternoon tea at The Ivy Exeter " class="wp-image-73919" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-dryice-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-dryice-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-dryice-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-dryice.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>We had a relaxed fifteen minutes to chat with our fizz, then the main event arrived: a three-tier platter of dainty delights each. It all looked fabulous, but then the waitress brought out a silver jug and poured on the dry ice. Tea with added drama! Make sure your camera phone is charged &#8211; and remember to ask the waitress to take a pic of you with it (we didn&#8217;t!). </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sandwiches.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-73920" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sandwiches.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sandwiches-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sandwiches-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sandwiches-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sandwiches-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The savouries are all bread-based, including The Ivy 1917 Cure smoked salmon and cream cheese finger sandwich (soft as a baby&#8217;s bottom); grilled chicken and truffle mayo brioche roll; and pickled cucumber courgette and basil double decker. Each bite tasted as fresh and herby as if it had just been picked.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sconescream.jpg" alt="The Ivy cream tea" class="wp-image-73922" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sconescream.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sconescream-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sconescream-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sconescream-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/ivy-sconescream-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The caramel-coloured scones were still warm and tender, with a sweet dusting of icing sugar. The sprinkling of citrussy herb shoots (lemon balm?) nicely balanced the sweetness of the strawbs &#8211; which were juicily ripe despite this being Feb &#8211; and the rich preserve.  </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1200" height="1600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/e5928925-02d3-4eb2-a141-683b064d0fca-1.jpg" alt="cakes and scones of the Ivy Exeter Afternoon Tea " class="wp-image-73924" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/e5928925-02d3-4eb2-a141-683b064d0fca-1.jpg 1200w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/e5928925-02d3-4eb2-a141-683b064d0fca-1-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/e5928925-02d3-4eb2-a141-683b064d0fca-1-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/e5928925-02d3-4eb2-a141-683b064d0fca-1-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/e5928925-02d3-4eb2-a141-683b064d0fca-1-1152x1536.jpg 1152w" sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px" /></figure>



<p>By now, our Ivy Blend tea and jug of milk had arrived in elegant silverware, just in time for us to scarf down the cakes: a coconut and chocolate truffle &#8211; crisp on the outside with a delicious melty mousse on the inside; a delicately flavoured pistachio almond and cherry Battenberg; and a fab orange and cranberry eclair which blew us away with its lip-smacking creme anglaise.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5804-1000x750.jpg" alt="The Ivy goody bags" class="wp-image-73929" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5804-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5804-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5804-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5804.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>While we could have happily polished off every last crumb, I was intrigued to know if The Ivy do doggy bags &#8211; and they do! Rather nice ones too with pretty greaseproof paper.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1125" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/dryice-ivytea.jpg" alt="The Ivy Afternoon Tea Exeter " class="wp-image-73928" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/dryice-ivytea.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/dryice-ivytea-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/dryice-ivytea-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/dryice-ivytea-768x576.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>You&#8217;ll have to take my word for how delectable it tasted, but you have to agree it&#8217;s a feast for the eyes. My sister-in-law said the grilled chicken and truffle brioche was the best she&#8217;s tasted anywhere and she&#8217;s the sarnie connoisseur in the family. It&#8217;s hard to find a niggle, but maybe some extra cutlery for sweet and savoury, and the Battenberg was a bit light on almond flavour. Can I come back tomorrow??</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-anything-else">ANYTHING ELSE?</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5799-1000x750.jpg" alt="wallpaper at The Ivy Exeter " class="wp-image-73946" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5799-1000x750.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5799-800x600.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5799-768x576.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/IMG_5799.jpg 1500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The ladies loos are gorgeous &#8211; and we&#8217;d expect nothing less from from The Ivy &#8211; with a flower-covered ceiling and exotic birds on the wallpaper. Marie Antoinette would approve.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-out-and-about">OUT AND ABOUT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="750" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/SPACENK-EXETER-750x1000.jpg" alt="Space Nk Exeter " class="wp-image-69562" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/SPACENK-EXETER-750x1000.jpg 750w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/SPACENK-EXETER-600x800.jpg 600w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/SPACENK-EXETER-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/09/SPACENK-EXETER.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>



<p>Hit the shops &#8211; you&#8217;re spoilt for choice in Exeter&#8217;s capital city with Space NK, Zara and Reiss at Princesshay, and High Street stores including John Lewis and White Company. Busby &amp; Fox (practically next door) for slouchy Scandi-style daytime gear or splurge on jewellery at Michael Spiers. Then, back to The Ivy for a cocktail at the bar! Ooh, and there&#8217;s still time to catch Luke Jerram&#8217;s Museum of the Moon at the Cathedral, or make a night of it with a trip to see a gig at Exeter Phoenix of the Barnfeld Theatre.  </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-muddy-verdict">THE MUDDY VERDICT</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/muddy-reviewtheivy.jpg" alt="Muddy review of The Ivy Exeter " class="wp-image-73943" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/muddy-reviewtheivy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/muddy-reviewtheivy-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/muddy-reviewtheivy-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/muddy-reviewtheivy-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/devon/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/muddy-reviewtheivy-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p><strong>Good for</strong>: wow factor! A sophisticated celebration in the city; impeccable service (just right, not over-fussy or rushed); complimentary still or sparkling water for the table and generous free tea top-ups; a proper cloakroom with cloakroom tickets; and the acoustics and lighting are perfecto.</p>



<p><strong>Not for</strong>: slumming it; Kemi Badenoch (or anyone who agrees with her that sandwiches aren&#8217;t real food).</p>



<p><strong>The damage</strong>: Afternoon Tea £33.75; With a glass of Champagne £43.75.</p>



<p><strong><em><a href="https://ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-exeter/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ivy Exeter</a>, 65-67 High St, Exeter EX4 3DT</em></strong> <strong><em>Tel 01392 323360</em></strong>.</p>


Review: Afternoon tea for two at The Ivy, Exeter

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