Restaurants

The Stables at Cowley

4.3 986 reviews 12:00 AM - 09:00 PM Cowley Hill, Cowley, Exeter EX5 5ER, United Kingdom

Discover this place

The Stables at Cowley, nestled in the charming Cowley Hill area of Exeter, delivers a warm and inviting dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more. Despite the hustle and bustle on busy bank holiday weekends, customers rave about the attentive service, showcasing the staff's commitment to hospitality. One review highlights a young hostess who effortlessly found seating during peak times, demonstrating their accommodating nature even in challenges.

Guests consistently praise the delightful food, with one customer calling the carvery “proper lush,” while another commends the chefs for their impeccable cooking. Families appreciate the restaurant's sensitivity to dietary needs, ensuring that every dining experience is both enjoyable and comfortable for all, including children with sensory issues.

The exterior may seem a bit neglected, but once inside, the ambiance transforms into a welcoming, vibrant atmosphere. The sun trap patio offers a perfect spot to unwind with a drink, enhancing the overall experience. Whether you're visiting for a casual meal or a special occasion like a wedding, The Stables at Cowley earns a solid recommendation for its excellent food and friendly service.

Photos

Amenities & More

Service options

Outdoor seating
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights

Fireplace
Great beer selection
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Great wine list

Popular for

Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Dining options

Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities

Bar onsite
Restroom
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere

Casual
Cozy

Crowd

Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists

Note: Amenity details are aggregated from verified visits, the venue's website and Google. They may change without notice. We recommend confirming key details (pet policy, accessibility, reservations) directly with The Stables at Cowley before visiting.

Reviews for The Stables at Cowley

4.3

986 reviews

100%

37%

13%

11%

Review highlights

Based on 986 reviews

The Stables at Cowley is widely praised for its welcoming and attentive staff, who demonstrate particular care in accommodating families with young children and guests with special needs. Consistently noted for its high-quality food, especially the carvery offerings, the restaurant impresses patrons with generous portions and well-prepared dishes. Visitors appreciate the friendly atmosphere and the ability to handle busy periods with patience despite occasional delays. While the interior ambiance receives positive feedback, a few remarks suggest the exterior could benefit from some upkeep. Additionally, ample parking is recognized as a convenient feature. Overall, The Stables at Cowley stands out as a warm, family-friendly venue with excellent service and reliable food quality, making it a favored choice for both casual visits and special events.

Ouchomobile

Jul 04, 2025

Came in on a busy bank holiday weekend. Could see that it was rammed to the rafters. Was greated by a lovely young girl and explained that didn't have a booked but was managed to be squeezed in. Had a little wait for food as it was so busy and there was only two people working the whole place but by God when the food did come out it was amazing. Just the right amount of food and it just went down so nicely. Paid for our meals and even say outside with a drink as the weather was so lovely and they have a nice little sun trap patio area. Can't wait to come back again

Sigh 909

Jun 01, 2025

Great food and very friendly staff. Very accommodating to the children who have sensory issues for which we were truly grateful. Will definitely be returning.

Pippa Edwards

May 31, 2025

Absolutely amazing the staff were lovely and welcoming especially as we have a 1 year old the staff were very friendly! And the chefs cooking was impeccable I also asked for my son’s chips to not be cooked with salt and that was no problem at all! The outside looks a little neglected so was unsure as we stepped in the amount of parking is amazing too

Brian Cocker

May 23, 2025

Popped in on Sunday with my friends and their little dog, was an impromptu visit. Staff were super lovely and the carvery proper lush, 10 out of 10 would recommend

Iain Slevin

May 14, 2025

Went for a wedding event just after me and my new wife got married, were treated very well and the venue was beautiful. The staff were very accomedating and arranged a wonderful carvery for us all to enjoy. Would happily go again for a similar event in the future!

Simon Brereton

May 06, 2025

We had to go and find a wedding venue in Shute. So thought we'd drop in The Stables on our way back and I must say since our last visit approximately 2yrs ago we were pretty impressed. The place hasn't changed a lovely relaxing country pub on outskirts of Exeter. Plenty of parking inc disabled (out the front on the flat) 2 outdoor seating areas always a bonus. So the food Clairo had the smaller appetite Scampi which she really enjoyed I went for the The Stables Burger.... Beautiful meaty dense Patti with bacon, cheese, tomato and I think remaine lettuce. Very good, pile of thick steak chips not my favorite but ate half of them, I found the slaw could of done with more dressing but that's just personal choice, good choice of drinks. The servers were very good, so yeah a very nice experience and one we will be repeating .

Les Williams

Apr 23, 2025

We had the afternoon tea, which was lovely, but you do need to order the day before. Deliciously warm sausage rolls and quiche with freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream. And more cakes than we could eat. Accompanied with tea and coffee, what's not to like?

Maria Slade

Mar 17, 2025

Lovely meal, tasty and well presented. Service great, no complaints. Thankyou