Location, Magdalen Road

This unassuming strip of independent shops, cafés and restaurants is a must for any itinerary when it comes to exploring Exeter.

As we’ve highlighted in our featured guide, Exeter is a bustling city replete with independent boutiques and big brand shops, bistros and galleries. One of our favourite areas of the city is Magdalen Road. Located less than a mile from the city centre within the highly sought after area of St Leonards, it has a variety of shops including a baker, fishmonger, florist and a delicatessen. For a number of years, this well-loved street has also held an annual Christmas fair, where the road is closed to traffic and sees many of the local independent retailers offering their wares of gifts, food and drink among the festivities.

“…be sure to make your way to Magdalen Road and explore one of Exeter’s most independent streets.”

Year round you’ll find a number of independent businesses, like Leela, where you’ll find ethical gifts for everyone, from bags, baskets, lights and lampshades, to eco-friendly clothes and jewellery. Then there’s Bon Goût Delicatessen, delivering delicious, fresh food straight to your door, as well as offering business and private catering. You’ll also find that the team’s luxury hampers, crammed full of seasonal produce, make the perfect gift!

For those who love to cook using only the freshest produce, Gibson’s Plaice Fishmongers sources the freshest fish, all bought daily from the world famous Brixham Fish Market. Or, if you want to grab a bite on the go, you’ll be spoiled for choice with proper coffee available at Café Catalan, and the finest sandwiches, baguettes, wraps, salad boxes and jacket potatoes on offer at The Sandwiched Inn.

Finally, for those of you who are partial to a quality bottle of wine, Smith’s Wine Shop, which also serves a mid-week supper, has a fine selection of casks sourced from all over the world, with wines available for every budget. The mid-week supper is matched with three different wines at three differing price points, and is served down the middle of a long table, where everybody gathers round and tucks in, a fantastic experience!

So, next time you’re in Exeter, whether you’re enjoying a well-earned city break or are there on business, be sure to make your way to Magdalen Road and explore one of Exeter’s most independent streets.