Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United Kingdom
  3. Devon
  4. East Devon
  5. Exeter
The Blue Ball, Exeter, Devon

The Blue Ball

4.5
4.5
695 Reviews
£25 and under
British
The Blue Ball team offer a warm welcome to one and all at the Blue Ball Inn, a fine turn of the 17th Century thatched pub and restaurant with accommodation in Sandygate on the edge of Exeter Devon.

Considered to be one of the prettiest pubs in the area, the Blue Ball Inn is the ideal location should you wish to visit us for a glass of wine, a pint of traditional real ale, a tasty bar snack or an enjoyable lunch or evening meal in our delightful restaurant. Inside, you will find a relaxed ambiance full of style and comfort with its cosy interior. During the cooler months the real log-burning fire creates a lovely atmosphere whilst in warmer months you can sit outside in our beer garden which enhances this charming restaurant and pub watering hole.

Our head chef takes real pleasure in cooking culinary delights and delicacies using Devon's finest produce that always reflects the season of the year.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 15 times today

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    British
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Mon–Sat 08:00–10:00 Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00–14:30 Sun 12:00–17:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 18:00–20:30
  • Phone number
    01392 873401
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Executive Chef
    Gino Roppanto
  • Area
    Exeter
  • Parking Details
    Ample parking provided in the car park or behind the pub.
  • Public Transit
    Newcourt or Digby Sowton train station.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 695 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.5
4.5 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Devon

    Good for business meals

  • Devon

    Good for business meals

  • Devon

    British

  • Devon

    Most Booked

  • East Devon

    Best Overall

  • East Devon

    Best Food

  • East Devon

    Best Service

  • East Devon

    Best Ambience

  • East Devon

    Best Value

  • East Devon

    Great for brunch

  • East Devon

    Good for business meals

  • East Devon

    Good for business meals

  • East Devon

    Child-friendly

  • East Devon

    Good for groups

  • East Devon

    Hot spot

  • East Devon

    Neighbourhood gem

  • East Devon

    Great for outdoor dining

  • East Devon

    Good for special occasions

  • East Devon

    Most Booked

695 Reviews
  1. OpenTable Diner

    London

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food options Nice ambiance Good value for money

    Is this helpful?

  2. LauraH

    Devon

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a group booking for 9, everyone's food was delicious, service was great - highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  3. TimN

    Devon

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fabulous Sunday Lunch! Pricey but extremely good quality

    Is this helpful?

  4. LisaS

    Devon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really excellent pub food - delicious. Every dish was enjoyed ,the service was fabulous, and a really good range of drinks. Highly recommend the Blue Ball Inn and will most definitely be returning , particularly as we usually have our dogs with us so knowing we can stop in without issue is brilliant.

    Is this helpful?

  5. LesleyM

    Devon

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    Overall good place for a family meet up with food that’s better than the average pub grub Not a lot of choice for vegetarians and desserts heavily dependent on chocolate But staff are friendly and service was good despite being busy. It’s local for us so quite likely to return.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Karen

    London

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    The food was excellent but service wasn’t great. We asked for kids meals to be brought out asap and they brought out the kids meals after serving all of the adult meals. We ended up not staying for dessert as it took a while to serve and we had somewhere we needed to be. The pub was incredibly clean and tidy.

    Is this helpful?

  7. LauraH

    Devon

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 20 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Food was delicious, service was fantastic especially Rob our server.

    Is this helpful?

  8. MelanieM

    Devon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was just perfect - great service and great food

    Is this helpful?

  9. Kingy

    Dorset

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 19 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love it here, great food and service from Nat, Josh and Belle (and the rest of the team). Food portions very generous and delicious. Can’t wait to go back. Perfect for pre and post rugby.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Jackie512

    Dorset

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The staff are very attentive and thoughtful. The blue ball has a love atmosphere, even when busy. We sadly do not live local to it, but it feels like home, with the lovely greetings we receive

    Is this helpful?

  11. DeeR

    Devon

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on 19 November 2023

    overall2food3service2ambience2
    This could be a lovely place to dine but is best avoided on a Sunday afternoon on a Chiefs match day. It took us nearly 45 minutes to drive from the motorway turn off to the pub because traffic was gridlocked and the pub car park is used to prebooked match day parking. Had we been informed of this in advance by the pub we would have amended our booking time or chosen a different day to visit. Chaos doesn’t come close to describing the road and car park!

    Is this helpful?

  12. NatalieB

    Devon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 November 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed a lovely meal at the blue ball. Our server was so attentive and the food was fantastic. We look forward to visiting again.

    Is this helpful?

  13. SteveH

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 30 October 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Very helpful and friendly staff, the food was delivered in good time but unrushed and was reasonably priced very good. I would recommend a visit.

    Is this helpful?

  14. MattG

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 29 October 2023

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    Food was fantastic, but staff service was non-existent. I went to the bar to pay, as nobody came back to our table after serving the food, and when I got to the bar, which had 2 or 3 staff members behind it, had to then wait to be acknowledged before I could pay. Not good in terms of staff, but the Sunday roast was 5 star.

    Is this helpful?

  15. SarahG

    Norfolk/Suffolk

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience5
    The Staff were friendly and welcoming and the food was great. The service was a little slow but they were incredibly busy. Would definitely recommend and we will definitely go back.

    Is this helpful?

  16. JaneW

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely place. Very attentive staff. Food was excellent . Would highly recommend

    Is this helpful?

  17. AndrewD

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 28 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Quality food with exceptionally warm welcome, both for evening meal and breakfast. Will be back!

    Is this helpful?

  18. ChristopherL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of many visits here and it’s guaranteed to have a great meal and good wine list. Food is always lovely, good range of choice also.

    Is this helpful?

  19. DianaW

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 22 October 2023

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    So was looking forward to this Sunday lunch . Not been at the pub for about 30 years . Service was great and food tasted nice but unfortunately a little cold . The veg was hot but roast potatoes not so much . Asked for extra gravy that warmed it up enough to eat . Pudding was lovely

    Is this helpful?

  20. CatherineO

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 18 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Brilliant food , massive portions - will return !

    Is this helpful?

  21. JackC

    Devon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Currently away with work and staying at a nearby hotel. Myself and a number of colleagues eat here at least twice a week. It’s a nice atmosphere the food is always great and the staff are very friendly.

    Is this helpful?

  22. LucindaR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 17 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic service, varied menu and food very tasty.

    Is this helpful?

  23. SarahV

    Bristol

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 October 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Exceptionally friendly staff. Good service. V welcoming to our dog as well as us! Good Sunday lunch and also dinner a few noughts earlier.

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    Devon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 15 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Gorgeous roast & staff were so friendly & great service 👍🏻😉X

    Is this helpful?

  25. KerryA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 October 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Lovely food nice decor and great staff. Service was friendly and attentive.

    Is this helpful?

  26. LindsayP

    Devon

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 14 October 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Very friendly staff, welcoming pub and attentive. We've been a few times after the rugby before we head home 2 hours away. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  27. DianeB

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 14 October 2023

    overall4food4service3ambience3
    Food was good. Don't book there if rugby on at Exeter as parking is a nightmare, did not appreciate being told where and how to park.

    Is this helpful?

  28. DeniseR

    Devon

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 12 October 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Very friendly welcoming staff, we went on a Thursday evening which was quiet but had tables with diners already seated. Menu has a wide choice of starters and main courses and the food was delicious, we didn’t have a desert as we were too full. We have been to The Blue Ball before and will go again as it is reasonably priced for the quality of food.

    Is this helpful?

  29. Rich

    Devon

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 October 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Came for a birthday meal with family (8,11,12) and the food was great as always. Service was exceptional throughout and we were really impressed with the young lady waiting on us. Had far worse service in much more expensive restaurants!

    Is this helpful?

  30. Nettie

    Devon

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on 5 October 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    Lovely ambience. Mixture of clientele. Good choice of food and good quality, well presented. Staff very friendly. Drinks a little pricey? Would recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  31. NicG

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 1 October 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was lovely. It was really warm in there which made my son sleepy. Also my husband was disappointed with the limited menu, I don’t know if it was because it was Sunday but he is not keen on a roast and found the only option he fancied was fish and chips.

    Is this helpful?

  32. Highwayman

    Hampshire

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 30 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A wonderful local pub with great atmosphere. The food is outstanding, you can tell its all made with very fresh ingredients and made to order. The staff are super helpful, friendly and professional in how they deal with their customers. The pub is run to a very high standard by the team and we were made to feel special in the service that was given and the excellent food provided. This is now our favourite pub/restaurant to go to. Many thanks to all there .

    Is this helpful?

  33. AllieS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 27 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great Food, Brilliant Service and perfect location. Really convenient close to the motorway - a great stop off for lunch.

    Is this helpful?

  34. ChloeT

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 24 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great venue. Great food. Great service/staff. Thank you!!

    Is this helpful?

  35. BARRYF

    Devon

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 September 2023

    overall4food2service4ambience4
    The service from the staff was very good but as it was a birthday meal the menu had none of the things we went there for ( wanted a burger with cheese as don’t normally eat things like that )… went for the fish pie which was bland , the side dish of veg was very small …so , we had a good time , stayed there for 10 hours and spent a lot between us … just disappointed with the food 🙁

    Is this helpful?

  36. PeterC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 23 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A perfect start to a Rugby weekend with excellent food and superb service.

    Is this helpful?

  37. AllanM

    Devon

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 23 September 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Good food , parking and atmosphere prior to Rugby Match

    Is this helpful?

  38. Baiju

    New York Area

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 22 September 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    I must say that this is a local delight at the sandy park area. Very friendly staff and for sure the dishes are great too…. The ambiance makes it’s my choice

    Is this helpful?

  39. Chrisallys

    London

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on 22 September 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    Have been here many times. Like it a lot and will come back again. Very handy, just off the M5.

    Is this helpful?

  40. KazzH

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on 20 September 2023

    overall3food4service3ambience4
    Seemed busy for mid week. Disappointed that my first choice from menu wasn’t available and wasn’t informed of this before hand. No water offered for the table. Service was pleasant but slow, one young lad completely forget our drinks order! But over all was an enjoyable meal and would go again.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available

FAQs

The Blue Ball is rated 4.5 stars by 695 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

19:00


Booked 15 times today
Google Map for The Blue Ball

Sandygate, Exeter, Devon EX2 7JL

Additional information

  • Area
    Exeter
  • Hours of Operation
    Breakfast Mon–Sat 08:00–10:00 Lunch Mon–Sat 12:00–14:30 Sun 12:00–17:00 Dinner Mon–Sat 18:00–20:30
  • Price
    £25 and under
  • Cuisines
    British
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking Details
    Ample parking provided in the car park or behind the pub.
  • Public Transit
    Newcourt or Digby Sowton train station.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Gino Roppanto
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Vegan, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2023 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
Rentalcars Logo
OpenTable Logo