The Blue Ball

Name: The Blue Ball
Address: Sandygate, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, EX2 7JL
Telephone: 01392 873401
Price range: £25 and under
Rating: 4.5

4.5

695 Reviews

£25 and under

British

Top tags:

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

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

1 Dec 2023

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
Website
http://blueballpub.co.uk/
Payment Options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Gino Roppanto

Location
Sandygate, Exeter, Devon EX2 7JL
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

Noise • Moderate

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

OT
OpenTable Diner
London
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined 3 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great food options Nice ambiance Good value for money
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LH
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
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TN
TimN
Devon
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined 5 days ago
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fabulous Sunday Lunch! Pricey but extremely good quality
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LS
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.
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LM
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.
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K
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.
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LH
LauraH
Devon
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 20 November 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Food was delicious, service was fantastic especially Rob our server.
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MM
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?
K
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.
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J
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
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DR
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!
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NB
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.
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SH
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.
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MG
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.
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SG
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.
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JW
JaneW
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 28 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Lovely place. Very attentive staff. Food was excellent . Would highly recommend
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AD
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!
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CL
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.
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DW
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
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CO
CatherineO
Las Vegas
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 18 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Brilliant food , massive portions - will return !
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JC
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.
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LR
LucindaR
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 17 October 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Fantastic service, varied menu and food very tasty.
Is this helpful?
SV
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.
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OT
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?
KA
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.
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LP
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.
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DB
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.
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DR
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.
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R
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!
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N
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.
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NG
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.
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H
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 .
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AS
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?
CT
ChloeT
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 24 September 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great venue. Great food. Great service/staff. Thank you!!
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BA
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 🙁
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PC
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.
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AM
AllanM
Devon
2 reviews
4.0
2 reviews
Dined on 23 September 2023
overall4food5service5ambience4
Good food , parking and atmosphere prior to Rugby Match
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B
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
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C
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.
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KH
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.
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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

No. of diners

2 people

DateTime

1 Dec 2023

19:00

Booked 15 times today

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

Website
http://blueballpub.co.uk/
Phone number
01392 873401

The Blue Ball

Make a booking

Additional information

Menu

What 695 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitising

FAQs

How is The Blue Ball restaurant rated?

Is The Blue Ball currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Additional information