I (Lauren) recently visited The The Blue Ball Exeter, a turn of the 17th Century thatched pub and restaurant with accommodation, in Sandygate on the edge of Exeter. [AD Invited]

I’ve known the landlord, Adam, for quite a few years from other visits when as he used to run the very popular Puffing Billy at Exton. Having achieved what he wanted to there for the venue, he has been at the Blue Ball for 5 years now, to do the same with a well established team and warm hospitality touch. Although this is a St Austell Brewery pub, they only manage the drinks side, and Adam and the team control everything else.

It has recently undergone a well deserved refurb, bringing this old girl much further into the 21st century with banquette seating, floral wallpapers, rattan shades, dark wood, foliage and a really comfortable mix of seating.

With a mix of good pub classics and modern dishes, there really is something for everyone. Thanks to Head Chef Robert Palmer, the kitchen team show off local and seasonal produce well plus the menu tells you who their suppliers are which I always advocate.

We enjoyed:

🧀 Baked camembert, confit garlic and thyme, tomato chilli jam with bread for slathering in this oozing melty sexy dish. A really high quality, tasty cheese and bread! A great way to start our meal, dipping into the oozy cheese together and fighting over the last finger licking morsel.

🥩 Braised shoulder and roast saddle of lamb, shallot, parsnip puree, fried capers, Hasselback potato. My son had this and I had total food envy. Succulent lamb, a braised meat croquette with crispy capers to cut through, lying on abed of dreamy parsnip puree – oh and the sauce! The hassleback potato was a great idea, to let you enjoy something a bit different on the starch front.

🍔 6oz Chuck steak burger, topped with pulled beef, pickled red onion, gherkin, salad, chunky chips, coleslaw. A very meaty mouthful!

🍰 Black cherry and almond financier, Chantilly cream, toasted almonds. This was just beautiful, served warm, it was so soft, comforting and delightful to eat.

It was all cooked to a great standard, and as delicious as I’d hoped for. I felt it was a really reasonably priced menu too, considering what is on offer.

The Blue Ball is well placed and popular for Sandygate and Rugby events, however this is not just a venue for pre and post rugga! If you haven’t been for a normal lunch or dinner, I can really recommend you give it a ‘try’. They can also cater for all types of events and have accommodation to the side of the pub.

Find out more and book on their website.

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