The Botanist Exeter Bar & Restaurant

Been here a few times and loved it each time but this visit was mediocre. The toilets were out of order due to having work done and the disabled toilet door didn't lock meaning I got walked in on. The food was OK but my first lot of sweet chilli fries were cold so they quickly replaced them but the 2nd lot were overdone which was a shame as they are normally divine! Starter, kebabs and cocktails were great. The waitresses were lovely but service was a tad slow on this occasion as they had minimal staffing.

I have visited The Botanist in Exeter several times now. I have always had a good meal there and I think the food is good value in general. I booked a table for a friend and I to celebrate a birthday. When we arrived the restaurant was very busy so noisier than I had experienced before. This wasn't a huge issue obviously just unexpected with it being a Wednesday night. However, literally within 15 minutes of sitting down, some live music started up also. Apparently the first Wednesday of the month includes a bingo style game where players cross off songs, or artists names, from songs being sung by the band from their bingo card. Quite a good idea I thought but we chose not to get involved as we were trying to chat and eat food etc. It would have been lovely to have some live music being played in the background BUT the volume of the band was ridiculously high and it was simply annoying to the point it spoilt our evening. I literally could not hear my friend at all and so we (and everyone else in the restaurant) were having to shout and also lip read to stand any chance of being able to hear one another! It was just way too much. We both left at the end of our night with very sore throats and ringing ears!! I have never had any issues of this nature there before, so I'm hoping this was just a one-off, but I will definitely think twice and check the music situation in advance before ever going there again. We were incredibly relieved when the band finished and the volume lowered to a more reasonable level.

It was my and my partners first time in this place. We went there for my birthday meal. We really wanted to try hanging kebabs which were really nice. We were really please with starters as well. The service was great and fast. The waitresses were making sure that we are happy with everything and if we would like any more drinks. When we got to dessert , unfortunately we didn't like it. Overall I would go there again for drinks starters and main food. I would happy to recommend this place to someone else.

Popped in for lunch today with my wife and two children was really looking forward to it after hearing good reviews. Welcomed by very cheerful & professional staff, beautiful modern restaurant and bar which has a roof terrace on the top floor. Food was very well presented, fresh and full of flavour. My two children had cheeseburger and chips including a dessert both for £6.95 each - Insane value for money and the portions were superb! All in all a fantastic experience we would not hesitate to come back or recommend family & friends.