Randomly saw this place whilst looking for somewhere to eat, had no expectations and were questioning if it was a good choice when we drove across one of the narrowest bridges and down a single track road.
We were far from disappointed when we saw the pub, it’s situated right on the lock which sets a lovely scene for a nice drink in the large garden with plenty of seating.
Inside the pub is a traditional style, I did. Notice they had a selection of board games to borrow which was a nice touch .
We ordered some drinks and food which came out in good time, we had one of the Chilli and Fennell scotch eggs which was full of flavour and nicely presented and for mains we opted for light bites as a late lunch.
The ploughman’s was excellent, there was more than enough to fill the plate, with nice cut ham and fresh salad. The cheese and pickle was very flavourful.
The pasty and fries was a good choice. The fires nice and crisp but not dry and greasy and the pasty again had some great flavours wrapped in nice pastry.
The burger was nice and big, with some great flavour and cooked to perfection.
In all it was a great experience and definitely worth it if you’re in the area.
C
Caroline Dalton
Google
a month ago
5.0
A random find on Google, and so glad I did! We'll definitely be back ☺️ Double Locks is beautifully situated on the canal. Huge garden area to sit in, including tables in the shade, dog friendly, and even being there on one of the hottest days of the year there was plenty of available space, and service was swift. Food was lovely...we had a ploughmans and a crab salad (more crab, less salad leaves please!) Also, not sure of pub policy but might be good to suggest dogs must be kept on leads in garden area. Lots of small children/nervous dogs & people about and someone there letting their dogs run loose...not a good mix!
N
Nicholas chapple-hyam
Google
a week ago
4.0
Lovely pub in stunning location. Good food well made. Nice selection of drinks. Not cheap, but the quality of food goes some way to explaining this.
S
Sue Oke
Google
a month ago
5.0
Perfect light lunch, service quick and friendly. We picked a quiet time and everything spot on, only negative- we booked that morning online, had a confirmation of booking, but staff did not have this booking, said booking that morning would not register in the pub? Did not affect our booking as it was quiet.
R
ROB DAVIES
Google
4 days ago
5.0
Didn't have food this time. But will be going back again great location and dog friendly.
R
Rich Green
Google
4 days ago
4.0
Lovely place by the water. I hadn't been for years so I was pleased to see little has changed. This place is very busy in the summer months with cyclists, canooers and walkers. Great atmosphere and good food. A little expensive for what you get but that's a small criticism.
P
Phoebe P
Google
3 weeks ago
5.0
Celebrated our wedding here a few weeks ago. Tom and the team were amazing and went above and beyond to ensure our day ran smoothly. Leading up to the day Tom was very responsive via email and happy to accommodate any requests we had. Our guests loved the hog roast and lots were commenting they preferred it to a standard three course dinner including one guest saying they were the best chips he’d ever had! The delicious canapés and pasties were also a big hit, along with having our own bar inside the marquee itself which you could choose to put money behind or have it as a cash bar. We were also lucky with the weather but even if we weren’t the marquee is very spacious and does not feel cramped at all. There are heaters in case it gets a bit cold in the evening. There was also an option to reserve the marquee the day before to give more time to set up and we would recommend this as it definitely reduced stress on the day. Really good value considering the stunning location. Highly recommend!
A
Alex Tzotzis
Google
2 months ago
4.0
Lovely pub in a gorgeous location, great atmosphere & service. We’ve enjoyed the burgers today more than we did the Sunday Roast last time 😎
C
Christian Masefield
Google
2 months ago
5.0
Popped in after a long day at work for a bit of dinner. Food was beautifully cooked. Steak was really great value and seasoned well.
Service was lovely and friendly too.
The management really have got the right balance with this beautiful venue.
Definitely visit again soon.
G
Gabi Humphries
Google
3 months ago
4.0
Lovely lazy afternoon in the sun.... Pleasant food, efficiently served. Disappointingly small cheesecake dessert for £9... Delicious, but very very pricey. In total, food came to £50 for a sharing platter of hummus, olives, bread, feta and salad, a small plate of whitebait, and two desserts... Not good value.
K
Keith Perry
Google
4 months ago
5.0
Historic inn on the banks of the Exeter Ship Canal and a delightful spot to enjoy lunch in a serene setting. Excellent food and friendly service add to the experience and make this a firm favourite.
Á
Ákos Tibor Biró
Google
4 months ago
5.0
After a nice around 30-40 minute Walk from Exeter centre you arrive at this beautifully located pub. Ample seating under shady trees at the waterfront, friendly service, a good selection of ales and ciders. Definitely worth a visit if you're visiting Exeter!
R
Russell Wall
Google
4 months ago
5.0
Based on the Exeter Canal this is a fantastic pub. It's got loads of character and the location is to die for. Plenty of people in having food (which looked great). The outside space is unbelievable with a number of marquees dotted around. I don't know how many can sit outside but it must be 200/300 people. Had a pint of "Ferryman" made by the Exeter Brewery which was excellent. Can't wait to return in June.
R
Rithvik Reddy
Google
5 months ago
5.0
Love this. Stunning location with plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy your drinks and food. There is parking on site but would have to drive on a single road. Would recommend cycling there though as the path goes along the beautiful river Exe. Walking is amazing too. Will find plenty of cyclists and walkers. Would definitely recommend.
H
Hilton Riddex
Google
8 months ago
4.0
This was a great find, if your out and about defo call into this pub. It's warm, cosy and the food is amazing. Ironically that is why I marked it down. The menu is too notch. I was after just something basic like nuggets for the kids. The basic options include camembert cheese triangles with garnish. So more aimed at foodies. Still I loved the place.
B
Bernhard Hofmann
Google
9 months ago
5.0
Such a warm welcome on a wet day. Open fires in one lounge/room and another in the room where the bar is. Very unrushed atmosphere, friendly dogs welcome, and ample space inside and out.
We'd just had tea and cake say the quay, so their lighter meals were ideal. Both the Haddock and Cumberland sausages were excellent sand service was very quick.
Great atmosphere, lovely location, delicious food, what's not to like! We've already decided we'll be back soon. Highly recommended.
C
Christine Franklin
Google
10 months ago
4.0
The pub is in an amazing setting.
The app is a good idea but your order arrives dependent on available staff. So pudding and coffee came quick but drinks took ages.
The group said their food was good but sadly mine was disappointing. However, when sharing quietly my views, the waitress indicated she was sorry and noted I'd not eaten the meat (due to it being tough and gristly) she offered me a drink which I felt acknowledged my genuine disappointment.
Overall a lovely visit.
R
Rhianna R.
Yelp
2015-06-04
5.0
My favorite place to go in Exeter, hands down! Gorgeous dining area outside and very spacious ... It's along the canal, where the dog is welcome to come along and hop in the water while you sit back with a beer and chips!
L
Lizaloo
Yelp
2011-12-05
5.0
The walk to this pub from Exeter was one of the reasons why my husband and I made the decision to move from Canada to live here. What a stunning location!
The pub is surrounded by natural beauty, and we loved the peaceful setting. We only had a pint each, so I cannot comment on the food, but I highly recommend this tucked-out-of-the-way pub to anyone who fancies something a bit different. It was a joy to stop here, and we can't wait until the next time!
S
stevejre
Yelp
2011-09-22
5.0
Excellent beer, and a perfect place to visit on a warm summer's evening. Only eaten there once, and the food was just what the doctor ordered after a long walking day.
C
CathedralWag
Yelp
2011-02-05
2.0
Often very crowded. Food average pub grub. Used to be great but now it's got too big for itself and wants to cram in as many people as possible and make money at all costs. Shame.
F
fergerberger
Yelp
2010-07-28
4.0
They are currently doing the place up so some of the negatives might have been resolved so, don't right the place off yet.
Those cyclists of slightly above average will not find the DL's far enough. You leave exeter, just get your pace and your there. That could be an advanatge for you, it might be a reason to keep on going to the turf?
Beer always a good selection - I think its a Youngs owned pub so they will have youngs plus other ales.
I agree it can be a bit chavvie, but you will find plenty worse pubs for that than this. - Let me explain 18-20 young lads, shirt off kicking football or rugby ball about the big open beer garden.
Good for dogs and so dog owners.
Yes they do food, but I don't eat here. The food is not as good as it was 7 8 years ago.
Still like the place and still stop by 10 times a year for a few pints on sunny days and evenings.
I'm going with a positive 4* which I admit is possibly a bit generous, but I do have a soft spot for the place.
N
Nick B.
Yelp
2010-06-12
4.0
Very much a Marmite pub ..... you'll either love or hate it! Small and cramped inside, with a very small bar. Always seems a little dirty and nothing really matches! Saying that, I love the place. The food is very basic but always very yummy. The real gem of this pub is the outside space and the summer vibe. As the name hints, the pub is right next to the locks and so you can't really beat it for location. take your own ball and enjoy a spot of volley ball on the permanent court marked out in the huge beer garden Take a seat on the grass, out front or along the side next to the water. During the warmer months they open the garden bar and light the BBQ.
Definitely worth a visit - cycle there (it's on the Exeter cycle route), walk from the quay (it's a couple of miles) or you can even drive (the little bridge is a wee bit of a squeeze).
B
bilko22
Yelp
2009-10-27
2.0
Its pricey and a family spot really, it is dirty as said by others and screaming kids / parents arent really my thing. Its sadly becoming a bit of a chav-tastic spot. If you dont have a family try it out in the evening in winter as its quiet so quick service, they have a great fireplace and some good board games / nice to sit and read the paper - in the summertime...dont bother, too busy (will take ages to get served) and there are loads of better places in the city to sit ourside, try going onto topsham.
P
Paul P.
Yelp
2009-07-30
2.0
The Double Locks is, in my opinion, very much a curate's egg of a pub. On the positive side, there is always a range of well-kept, gravity drawn real ales available; a pint on a Summer's day alongside the canal is quite idyllic; there is often live music of a weekend; it is brilliant for families, as long as the weather is good. However, there are quite a few negativesthe food is nothing special, it promises a lot more than it delivers; the food and drink is a little expensive; the whole place is filthy; the toilets are rank; it gets very busy despite the unindicated road route that would stump all but locals. So, caveat emptor. It's worth a visit, occasionally, on a nice day but don't build your hopes up.
F
Fred_the_thread
Yelp
2009-05-20
2.0
Tricky to get to depending on the trafic through Marsh Barton.
Or cycle ; which is easy!
It is a bit far by foot, if you have little children and setting out from Exeter.
Wonderful location where children can play.
Staff = friendly (very)
Food = pub food (average)
Value= average
Location = on the canal _ bit of a trek
I
inked
Yelp
2009-01-21
5.0
Double locks is a great place to go both in the summer and winter.
Great for a treat when you are out for a walk or a stop of place if you are cycling. The only trouble is you might not want to walk back after eating too much of the delicious food!
Situated on the Exeter canal, it is set in a beautiful spot, full of peace and tranquility. If you want to you can always drive, catch a ferry or even use a canoe for the more adventurous.
The atmosphere is fantastic, the smell of the real log fire is inviting and they serve extensive real ales and great no nonsence food. They even have live bands sometimes.
Child friendly, it has an extensive garden and is a great place in the summer for children to play outside while you wind away the afternoons!
A
adiwood
Yelp
2008-11-30
5.0
I often cycle to this pub in the summer time from Dawlish Warren. Its a lovely cycle ride, although a little narrow uin places, but one of the things that keeps me going is knowing that when i get to this pub I will be able to enjoy a beer and some good food in the summer sun.
Gets very busy in the summer, with cyclists, walkers and tourists but its a lovely location and great to sit outside and watch the world go by.
Its quite small inside and probably not the best pub to visit in the winter but its the best in the summer.
Looking forward to summer 2009 now!
O
oldcrazy77
Yelp
2008-11-27
4.0
This is many Exonian's summer favorite - a nice walk along to the canal to drink / bbq / play outdoor volleyball in this sprawling place. the food is simple but tasty and good value.
THe beer festival that they hold here on the May-day bank holiday weekend is always packed.
S
simonGfunk
Yelp
2008-11-27
3.0
The double Locks is a nice pub to visit during the summer, and it is only a short and pleasant bike ride from Exeter city. However, the food is overpriced, and the waiting times are very very long during busy times. The beer is good and the staff helpful. It is a reasonable music venue, although there is too much glass and not enough space for to be a really good band setting. They do have an outdoor performance area, but that is a total wash out if it rains. You can make a pub crawl of it if you keep riding down to the Turf Locks, and during the summer it's a pleasant trip.
D
dbutler10
Yelp
2008-11-20
4.0
The Double Locks has as good a location as any pub could have. On the side of the river, it's popular with walkers and drinkers alike, and the atmosphere outside on warm evenings is always good. The food and drink are both pub classic fare, with a good selection of ales. If you fancy a trip out of town, a walk or a cycle ride followed by a few at the pub makes for a great day/evening out.
J
jasminesarah
Yelp
2008-11-18
4.0
This used to be a truly wonderful pub and to some extent is still living off the reputation from 15-20 years ago but is still worth a visit. Nestling on the river Exe, this pub is popular with walkers, dog walkers, cyclists and students, families with children and real ale enthusiasts - oh and canoeists and fishermen - just about everyone then!
The food is fine, although not as fantastic as it used to be, and a good range of ale is served - not so great if you're a wine drinker, but the setting makes up for that. Gardens in the summer and a cosy fire in the winter, it is an undeniably comfortable pub.
K
kellyw28
Yelp
2008-11-18
5.0
Brilliant pub, popular with everyone. The beer gardens are big and they often have barbeques in the summer. A wide range of drinks are served and good traditional food. I've always thought of it as more of a place to go in the summer though as it is quite small inside.
Y
yaki
Yelp
2008-11-18
5.0
All pubs should be like this. Great place to chill out, all ages and types of people feel comfortable and welcome. Good hearty food: bangers and mash, pies, stuffed ciabattas and famous for real ale. In the summer there are tables outside on the deck by the canal and a great area for kids to run around and play. In winter there are several inside rooms, best to sit near the fire. Its simple, no 'decor', very unpretentious. Its nice to sit and play a board game on a winters afternoon, somehow lunch here turns into the whole afternoon as it's such a relaxing place. By car you reach it over a tiny bridge from the March Barton industial estate.
R
RPinn
Yelp
2008-09-25
3.0
Double Locks is definately the place to be on a warm summer day as it has a big garden which sits right on the river.
You can walk/cycle from the quay (about 20 mins walk) or this is a ferry which operates from the quay as well.
For the slightly more adventurous you can hire a canoe from the quay and paddle down to the pub. I recommend not drinking too much if you do this as you need to remember you have to paddle back as well.
D
djsouthy85
Yelp
2008-09-25
4.0
Brilliant pub to go to brilliant location quiet and out in the open lovely walk too
J
jimmy101
Yelp
2008-04-17
4.0
The double locks in an Exeter classic. Its an adventure getting here too. You're obliged to cycle/walk here from town cos its a lovely journey. Of course there are other ways, but then food and real ales are even more well deserved. The food is great old school fare and the drinks are great. There is a massive beer garden too. A summer classic.
