The Stand Off, Exeter – 44 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: https://www.thestandoff.co.uk/

The Stand Off -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 44 user ratings

PORTLAND HOUSE, Longbrook St, Exeter EX4 6AB

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Tuesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Wednesday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Thursday: 5:00 – 11:00 PM, Friday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 1:00 AM, Sunday: 12:00 – 10:30 PM

💬 What Students Say

The Stand Off is a vibrant Irish sports bar located in the heart of Exeter, just a stone's throw away from the University of Exeter. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and lively vibe, this venue is a popular choice among students looking for a place to relax, socialize, and kick off their nights out. With its spacious layout, multiple TVs for sports viewing, and a menu featuring classic pub grub like burgers and stew, The Stand Off strikes a balance between a casual hangout and an energetic night out. The bar’s ambience is often described as laid-back, making it a perfect spot for students to unwind after a long day of classes or to gather with friends before heading out to explore the nightlife scene in Exeter. Reviewers frequently highlight the friendly nature of the staff and patrons alike, contributing to a communal feel that makes it easy for newcomers to fit in and enjoy their time. Many students have shared that the inclusive atmosphere creates a sense of belonging, particularly for first-year students who may still be finding their footing in a new environment.

When it comes to music, The Stand Off does not disappoint. Students rave about the DJ who keeps the energy high throughout the night, with many noting that the music selection is consistently on point. Whether it's a classic hit or the latest chart-toppers, the tunes are sure to get you moving. The venue often hosts student nights on weekends, ensuring there’s always something happening and giving students a reason to return. The upbeat environment, combined with the right mix of music, creates an inviting space where everyone can let loose and enjoy themselves. The reviews reflect this sentiment, with many students mentioning that the music played enhances their overall experience, making it a memorable night out.

Drinks at The Stand Off are another highlight, with students frequently mentioning the affordability and variety available. With a price rating that stands out positively among patrons, it’s easy to see why students appreciate the value offered here. The bar has happy hour specials that make it even more attractive for those looking to enjoy a few drinks without breaking the bank. The friendly service adds to the overall experience, as staff are described as chill and accommodating, ensuring that ordering drinks is a hassle-free process. This combination of good prices and a welcoming staff makes The Stand Off a go-to choice for students seeking a budget-friendly night out.

One of the aspects that students appreciate the most is the queue and entry experience at The Stand Off. With a rating reflecting manageable wait times, many reviews indicate that getting in is rarely a hassle. This is a significant advantage, especially on busy nights when other venues may have long lines. The quick entry allows students to start their night off right without unnecessary delays, and many reviewers have noted that the atmosphere remains lively and engaging from the moment they step inside. This ease of access contributes to the overall enjoyment of the night, making it a seamless experience from start to finish.

While The Stand Off has many strengths, it’s important to consider some caveats. A few students have mentioned that the venue can get quite busy during peak times, which might detract from the laid-back vibe that many enjoy. While the crowd is generally described as friendly and welcoming, there are times when it can feel a bit packed, particularly on popular student nights. Additionally, some reviews suggest that the music volume can occasionally be on the louder side, which might not be ideal for those looking to have a more relaxed conversation. However, this is often countered by the overall fun atmosphere that many students appreciate.

In summary, The Stand Off is a fantastic venue for students who want a relaxed yet vibrant night out. Its friendly atmosphere, great music, and affordable drinks make it a top choice for many. Whether you’re looking to unwind after a long week or to kick off a night of fun with friends, this bar has something to offer. The inclusive vibe, combined with the ease of entry and a solid music selection, creates a memorable experience that keeps students coming back for more. Overall, The Stand Off hits all the right notes for a casual yet enjoyable night out in Exeter, making it a must-visit for anyone in the area.

For students looking for a chill spot to hang out, The Stand Off is definitely worth checking out. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a friendly and casual environment where they can enjoy good music and affordable drinks with friends. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, The Stand Off promises a good time and a welcoming atmosphere that will make you feel right at home.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Highly rated for value, with affordable drinks and happy hour specials.
  • Friendly and welcoming atmosphere, making it easy for newcomers to fit in.
  • Great music selection with a lively DJ, ensuring a fun night out.
  • Manageable queues for entry, allowing for a smooth start to the night.
  • Spacious venue with multiple TVs for sports, perfect for watching games.
  • Casual vibe that suits both relaxed hangouts and energetic nights out.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Can get busy during peak times, which may detract from the laid-back vibe.
  • Occasionally loud music volume, making conversation difficult.
  • Some students prefer a quieter atmosphere, which may not always be the case.
  • Limited menu options for food, focusing mainly on classic pub grub.
  • Not suitable for those looking for an upscale or formal nightlife experience.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a friendly, casual venue to enjoy music and drinks with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual; come as you are and enjoy the laid-back vibe.
  • Arrive early on weekends to avoid potential crowds and long waits.
  • Keep an eye out for happy hour specials to save on drinks.
  • Music style varies but generally includes popular hits and dance tracks.
  • The venue is popular among students, so expect a lively atmosphere on weekends.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Stand Off like?

The Stand Off is a laid-back Irish sports bar known for its friendly atmosphere, good music, and affordable drinks.

How long is the queue?

Queues are generally manageable, allowing for a smooth entry experience.

Is it good value?

Yes, students frequently mention the affordable drink prices and happy hour specials.

What music does The Stand Off play?

The venue features a lively DJ playing a mix of popular hits and dance tracks.

Is food available?

Yes, The Stand Off offers classic pub grub like burgers and stew.

infoImage credit: https://www.thestandoff.co.uk/

Reviews
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Not the most lively spot but it gets the job done. drinks are cheap and the vibe is decent enough for a night out.
By user249281 on Apr 6th 2026
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Not the most lively spot but it serves its purpose. drinks are cheap and the music isn’t too bad. queues can be a bit much at times but the vibe is decent enough. it’s a pretty good option for a budget night out.
By user135947 on Apr 1st 2026
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The stand off is always a good spot for a night out. the music's usually on point and the drink prices are fair. queues are manageable so getting in is never a hassle. it's a great vibe overall, making it a solid place to hang with friends.
By user807298 on Mar 30th 2026
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Good vibe most nights, music's usually decent and staff are chill. drinks are cheap, and it’s never too crowded getting in .
By user151606 on Mar 27th 2026
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Queue wasn’t bad at all, totally worth it once inside.
By user169740 on Mar 24th 2026
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Had a few good nights here, just what you'd expect from a local spot. by the end, it felt like the place to be.
By user533761 on Mar 19th 2026
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Ended up here with friends and had one of those nights you'll remember. would come back for sure
By user263126 on Mar 17th 2026
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First year was way better thanks to the stand off. it’s got that inclusive feel that makes it easy to fit in.
By user848755 on Mar 12th 2026
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Always a great vibe, everyone just there for a good time.
By user864608 on Mar 9th 2026
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The atmosphere was really chill and everyone was super friendly, made it easy to settle in.
By user459315 on Feb 27th 2026
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Everyone's really friendly here, and people are just down to have a good time.
By user965229 on Feb 25th 2026
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Perfect spot to kick off the night, sets the tone for everything that follows
By user546417 on Feb 24th 2026
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The atmosphere is pretty laid-back and the people are friendly, which makes it a chill place to hang out. it’s more than just a spot to grab a drink.
By user536281 on Feb 22nd 2026
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The whole night was smooth, no stress and lots of fun.
By user100495 on Feb 20th 2026
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Feels chill and low-key, which is what i like. staff are friendly and don’t bother you too much.
By user644179 on Feb 19th 2026
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Always a laugh, never a dull moment. left with a smile every time 😊
By user463785 on Feb 18th 2026
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Perfect for just grabbing a drink and having a good chat without any pressure.
By user526978 on Feb 17th 2026
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Nice place to hang out without it being too intense.
By user942070 on Feb 16th 2026
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Making new friends is easy here. the atmosphere just brings people together.
By user985778 on Feb 15th 2026
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Music, atmosphere and people all made it a brilliant night.
By user213251 on Feb 14th 2026
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Dj was seriously killing it all night, kept the energy up and everyone was into it. left feeling pretty hyped.
By user159484 on Feb 13th 2026
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Great night out, music was spot on and the vibe was brilliant.
By user674955 on Feb 9th 2026
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The atmosphere's really friendly. you feel at home as soon as you step in
By user348951 on Feb 2nd 2026
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Music was really good, couldn't help but dance the whole night. small detail but made a big difference.
By user241320 on Jan 27th 2026
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Queue was quick and the staff were chill. no issues getting in or ordering drinks
By user386836 on Jan 22nd 2026
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Crowd's usually just right, not too packed which is nice. always an interesting mix of people around.
By user261843 on Jan 18th 2026
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Vibe was top tier — fun from start to finish.
By user391315 on Jan 15th 2026
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Student nights here are pretty good. always something happening on the weekends.
By user908119 on Jan 11th 2026
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The stand off hits the mark every time. it's got a local feel that makes it way more enjoyable than the usual chain spots.
By user322676 on Jan 7th 2026
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Perfect spot for a relaxed night out, just what you need to unwind.
By user247431 on Jan 3rd 2026
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Service was chill and the atmosphere was easygoing. little things that make a night out enjoyable.
By user378215 on Dec 30th 2025
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Been a few times and the music's always been bangers, can't argue with that 🎶
By user253662 on Dec 26th 2025
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The people here really make the night special, it’s all about the good energy and laid-back vibes. you feel like you can just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
By user126384 on Dec 21st 2025
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Always a laugh — every visit ends up a story.
By user236396 on Dec 17th 2025
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Not the cheapest spot but it's ideal for making memories with friends. wouldn't trade it for somewhere cheaper, honestly
By user296718 on Dec 13th 2025
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Been a few times and it's got that student energy that just hits right. some nights are just more fun than others, you know?
By user152550 on Dec 6th 2025
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Got there early and it was pretty relaxed, but it turned into a proper night out later.
By user141765 on Dec 2nd 2025
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Been a few times and somehow it’s always more fun than i think it'll be
By user282035 on Nov 28th 2025
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Always a mix of people which keeps it interesting. never a boring night there
By user685989 on Nov 24th 2025
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Crowd's always solid, everyone just wants to have a good time and there's no drama.
By user137924 on Nov 18th 2025
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Every time I go to the stand off, I know it’s gonna be a good night. that’s what keeps me coming back.
By user954184 on Nov 11th 2025
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Drinks were priced well and the crowd was something else. never had a dull moment there
By user690068 on Nov 4th 2025
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Really good spot for student nights, would tell anyone to check it out.
By user115318 on Oct 29th 2025
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Great sports bar, great beer and great food. What more do you need!
By user624113 on Nov 13th 2023