The Stoke Arms, Exeter – 47 Verified Student Reviews 🍻

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infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

The Stoke Arms -

Cleanliness
Music
Price
Queue
Smoking

Based on 47 user ratings

Prince Charles Road, Exeter, EX4 7BZ

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Tuesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Wednesday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Thursday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Friday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Saturday: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM, Sunday: 2:00 PM – 12:00 AM

💬 What Students Say

The Stoke Arms, located on Prince Charles Road near the University of Exeter, is a traditional pub that has become a beloved spot for students looking to unwind and enjoy a vibrant night out. With a welcoming atmosphere and a strong sense of community, it’s a place where students frequently gather to relax after a long day of classes or to kick off their weekend festivities. The Stoke Arms is known for its good vibes and lively crowd, making it an ideal venue for those wanting to socialize and have fun with friends.

The atmosphere at The Stoke Arms is often described as friendly and inviting. Many students mention that from the moment they walk in, they feel a sense of camaraderie among fellow patrons. The venue is often bustling with laughter and conversation, creating a warm environment that encourages mingling. Reviewers have noted that the crowd is generally chill, which contributes to a laid-back vibe where everyone seems to be there to enjoy themselves. This sense of community is particularly appealing to new students or those looking to meet others, as many have described it as feeling like a big student family.

When it comes to music, The Stoke Arms delivers a solid experience that keeps the energy up throughout the night. The playlist often features a mix of popular tracks that get people moving and singing along. Students have commented positively on the music selection, although some have mentioned that it can get a bit loud at times. Despite this minor quibble, the overall consensus is that the music enhances the atmosphere and keeps the crowd engaged. Whether you’re there to dance or just to enjoy the tunes with friends, the sound is a key part of what makes a night out here enjoyable.

Drinks at The Stoke Arms are frequently highlighted as a strong point. Reviewers appreciate the fair pricing and the variety of options available, which cater to different tastes and budgets. Many students have remarked that the deals make it easier to enjoy a few drinks without worrying about breaking the bank. While some have noted that it may not be the absolute cheapest spot in Exeter, the quality of the drinks and the overall experience make it worth the price. The bar staff are also praised for being friendly and efficient, ensuring that service is smooth and enjoyable.

In terms of queue and entry experience, The Stoke Arms generally receives positive feedback. Students have noted that the queue is manageable, which is a significant plus when you’re excited to start your night. With a queue rating that reflects a good experience, patrons can expect to get inside without too much of a wait, allowing for a more seamless start to their evening. This is particularly important for students who may be heading out after classes or looking to make the most of their night.

Despite its many strengths, The Stoke Arms does have a few caveats to consider. While the atmosphere is mostly positive, some students have mentioned that it can feel hit or miss depending on the night and the crowd. Certain evenings may be more lively than others, which can affect the overall experience. Additionally, while the music is generally well-received, the occasional loudness can detract from conversations, especially in a busy pub setting. Some patrons have also expressed that while the drinks are reasonably priced, they may not be the absolute lowest in the area, meaning budget-conscious students should keep this in mind.

Overall, The Stoke Arms is a highly rated venue for students at the University of Exeter, offering a friendly environment, good music, and a solid selection of drinks. It’s a place where students can gather to unwind, celebrate, and create lasting memories. Whether you’re looking to chill after class or kick off a night out with friends, The Stoke Arms has something to offer everyone. It’s particularly suited for those who appreciate a relaxed yet lively atmosphere, where the focus is on enjoying good company and having a great time.

In summary, The Stoke Arms stands out as a go-to pub for students seeking a fun night out in Exeter. With its welcoming vibe, decent drink prices, and strong sense of community, it’s a venue that many students find themselves returning to time and again. Whether you’re new to the area or a seasoned Exeter student, a night at The Stoke Arms is sure to be a memorable experience.
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✅ What Students Love

  • Friendly and inviting atmosphere that fosters a sense of community.
  • Good music selection that keeps the energy up throughout the night.
  • Decent drink prices with a variety of options available.
  • Manageable queue experience, allowing for quick entry.
  • Lively crowd that enhances the overall vibe of the pub.
  • Staff are friendly and efficient, contributing to a positive experience.

⚠️ Things to Note

  • Atmosphere can vary from night to night, sometimes feeling hit or miss.
  • Music can be a bit loud, making conversation difficult at times.
  • Not the absolute cheapest drinks in the area.
  • Can get crowded, which may impact the overall experience.
  • Some students may prefer a more upscale venue.

🎯 Best For

Students looking for a friendly and lively pub atmosphere to enjoy a night out with friends.

💡 Things to Know

  • Dress code is casual, so come as you are.
  • Try to arrive early to avoid long queues during peak times.
  • Keep an eye out for drink deals to make the most of your budget.
  • Expect a mix of popular music that gets the crowd moving.
  • The venue can get busy on weekends, so plan accordingly.

❓ Common Questions

What is The Stoke Arms like?

It's a friendly and inviting pub with a lively atmosphere, perfect for students looking to unwind and socialize.

How long is the queue?

The queue is generally manageable, allowing for quick entry into the venue.

Is it good value?

While not the cheapest, the drink prices are decent and the overall experience is worth it.

What music does The Stoke Arms play?

The music features a mix of popular tracks that keep the energy up and the crowd engaged.

What crowd can I expect?

You can expect a lively crowd of students, creating a friendly and welcoming environment.

infoImage credit: Photo via Google Maps

Reviews
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The stoke arms had a nice vibe and the music was pretty good all night. drinks were reasonably priced too, would come back for another night out.
By user802751 on Apr 6th 2026
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Been a couple times and it's been alright. drinks are reasonably priced, but the music isn't anything to write home about. overall, a decent spot for a casual night out with mates .
By user371121 on Apr 3rd 2026
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Good vibe for a student night out, music was decent and drinks were reasonably priced. didn’t have to wait long to get in, so it was a fun time with friends.
By user847413 on Mar 31st 2026
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The vibe is always good and the music keeps the crowd moving. drinks are priced well and the deals make it easier to have a good time. it stays open late enough to keep the night going, which is a big plus.
By user539657 on Mar 27th 2026
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Prices are decent and there’s a solid range of drinks to choose from. no shortage of options when you’re looking to grab something.
By user622028 on Mar 24th 2026
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Place was better than i thought it’d be. had a good time every time i've been there
By user497744 on Mar 19th 2026
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The place is ideal for unwinding after a long day. it's close enough that you don’t have to worry about transport home.
By user469229 on Mar 16th 2026
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Not the cheapest spot but it feels relaxed and you can just enjoy yourself without stress. wouldn't want it any other way.
By user107014 on Mar 11th 2026
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Not the cheapest place, but it was a good time without any stress. wouldn't trade that for a cheaper option.
By user475520 on Mar 2nd 2026
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Not the fanciest spot but it works. good atmosphere, decent drinks, you know what to expect.
By user908740 on Feb 11th 2026
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This place always has that special something that keeps it interesting
By user397932 on Feb 4th 2026
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Plenty of choices and prices that won't break the bank. just what you need for a night out.
By user985569 on Jan 29th 2026
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Been a few times and people are usually chill, the atmosphere can be hit or miss depending on the night.
By user574687 on Jan 24th 2026
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One of those places where the night just flows perfectly.
By user462072 on Jan 20th 2026
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Everyone just clicks and gets along, makes for a nice atmosphere. felt right at home.
By user865018 on Jan 16th 2026
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Had a blast there and would totally suggest it to others.
By user660354 on Jan 13th 2026
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One of the best places to go out with friends from uni.
By user898498 on Jan 9th 2026
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Felt like a big student family. by the end of it, everyone knew each other.
By user741106 on Jan 5th 2026
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Everyone was really friendly and it felt easy to chat. makes a difference when you're out with mates.
By user537443 on Jan 1st 2026
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Had a proper laugh all night but the music was a bit too loud at times. minor issue in the grand scheme
By user567175 on Dec 28th 2025
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Music was great and the staff were really friendly. makes the night way better
By user651787 on Dec 23rd 2025
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Everyone was really chill, felt like everyone was just there to have a good time. it made the whole night way better.
By user238283 on Dec 19th 2025
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Drinks are cheap and the crowd's chill, just a bunch of students out enjoying the night.
By user719499 on Dec 15th 2025
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Everyone was just buzzing and having a blast all night. left feeling hyped and ready for more.
By user826298 on Dec 10th 2025
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Drinks were cheap enough that you could grab a few without stressing about it. that's really what you want.
By user858094 on Dec 3rd 2025
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People were cool and the music was really good. just had a nice energy to it all.
By user539501 on Nov 30th 2025
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Not the cheapest place, but the crowd is always lively and keeps the energy up. you're paying for more than just a seat at the bar.
By user476564 on Nov 26th 2025
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Drinks are alright and the crowd's got a bit of energy, but it can feel hit or miss sometimes.
By user834618 on Nov 21st 2025
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From the moment we got there, it felt really friendly and inviting. that’s what you want when you’re out.
By user785005 on Nov 15th 2025
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Always end up having a great laugh here with friends.
By user961140 on Nov 9th 2025
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Sick location, always packed with lively people around
By user425053 on Nov 1st 2025
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Cheaper and less busy than other pubs in the area. Always showing live sport and sometimes have live music. Interesting decor but irrelevant with cheap pints
By user145671 on Feb 18th 2025
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Cheapest prices I have seen in Exeter, good staff and good vibes
By user175290 on Nov 16th 2023
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Place is wild, never a dull moment. came out buzzing and wanting more.
By user783696 on Nov 15th 2023
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Only 3.80 for a Guinness and 4 for a double !!! Great great prices
By user651444 on Nov 15th 2023
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By user611864 on Nov 15th 2023
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It's a solid spot for students. always packed and the atmosphere's lively.
By user182864 on Nov 15th 2023
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By user806610 on Nov 15th 2023
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By user156142 on Nov 15th 2023
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By user847612 on Nov 15th 2023
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Prices are low and the staff are really friendly, perfect for students looking to save some cash
By dagruss on Nov 15th 2023
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Such a great pub, staff very friendly and prices SO CHEAP - super recommended for a student night out! Also Phill is the best
By user622901 on Nov 15th 2023
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Having been an awful pub last year, under new management and after a serious renovation the Stoke is now a great student pub, with reasonably priced pints, good vibe, pool table and loads of seating. The quieter bar on the left when you enter is the best place to sit, and feels more like a pub and isn't quite so bright.
By user492626 on Nov 13th 2023
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The pub's always reliable, you know what you're getting every time you go. no surprises or letdowns, just what you expect.
By user570615 on Nov 13th 2023
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Pub's got a solid range of drinks and the prices aren’t too bad either
By user578316 on Nov 10th 2023
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Great pub, met a few of my mates there for a catch up, bartenders were friendly and accommodating
By user481095 on Oct 26th 2023
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Has been done really nicely since it has changed hands, shame about how far away it is!
By user625385 on Oct 26th 2023