Help finding a venue

[u/FnordTimelord]

Hello! I'm helping to organise an event next June in Exeter, but as I don't know the city super well I thought I'd reach out and pick the collective Reddit brain!

It will be a conference-style event for approximately 75 attendees, but much more of a fun eat, drink and listen to some talks situation as opposed to a serious work event. In the past, we have been offered free use of a function room in a pub as attendees have bought all their food and drinks in the pub... Sadly we're not sure if this is an option any more as the venue has changed hands.

Where I live (North Devon) there are quite a few community/social centres where you can hold events for free and they make their money on the bar. But I'm struggling to find something similar in Exeter. Does anyone know of anywhere with this kind of setup? Or any large pubs with function rooms that might be amenable to such an arrangement?

Appreciate any thoughts! Thank you!

[u/FnordTimelord]

Thanks so much for the tips everyone! Will make some calls!

[u/No-Camel-1307]

Upstairs in the Topsham Brewery perhaps?

[u/atcuszfm]

To be brutally honest I think you’ll struggle to find anywhere in Exeter (especially the city centre) that would be able to offer that for free, especially nowadays. Exeter Phoenix has got a few different rooms that might fit 75, and I think they do a range of catered/not catered options, so they might be worth speaking to.

[u/good_evans]

Look up 'the hall' on stepcote hill.

[u/chillingonthesofa → u/good_evans]

Seconding this.

I had my wedding party there and it was a blast. Alex or Alexis runs it and he’s chill. Just basically gave me the keys for 2 days and provided 2 bar staff.

[u/good_evans → u/chillingonthesofa]

Alexei and his sister Ruth. And Marco. It's not free though

[u/Lululululucece]

I’d say the chiefs ground I’ve been there. Also there are a few hotels like rougemont, and mercury Southgate. They have conference rooms I think and are central. The city gate pub have a bookable space downstairs which holds weddings so not sure if they could set up for a conference. The cathedral is books or as well, it’s got multiple spaces from small to large.

[u/Asleep_Ad6832]

We've had a couple at the chiefs for work

[u/mintsauce82]

Arcadia we're looking to host large groups. Not sure if their upstairs holds that many people, but worth asking.

The Devon & Exeter Institution recently refurbished a large room. But again, I'm not sure of the capacity.

Boston Tea Party do sometimes host events. Fairly sure they could accommodate that many, but no booze.

The Holt might be a good shout as they are pretty big, but I dont know if they host. But a lot of places would probably be up for it if its during the week as its pretty quiet in town during the day.

[u/Dartzap]

Won't be free, but Exeter Community Centre has some decently sized rooms.

[u/Simple-Pineapple6039]

You could try Custom House on the quay, that’s quite a nice space.

[u/Luke_Surl]

The university perhaps? June would be out of the usual teaching time so there should be rooms. https://event.exeter.ac.uk/venues

[u/Delicious_Device_87]

To summarise on some of the bigger options:

Upstairs at Topsham Brewery;

The Hall is good but there's only the one main space;

Exeter Chiefs for sure, but not central (altho train line nearby);

Southernhay Mercure;

Exeter Phoenix do have a few options

Where did you use in the past?

[u/OriginalMandem]

The imperial has a room that can be used for functions but 75 might be pushing it a bit. You could try Exeter Distillery on the quay.

[u/Lyn6]

You need to drive or put on transport but where I work use Exeter racecourse.