Cathedral Café

Cathedral, The Cloisters, Exeter EX1 1HS, United Kingdom
+44 1392 285988
$$$ Cafe
(54 Reviews)
Price Range £1–10

Welcome to Cathedral Café, an enchanting hidden gem nestled within the iconic Cloisters of Exeter Cathedral. This delightful café transcends the typical coffee stop, offering not only delicious fare but an extraordinary atmosphere that resonates with history and tranquility. Here, you can savour your favourite drinks and delicacies surrounded by breathtaking gothic architecture, creating a unique dining experience unlike any other.

The Cathedral Café specializes in a selection of delightful coffees, scrumptious lunches, and the quintessential afternoon teas. Customers rave about their outstanding hot chocolates, expertly crafted to warm you from the inside out—perfect for a chilly day spent exploring the cathedral grounds. The menu, while slightly limited, boasts freshly made sandwiches, pastries, and light bites that strike a balance between quality and comfort.

Patrons rave about the café's cozy outdoor seating, which allows you to bask in the sun while enjoying your meal. Just imagine taking a leisurely break, basking in the warmth and beauty of your surroundings, with the rich aromas of freshly brewed coffee wafting through the air. It’s no wonder that frequent visitors like Adrian Lancaster delight in returning for their coffee, lunch, or afternoon tea, often exclaiming about the professional staff and the lovely setting that makes this café a must-visit location.

Customer experiences reflect a warm, welcoming vibe, thanks to the attentive and kindhearted staff. Erika Thompson shared a heartwarming anecdote, exemplifying the community spirit of Cathedral Café when the friendly team readily assisted her when she needed help, demonstrating that this café is more than just a place to eat; it’s a community hub filled with friendly faces willing to lend a hand.

Of course, no venue is without its quirks. Some customers have mentioned the need for a more robust solution to ensure privacy in the restrooms, indicating potential areas for improvement. However, such observations do little to overshadow the overwhelmingly positive experiences shared by the majority.

Whether you are a local looking for your new favourite café or a visitor seeking a peaceful retreat after exploring the stunning Exeter Cathedral, Cathedral Café invites you to sit back, relax, and indulge in its inviting atmosphere and delightful menu. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to create your own memorable moments in this lovely sanctuary!

Service options
Dine-in
Delivery
Highlights
Great coffee
Great dessert
Great tea selection
Popular for
Lunch
Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Offerings
Coffee
Quick bite
Dining options
Brunch
Lunch
Dessert
Amenities
Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Historic
Crowd
Groups
Tourists
Payments
Credit cards
NFC mobile payments
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Tuesday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Wednesday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Thursday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Friday

10:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Saturday

09:00 AM - 04:30 PM

Sunday

11:30 AM - 03:00 PM

54 Reviews
Erika Thompson

20 Sep 2025

We love this cafe especially as the setting is so extraordinary. On Saturday the 5th of April I sat outside with a friend eating our lunch in the sunshine and realised too late that my power wheelchair had sunk into the gravel and I was truly stuck. My friend asked the lovely young staff in the cafe if they could help and this gang of cheerful and kindhearted people came out and with the help of some cardboard rescued me. If they see this review I just wanted to say how grateful I am for your kindness. Also a big thank you to the gentleman who gave up his lunch to the seagulls to come and help as well. Some great people out there. Much love!

Sandra Roberts

20 Jul 2025

My friend and I had a lovely hot chocolate. Nice and clean. My only observation is that people visiting the toilet kept leaving the door open, we noticed this as we were sat opposite. Maybe a polite notice to customers to close the door or a self close on the door.

Adrian Lancaster

08 Jul 2025

Excellent for coffee lunch and afternoon tea. Lovely setting and professional staff. (Regular visitor).

Izzy

03 Jul 2025

This was the first time I've been to this cafe. It's really nice there and the food is great. It is also possible to seat outside. It is a bit of a small choice when it comes to food. However, in general, I think this is a great place.

Lee McAllen

29 Jun 2025

A lovely little cafe in the courtyard at the back of the cathedral. Part of the cathedral itself, it is a beautiful place to stop for a lunch or a coffee. Food is good quality and prices are reasonable but a little high on some items.

Join the Cathedral Café Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.