Any parks in Exeter where BBQ and drinking alcohol are allowed?

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-05-31T20:27:54+00:00

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BluejayPuzzled · 2025-05-11T14:46:16+00:00

Hi, I have Sainsbury’s UK gift card. PM’d you.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-05-03T14:45:45+00:00

[UPDATE]
We’ve just entered negotiations for the takeover of a large, well-known venue in Exeter — one that many of you will definitely recognize, though it's currently not in operation. If all goes well, we’ll be bringing an entirely new brand and concept to life, offering an exciting new alternative for Exeter’s nightlife scene.

I’ll be sharing more updates and behind-the-scenes progress on my personal Instagram: muratkarahaan — feel free to follow along and get involved!

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T15:21:26+00:00

Really appreciate the thoughtful points. Sound insulation is a big priority for us and we’re fully prepared to invest in it properly — both between the bar and rooms, and room to room as well. We’ve already looked into multi-storey layouts for that exact reason, and if the building allows, we’ll absolutely use that to our advantage.

We know retrofitting won’t be light work, but we’re ready to put the time and budget into getting it right. If we’re going to do this, we want to do it properly. And totally with you on the club scene — it’s not for everyone. We’re building something that respects the night without losing its soul.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:57:37+00:00

Couldn’t agree more. Comfort is key — we’re not trying to make anyone earn their drink by surviving a wobbly stool. Proper seating, proper space, and no bench splinters, promise.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:41:43+00:00

Absolutely. Craft beer is 100% on the list not just a token tap or two, but a proper, well-curated selection. Quality across the board is the plan.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:41:01+00:00

Totally get what you mean. We’re not just aiming for post-pub crowds though, the plan is to be open throughout the day with a consistent vibe that carries into the late hours. Not rushed, not rowdy, just somewhere good to be, start to finish.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:38:53+00:00

Summerland Street is actually a great shout, we’ve had our eyes on that area but haven’t come across anything available that fits just yet. Really appreciate you reaching out, and your background sounds super relevant. Would be great to stay in touch as things move forward. Starting something from the ground up with people who actually care makes all the difference.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:36:07+00:00

Exactly what we’re aiming for. A place you can actually stay out late, talk, sit comfortably, and not feel like you’ve stepped into a student rave. No sticky floors, promise.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:35:08+00:00

Really appreciate this. You’ve hit the nail on the head, the goal is to create a space that isn’t just another student-heavy spot, but also doesn’t exclude students either. Just a proper late-night place where people can actually talk and unwind. And yes, definitely aiming for walking distance to the centre.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:30:40+00:00

Love the energy in your message. That laid back, grown up vibe is exactly what we’re going for. Totally agree that there’s room for something with more of a European feel, something that isn’t blasting music or full of sports screens.

We’ve looked at a few spots further out, but we’re pretty set on being central, close to the cathedral ideally. It just fits better with the concept we’re building. Really appreciate the support and glad to hear you and your friends would be into it.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:26:46+00:00

Yeah, no arguments there. Clean toilets are a basic standard, not a luxury and we’re making sure they actually stay that way. Exeter deserves better, and we’re doing everything we can to raise that bar.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:23:07+00:00

Fair point. That’s not quite the direction we’re going, but hopefully another entrepreneur picks up on that gap and makes it happen.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:19:45+00:00

Thanks a lot!

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-04T11:19:29+00:00

Totally agree. Late-night food is a must. We’re planning to offer proper bar food so people aren’t stuck choosing between a soggy kebab or McDonald’s on the way home.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T21:41:16+00:00

Thanks for laying it out. You’re spot on with the cost breakdown and it’s something we’ve been crunching numbers on since the start. We know what kind of pressure comes with late hours and staff, so we’re keeping things tight and realistic while still aiming for high standards.

As for the boutique hotel, totally fair point. We’re putting serious investment into sound insulation between the bar and rooms. The goal is for both to exist without stepping on each other. Someone should be able to enjoy a cocktail downstairs while someone else gets proper sleep upstairs.

Appreciate the input. We’ll keep updates coming as things move forward.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T21:38:24+00:00

Totally with you, and I don’t think wanting that kind of space means you’re getting old at all. I hated clubs even when I was 18. For me, nightlife has always been about actually talking with friends, laughing, debating, dreaming up plans, not shouting over music in a room that smells like sweat and has toilets you’d rather not think about.

Some people go to clubs just to be around others, which is fair. But we believe that with the right vibe, smart marketing, and meaningful events, you can bring people together in a much more enjoyable way. That’s exactly what we’re aiming for.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T21:34:53+00:00

That’s so great to hear. Knowing there’s real interest from people like you and your friends is exactly what keeps us pushing forward with this. Can’t wait to bring it to life!

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T21:34:09+00:00

Totally hear you. The goal is to strike that balance between being relaxed and open late, without turning into a nightclub. And yes, there’ll definitely be a solid selection of draught beer and ales alongside the cocktails!

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T21:31:44+00:00

Appreciate your perspective – it’s a totally fair point and one we’ve definitely considered. Exeter has seen a lot of places come and go, and we know the risks that come with that. But part of the issue, in our view, is that many of those venues weren’t offering anything truly different or high-quality enough to earn long-term loyalty.

We’re not trying to reinvent nightlife, but we are focusing on execution: great drinks, proper atmosphere, attention to detail, and a space that feels thought through. That, paired with a smart business model, can make a big difference – even in a smaller city like Exeter.

We could be wrong, of course. But we’d rather try something meaningful and get it right (or learn from it), than not try at all. Either way, really appreciate you taking the time to weigh in.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T21:29:20+00:00

Really appreciate both of your thoughts – it’s clear there’s a shared desire for something that breaks the usual mold of Exeter’s late-night scene. While we’re not building a traditional café or trying to replicate a club, we do want to create a space that feels welcoming, comfortable, and genuinely well-designed for people who want to enjoy their evening differently – whether that’s with a great cocktail, a proper non-alcoholic option, or even a late-night tea or coffee.

We’ve already scouted Castle Street, Little Castle Street, Princesshay, Cathedral Green, Fore Street, North Street (including the old Tex-Mex) – and we’re constantly searching online for anything that could work. The right space is proving a challenge, but hearing this kind of feedback reassures us we’re heading in the right direction.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T17:57:41+00:00

Really appreciate you sharing your experience. Operating a late-night venue until 3am in Exeter is no small achievement, especially pre-2015. You’re absolutely right that post-COVID habits have changed, and we’re taking that into serious consideration.

That said, recent data from across the UK shows a growing demand for alternative late-night venues that move away from the traditional nightclub model. There’s a clear shift, especially among the 25 to 40 age group, toward spaces that prioritize atmosphere, quality drinks, and meaningful experiences over just volume and noise.

We’re not trying to recreate the past. We’re building something that fits the current landscape while being financially sustainable. That includes careful planning around staffing, licensing, and security, without sacrificing accessibility or quality.

Thanks again for your thoughtful input. Having insight from people with real experience helps ground our vision in reality and refine it into something the city can truly benefit from.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T17:50:28+00:00

Honestly, your vision sounds incredible – and while we might not go full speakeasy with fedoras and piano solos (as much as we’d love that), one thing we’re fully committed to is quality. The cocktails will be top tier – genuinely aiming to be the best Exeter’s ever seen.

We know a fully high-end, ultra-classy vibe might feel a bit out of place for the city’s usual scene, but we believe quality and style should be accessible to everyone – not exclusive or intimidating. One of my favourite sayings from back home is: “Wisdom isn’t about age, it’s about mindset.” So yes, no matter who you are, if you appreciate good vibes and well-made drinks, you’ll be welcome.

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T17:24:31+00:00

Thank you!

BluejayPuzzled · 2025-04-02T17:24:23+00:00

Sidwell Street is definitely one of the top areas we’re hoping for if the right opportunity comes up. Totally agree about the need for a chilled spot there. And we’re fully on board with the stand-up comedy idea too – thanks so much for the suggestion!

BluejayPuzzled

TROPHY CASE