The Prospect

Exeter. Built in 1803 by Richard Sercombe and incorporating a former ferryman's cottage, it was originally known as The Fountain Inn. Tragedy struck 20 years later when Richard's wife Elizabeth drowned in the River Exe. Sadly, Richard passed away four weeks later. The adjoining "Prospect Steps" were constructed in 1835, cut into the cliffside during a period of major structural expansion along the Quay. In 1862 Victorian Magistrates cautioned the landlord over links to prostitution. In 1892 the pub's reputation shifted to a community hub when it served as official headquarters for the Exeter regatta committee. In 1956 it was renamed The Prospect Inn.

There are several rooms surrounding the small rounded bar, including a small room called the "Doghouse", where Bethany and I settled down for a delicious lunch (the venison haunch was incredible!). They source all of their produce from within a 15 mile radius (including tomatoes grown out in front of the pub), and they commit 1% of all sales to environmental causes. Out front are some picnic tables, a nice place to sit and enjoy the lovely Quayside. They are tied to the local Heavitree Brewery (Exeter), and the fraidNot IPA (sales of which support the Search and Rescue Service) was quite tasty.