The Puffing Billy Inn

Name: The Puffing Billy Inn
Address: Station Road Exton, Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom, EX3 0PR
Telephone: 01392 877751
Price range: £26 to £40
Rating: 4

4 (1190)

£26 to £40

British

Station Road Exton, Exeter, Devon EX3 0PR

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 1, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

About this restaurant

Neighborhood gem
Dog-friendly
Charming

The Puffing Billy is located in the beautiful village of Exton on the east side of the Exe estuary.

We offer a dynamic, seasonal menu of locally sourced produce inside a cosy, recently revamped stylish interior. We change our menus regularly and have a daily changing specials board utilising local produce. On Sundays we offer a superb selection of roast dinners.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
£26 to £40
Cuisines
British, Gastro Pub, Comfort Food
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Phone number
01392 877751
Website
http://www.thepuffingbilly.co.uk/
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Executive chef
James Creedy-Pearne
Catering
10-30 can be =chosen from our daily menu but also special set menus can be done specific for your event depending on your needs. <br />30+ set menu or buffet can be arranged depending on the budget you have to spend (meeting with head chef and management recommended).
Private party facilities
We have 3 sections of the restaurant and depending on number of guests can cater for your needs. 10-30 is easily achievable as long as it is pre-ordered. Then whole pub hire (80+) to just the restaurant (50+), can be done with discussions with management. Look at our gallery for options on what you need.

Location
Station Road Exton, Exeter, Devon EX3 0PR
Neighborhood
Exeter
Cross street
Station Road
Parking details
We have a small car park to the rear, spaces are limited.
Public transit
Exton train station is a 5 minute walk from us.The bus stop is on Exmouth road and buses run frequently to Exeter & Exmouth. We also have bike racks outside.
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Crusty Cob bread, sundried tomato oil & balsamic of Modena£7.00
*GF, VG
Toasted flatbread & spiced apricot hummus£7.00
VG
Soup of the day£7.00
*GF, VG
Breaded whitebait£9.50
Crusty farmhouse bread & butter
Pan fried shell on tiger prawns£10.50
Garlic butter & white wine sauce, farmhouse bread
Creamy garlic potabello mushrooms£9.50
V, *GF
Farmhouse pate£10.50
Hogsbottom chutney, petit pain croutes, pickles & salad
Whole Camembert to share£14.50
V,*GF

From the Grill

6oz minute steak£17.00
GF
10oz ribeye steak£29.95
GF
6oz burger of the day£17.50
GF, DF
12oz Gammon steak£18.95
GF, DF
Pimp your Grill
- Garlic butter£1.50
- Peppercorn sauce£4.00
- Mushroom sauce£4.00
- Pan fried prawns£4.00

Main Courses

Pan fried roasted skin on chicken breast£20.95
GF
Cajun battered chicken burger£18.95
*GF, DF
Beer battered or grilled fresh haddock£19.95
*GF
Trio of locally sourced Sausages£18.00
Smoked tofu katsu burger£16.95
VG, V
Devon catch of the day£22.95
GF
Macaroni cheese£16.95
V
Spiced mixed bean cassoulet£18.00

Sides

Chunky Chips£4.25
GF, DF
- Add cheese£1.50
Roasted new potatoes£4.25
GF, DF
Garlic bread£4.00
*GF
- Add cheese£1.50
Mixed side salad£3.00
VG
Medley of green vegetables£4.50
VG
Coleslaw£3.50
V

Lite Bites

(Lunchtime Only)

6oz Grilled Gammon Steak£13.95
Fried free-range egg, chunky chips & garden peas
Macaroni Cheese£12.95
Parmesan crumb, garlic bread
Beer Battered or Grilled Haddock£13.50
Homemade tartar sauce, chunky chips & garden peas
Duo of Locally Sourced Sausages£13.50
Whole grain mustard mash, red wine gravy & seasonal veg
Spiced Mixed Bean Cassoulet£13.00
Roasted new potatoes

Sandwiches

Monday - Saturday (Lunchtime Only)

Mature Somerset Cheddar Cheese & Tomato£9.95
Bacon & Brie, Cranberry Sauce£13.95
Honey Roast Ham & Mustard Mayo£12.95
Fish Goujons & Tartar Sauce£13.95
Local Sausage and Caramelised Onion Chutney£13.95

Desserts

Sticky Toffee Pudding£9.50
Toffee sauce & vanilla ice cream
Double Chocolate Brownie£9.50
Chocolate sauce & vanilla ice cream
Vanilla Cheesecake£9.50
Vegan strawberry ice cream
Biscotti Pannacotta£9.50
Caramelised biscuits
After Eight Sundae£9.50
Mint choc chip & chocolate ice cream, whipped cream, after eight mint
Selection of Ice Cream & Sorbets£3.50
Vanilla, chocolate, honeycomb, pistachio, coffee, banana, coconut, Mint choc chip, raspberry, blood orange, mango, passionfruit, lemon, vegan vanilla

What 1,190 people are saying

The Puffing Billy Inn reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.0

4.0 based on recent ratings

4.2Food
3.9Service
3.9Ambience
3.8Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Devon
Neighborhood gem
East Devon
Great for brunch
East Devon
Neighborhood gem
East Devon
Great for fine wines

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

The Puffing Billy Inn offers a "nice atmosphere" with fresh, quality food. Customers often praise their "delicious" meals and "amazing" roast dinners. The staff are generally "friendly and professional," enhancing the dining experience. While service can be slow at times, the inn remains a popular choice for both regulars and newcomers.

1,190 Reviews

N
Nigel
Devon1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Sunday lunch will always be busy but apart from a long wait for food to arrive (not unexpected) everything went smoothly. Staff were polite, efficient and unobtrusive, and the food excellent.
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B
Brian
Devon1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
Excellent independent pub/restaurant. Superb Sunday roast. One of the few independent village pubs left in the area. Not been ruined by a St Austell Brewery takeover!
Is this helpful?
N
Nic
Devon1 review
1.0
Dined 5 days ago
1. Overall 1
2. Food 2
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 1
We have visited the Puffing Billy on previous occasions, I was expecting a high level of service and good food. Sadly this was not the case. The drinks arrived promptly. Then we waited 45 mins for the food to arrive, it was warm at best. The plates and dishes of vegetables were cold and not heated which continued to chill the food. Nobody enquired how the food was, in fact; nobody came to the table again even to ask for more drinks. We waited for 40 mins for the table to be cleared, so after another 10 mins I stacked the plates and dishes. So there was no misunderstanding that we were finished and ready for a dessert. Nobody took any notice, even though there were quite a large number of staff around. They were congregating around the bar area talking and laughing amongst themselves, totally oblivious. I got up and paid the bill, there wasn't any conversation except "Tap your card there". It was really sad that the level of service was so bad, the place wasn't busy. It was my mum's 89th birthday, and was supposed to be special. It turn out to be anything but. We went somewhere else to have our dessert.
Is this helpful?
S
STACEY VIP
Hampshire52 reviews
4.0
Dined on June 15, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Came here for an anniversary dinner on Father’s Day, so we opted for the Father’s Day mixed roast at £24.50 Service was quite slow, from taking our drinks orders, but the food came out fairly quick. When the plates put down, the portions was pretty small. I asked the waitress if this was the large size and she said no that’s the small but you could order the larger one… well we thought we had. We also asked for no potato’s on one but extra veg instead - there wasn’t any extra veg. The lady did kindly bring out some extra meat and we did appreciate that. The food its self was really good and it’s such a nice atmosphere in the pub. Live music outside which was amazing and perfect for the time of year! We come here regularly and the foods always good - we were just disappointed with the portions compared to normal as we haven’t eaten all day. But was delicious nonetheless !
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K
Kay
Devon1 review
4.0
Dined on June 14, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
All the meals apart from one were lovely. Unfortunately the Gnocci was awful. Burnt onions throughout made the whole thing taste of burnt fried onion and the dish was very bland. Steak was amazing as was the catch of the day and the gammon. Lovely atmosphere. Little bit overpriced if compared with similar pubs/restaurants. £9.50 a lot for a dessert.
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R
Richard
Devon1 review
5.0
Dined on June 6, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We enjoyed the whole experience dining at the Puffing Billy But we did find the starters were a bit overpriced and £7 for two small scoops of ice cream was well overpriced.
Is this helpful?
S
Sue
West Sussex2 reviews
2.0
Dined on May 31, 2025
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
This used to be a nice busy modern restaurant but is sadly now no more than a tatty pub. Cracked glass in the windows, dangerously loose slabs on steps to garden, generally very shabby decor wise. Hence, even on a Saturday night, there weren’t many tables full so no atmosphere sadly. The food was acceptable and the staff were clearly doing their best but the place needs a total revamp. Toilets were in a very poor state too. Locks not working, overflowing bins, broken loo roll holders etc. shame, won’t be returning if it stays like this 😕
Is this helpful?
A
Alex
Bath/Somerset3 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 29, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
Food is always amazing here but either our recent visit we didn’t have the best service. Waiting long periods of time for drinks, cutlery and to remove our plates. This took a while to then get the bill and the card machine, we ended up walking up to the bar to pay.
Is this helpful?
N
Nick
Bristol12 reviews
4.0
Dined on May 25, 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Always enjoy our visits to the Billy. Easy walk from Topsham along the river. Good food and pleasant surroundings. Dog friendly and a great place to exercise and swim for the hound locally.
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J
Jonathan
Worcestershire2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 17, 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The food was of excellent quality and very tasty. Sticky toffee pudding was to die for! I only have one minor criticism. My wife saw the size of the fish on a plate going through, and went for the smaller portion - it was very tasty but certainly less than half the size of the standard meal. Service was prompt and courteous - so good we booked a return visit.
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FAQs

The Puffing Billy Inn offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at 01392 877751.

The Puffing Billy Inn is rated 4 stars by 1190 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Home
United Kingdom
Devon
East Devon
Exeter

Make a reservation

2 people

Jul 1, 2025

7:00 PM

Booked 3 times today

Station Road Exton, Exeter, Devon EX3 0PR

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Station Road
Neighborhood
Exeter
Hours of operation
Mon–Sat 10:00 am–10:00 pm Sun 10:00 am–6:00 pm
Price
£26 to £40
Cuisines
British, Gastro Pub, Comfort Food
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
We have a small car park to the rear, spaces are limited.
Public transit
Exton train station is a 5 minute walk from us.The bus stop is on Exmouth road and buses run frequently to Exeter & Exmouth. We also have bike racks outside.
Payment options
AMEX, Mastercard, Visa
Executive chef
James Creedy-Pearne
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Beer Garden, Cocktails, Dog Friendly, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Vegan, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.thepuffingbilly.co.uk/
Phone number
01392 877751
Catering
10-30 can be =chosen from our daily menu but also special set menus can be done specific for your event depending on your needs. <br />30+ set menu or buffet can be arranged depending on the budget you have to spend (meeting with head chef and management recommended).
Private party facilities
We have 3 sections of the restaurant and depending on number of guests can cater for your needs. 10-30 is easily achievable as long as it is pre-ordered. Then whole pub hire (80+) to just the restaurant (50+), can be done with discussions with management. Look at our gallery for options on what you need.

The Puffing Billy Inn

Make a reservation

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Starters

Crusty Cob bread, sundried tomato oil & balsamic of Modena£7.00

Toasted flatbread & spiced apricot hummus£7.00

Soup of the day£7.00

Breaded whitebait£9.50

Pan fried shell on tiger prawns£10.50

Creamy garlic potabello mushrooms£9.50

Farmhouse pate£10.50

Whole Camembert to share£14.50

From the Grill

6oz minute steak£17.00

10oz ribeye steak£29.95

6oz burger of the day£17.50

12oz Gammon steak£18.95

Pimp your Grill

Main Courses

Pan fried roasted skin on chicken breast£20.95

Cajun battered chicken burger£18.95

Beer battered or grilled fresh haddock£19.95

Trio of locally sourced Sausages£18.00

Smoked tofu katsu burger£16.95

Devon catch of the day£22.95

Macaroni cheese£16.95

Spiced mixed bean cassoulet£18.00

Sides

Chunky Chips£4.25

Roasted new potatoes£4.25

Garlic bread£4.00

Mixed side salad£3.00

Medley of green vegetables£4.50

Coleslaw£3.50

Lite Bites

6oz Grilled Gammon Steak£13.95

Macaroni Cheese£12.95

Beer Battered or Grilled Haddock£13.50

Duo of Locally Sourced Sausages£13.50

Spiced Mixed Bean Cassoulet£13.00

Sandwiches

Mature Somerset Cheddar Cheese & Tomato£9.95

Bacon & Brie, Cranberry Sauce£13.95

Honey Roast Ham & Mustard Mayo£12.95

Fish Goujons & Tartar Sauce£13.95

Local Sausage and Caramelised Onion Chutney£13.95

Desserts

Sticky Toffee Pudding£9.50

Double Chocolate Brownie£9.50

Vanilla Cheesecake£9.50

Biscotti Pannacotta£9.50

After Eight Sundae£9.50

Selection of Ice Cream & Sorbets£3.50

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Review summary

FAQs

Does The Puffing Billy Inn offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is The Puffing Billy Inn restaurant rated?

Is The Puffing Billy Inn currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Dining areas

Additional information