An historic Exeter pub that has been closed since September 2024 reopens this week following a £542,000 revamp by Heineken-owned Star Pubs.
The investment has transformed The Angel on Queen Street into a top-class contemporary pub, renaming it The Engine House to reflect its new direction and location close to Exeter Central station.
The Engine House opens at midday on 24th September, creating six new jobs and with Greg Gearing at the helm as the operator running the venue on behalf of Star Pubs.
The makeover has completely redecorated the outside of the well-known pub – which dates back to the 1870s* – and transformed the interior with a stylish colourful décor incorporating exposed brickwork, all-new furniture and modern artwork. Feature lighting, vintage murals and quirky fittings complete the look. In terms of layout, The Engine House has a public bar, a comfortable lounge area and a cosy snug fitted out with seating upholstered in plush fabrics. There is a high-spec sound system as well as drop-down tables in the public bar to make room for live music and late-night dancing.
With so many good eateries in Exeter, The Engine House focuses on offering an extensive drinks selection spanning cocktails to premium lagers and soft drinks. An overhaul of the cellar has installed state-of-the-art dispense equipment to ensure consistently perfect pints.
The Engine House aims to meet the varied needs of visitors to the centre of Exeter, from shoppers and workers during the day to those looking for a great place for evening drinks or a fantastic night out.
Customers can look forward to a lively programme of activities. On the cards are a regular quiz, screenings of major sporting tournaments – thanks to the addition of Sky and TNT Sports, music events like open-mic nights and live entertainment plus plans for a pub piano. The Engine House will also offer space for meetings of university clubs and other local organisations.
Greg was running a bar in central London but looking for a pub in the South West, where he grew up, to be closer to family and friends when he spotted the position at The Engine House. Says Greg: “I was after a pub in a busy town or city in Somerset or Devon, finding The Engine House feels like it was meant to be. The Engine House looks stunning – beyond what I’d ever dared imagine. There’s been lots of interest during the works and anyone who’s seen inside can’t believe the transformation. It’ll be a lovely spot to spend time during the day and a fantastic place to party by night. It’s amazing to be opening the doors and welcoming people in for the first time in two years.”
Adds Star Pubs’ operations director Bruce Wellman: “We’re investing nearly £2million in upgrading pubs across the South West this year and we’re delighted that such a prominent Exeter pub is one of them. We’ve tried to do justice to the beautiful old building. We’ve given The Engine House the works – it will really add to Exeter’s exciting hospitality scene.”
*The Engine House has had various guises over the years. It is said to have been built in the 1870s and to have become The Victoria Restaurant in 1877 before changing into Garbo’s in 1985, the Pink Pelican in 1989 and Envi by 1991. The venue was renamed The Angel at the turn of the century.