The Angel - Weird and Wonderful; a home for the unconventional

The Angel, it think, was the first bar in the town that I ever visited. The reason I’m not sure is that I had just arrived in Exeter a couple of days before to start University; first time away from home, meeting lots of new people, having a good time, and the best, and only, way of doing this was by drinking a hell of a lot of cheap bear with your new housemates at home, and stumbling into town and into the first pub you came across. That place I have been told was The Angel.  Even though my memory of that first encounter is a little hazy, it must have left a lasting impression on me because it has become a regular drinking hole for me ever since.
 

 

 

And what’s not to like? With its dark woods and old leather sofas, low ceiling and lighting that Phil and Kirstie would positively describe as ‘moody’ or ‘muted’ the place can come across to those that are used to more modern, clean cut, pristine bars with their Ikea furniture and false character, as a bit intimidating or even rough. But this is what gives it its charm. The Angel attracts a crowd of waifs and strays, eccentrics and characters, dreamers and romantics, that have made this place their natural home

If you poke your head in during the day expect to find a laid back local, with a jazzy, acoustic and reggae beat flowing in the background while people sip their coffee’s and hot chocolates, as well as those getting an early start on a full diary supping, slurping and bar propping. With free Wi-Fi it has become a popular place for students and those looking to sit down and log on to the world wide web that don’t want the strictness of a library or the snobbyness of sitting in a coffee shop. With its open fire, fresh flowers, daily newspapers and a 50s TV set that’s been turned into a fish tank it’s the perfect place to unwind and chill.

Once the evening starts creeping along though the vibe shifts up a gear. The music becomes more vibrant and the place busier as those looking to escape their worldly worries and stresses are drawn in to the comforting bosom that The Angel provides. Thursday to Saturday nights play host to resident and guest DJs from across the country, and even the world, playing a varied and very eclectic mix of dance, hip-hop funk and soul. You can get up and dance, but you’ll have to holster those break dancing moves for another day because space is at a premium here and it does get very crowded. Luckily everyone is very nice so you can easily get chatting to the people you are rubbing up against in the jam for the bar, or when you are out grabbing some air on the hidden deck out the back. Here, even if you can’t make interesting conversation, there is a giant projector showing all manner of weird and wonderful videos; from skateboarding and surfing vids to classic cartoons to all manner of zany and bizarre visual feasts. On numerous occasions I have gone out there and got caught up watching something and completely forgotten the friends I was with.  I like to think that this shows the quality and uniqueness of what’s on offer here, rather than how rude and easily distracted I can be, especially when an old He-Man cartoon comes on.

5 reasons The Angel is a one off:

·         Don’t expect a locally sourced pie or trio of Italian vegetable risotto because The Angel does not do food. Unlike almost all pubs now, this place survives purely on beverages, which shows you how popular it can get.

·         The Star Wars themed toilet. I can only speak for the gents but this is a like a geeks Nirvana. With the walls plastered in pictures and posters of all your favourite characters (original trilogy only) you can stand there and relieve yourself while staring into the eyes of a Wookie

·          The Music. Playing some of the best underground tunes and alternative beats this is a rare haven for those not into the mainstream musical establishment. With the Open Mic Nights every Wed and regular special musical events with guest DJs spinning all kinds of genres, this is the place to come to find new music.

·         The Big Screen. As I mentioned before you can suddenly find you’ve been sat out on the deck for half an hour watching a nature film or music videos and have completely forgotten about your date you left inside. (Get around this by inviting them out with you and then using the films as an ice breaker! Full of good dating advice me)

·         The Locals. They may look like they haven’t seen a comb in 10 years and suddenly start talking to you about the evils of the welfare state but they are all very friendly and quirky and help give the place its ambience and reputation. You never know, maybe you’ll make a friend?

The Angel is one of those places every town and city should have. Not every bar should be like it, but there should always be one somewhere so that people who don’t want a synthesised, watered down environment can go and feel like they are part of the furniture, hang out with like minded people, have a good time, and not worry about staining the carpet. Relaxed and comfortable, but never boring.

Opening Hours;

Mon - Tue: 12:00 - 00:00

Wed - Thu: 12:00 - 01:00

Fri - Sat: 12:00 - 02:00

Sun: 12:00 - 00:00

Address;

32 Queen Street
Exeter
Devon
EX4 3SR