Exeter’s stunning secret rooftop garden is surprising gem

The recent prolonged spell of hot weather has seen people flocking to beer gardens and roof terraces in Exeter city centre to soak up the sun with a cold beverage but there is one destination that very few people know about. The surprising hidden gem is Exeter Snooker Club which is tucked away in Guinea Street behind Wetherspoon’s pub The Chevalier and popular all-you-can-eat restaurant Buffet City.

At first, you might not even know you have arrived because of its plush exterior and main sign that reads One Guinea Street. In smaller lettering are the words Exeter Snooker Club revealing the correct destination has been found.

The reason for the two names immediately becomes apparent as soon as you enter the venue because downstairs is the home of One Guinea – a huge room with a bar and stage that can be hired out – and the upstairs is where all the potting action takes place.

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It’s also where you will find its renovated rooftop garden with far-reaching views of the city and surrounding countryside. The good news is you don’t have to be a member to drink there but those who are get to enjoy a discount on drinks.

Exeter Snooker Club is said to have been in existence since the ’70s and around six years ago it came under new ownership. Since then it has undergone a vast transformation including new female toilets and gutting the downstairs to turn it into a hireable venue from parties to live music and poetry nights to comedy nights.

It has its own entrance, bar and toilets making it separate from the snooker club. It can accommodate up to 100 people, is disabled friendly and can serve food.

The snooker club itself has a very different feel to the downstairs offering. It is home to five snooker tables, three of which are in a separate room, and a pool table in what is known as the Club Room.

It is home to around 10 snooker teams who have enjoyed some good successes over the years. It also has a pool team and is hoping to resurrect a darts team.

Revealing how the venue has transformed in recent years, manager Katy Noble said: “It was a real old school snooker club and for the first two years when the new owner took over it was run as it was. Then it began to be renovated.

“People have no idea what’s here. It seems a shame people don’t know about us. It’s an amazing underused facility in the centre of town. There is a big dichotomy between the upstairs and downstairs.”

The snooker club and One Guinea are both open to non-members and currently, pints are £5 or less.

Katie said: “We have kept our prices down as we want everyone to be able to come out and have a pint. We get a lot of locals and regulars here.

“Like most places, we have lost some really good friends over the years and since Covid. It’s a friendly place to come and you can have a laugh with everyone.

“It’s a complete mix of people who come in here. Some just come for the snooker, some just for a drink or both.

“We don’t get trouble in here because it’s a family-oriented place, but we have a policy that states if you throw a punch in here you are barred for life. Another policy is any woman who comes in here and needs help we will help them. That will never change.

“It’s a place you can come for a couple of pints or the whole evening and the welcome is the same whether it’s your first time or 400th visit. It’s home to a lot of regulars and friends, and we just need more of them. I would like to see this place survive and we are an independent, not a chain.

“It’s a great place with a beautiful view. The staff are friendly and we work hard together to keep this place going.”

The snooker club is renowned for its snooker and pool tables that are meticulously and lovingly maintained by a club regular.

Katie said: “The person who looks after them loves them! He also says we have the best pool table in town; it’s used for competitions.”

Exeter Snooker Club is currently closed on Monday and Tuesday due to staffing issues. It is open from 4pm to close Wednesdays and Thursdays and 11am to close Fridays to Sundays. Membership costs £50 a year and includes a discount on drinks and pool and snooker. Pre-booking is not always required.

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