Anyone who’s been to The Exeter for a pint rarely stops at one visit. They go again and again and join the thousands-strong group of regulars who truly adore The Exeter Hotel.
This year, the people have come together in full voice to vote for The Exeter as the best pub in Adelaide in Time Out Australia’s Food & Drink Awards for 2026.
What do we love about the Exeter? It’s the grittiness, the mosaic street front tables, the scrawled-on, stickered bathroom walls, and the atmosphere. But most of all, it’s the people.
In summer, outside tables are filled with animated groups of new friends and old, pints clinking, and laughter carrying down the street. Come too late and you’d be lucky to score a seat by yourself, but a quick scan and you’ll more often than not spot someone you know and quickly be invited to join their fun.
In winter, the braver crowd will still be out front, donning bulky puffer jackets and slowly sipping a dark ale. But most of us will be out in the beer garden, warming our hands on the overhead heaters or by the fireplace engaged in a tense game of darts.
Want a feed while you’re there? There’s always a mouthwatering list of pub classics neatly scrawled on a chalkboard opposite the bar. If you’re hungry, the chicken schnitty is a must.
There’s room for a private party too, with an old staircase leading upstairs to a balcony overlooking the street.
While the impressive lineup of Coopers on tap is the go-to for most, the pub makes a case for having an excellent wine list, along with cider, sparkling and plenty more. It’s also made a notable point of serving premium Krug champagne from a butcher’s glass, 166 of which were embellished with a Krug brand mark.
And you can’t mention The Exeter without bringing up its knack for hosting live music, every weekend welcoming bands, DJs, and performers to rock the front room.
If there’s one word to describe The Exeter, it’s reliable.
Previously, Time Out Australia’s Food & Drink Award has only covered Australia’s two biggest cities, Melbourne and Sydney. 2026 is the first time the awards have ventured into other states and territories, giving SA punters a glimpse of the venues the masses are loving the most.
The publication said this year attracted a record number of votes, with more than 10,000 cast.
There were four people’s choice winners for each state, covering bars, pubs, restaurants and cafes.
Time Out Australia Food & Drink Award 2026 SA People’s Choice winners
- Favourite Restaurant: Ekhidna Kitchen
- Favourite Cafe: Bloom
- Favourite Bar: Latteria
- Favourite Pub: Exeter Hotel
For the full list of people’s choice winners, click here.
