THE OLD FIREHOUSE – TURNING UP THE HEAT ON EXETER’S LIVELY MUSIC SCENE

Welcome to a fiery cornerstone of music, culture, and community. With its rustic charm, real ales, and an ever-rotating lineup of live music, it stands as a testament to the city’s lively arts scene.

Team IM caught up with the venue to get insight into what makes this venue a must-visit spot.

Venue Name: The Old Firehouse

Address: 50 New North Road, EX4

Contact Email: info@oldfirehouseexeter.co.uk

Contact Phone Number: 01392 277 279

Photo Credit: The Old Firehouse, Exeter
Photo Credit: The Old Firehouse, Exeter
Photo Credit: The Old Firehouse, Exeter
Photo Credit: The Old Firehouse, Exeter

The Old Firehouse is synonymous with diversity, hosting genres that span the spectrum of Exeter’s eclectic music taste.

A blend of rhythms that resonate with a broad audience: Funk, Reggae, Soul, Jazz, Hip Hop, and Rock n Roll right through to Indie Rock, Latin Funk, Indie Disco and Alternative.

The venue shines with its signature events, from the electrifying Friday night live music sessions to the soulful Ex-Tunes every Sunday, showcasing great local and international talent.

Each weekend is different. Visitors are encouraged to pop on their dancing shoes and be prepared to rub shoulders, knees and toes with Exeter’s best party pubgoers.

The venue has been a launchpad for talents and has witnessed unforgettable nights filled with music and memories.

Mad Dog Mcrea, Willie and the Bandits, My Baby, Pattern Pusher, Reggaskas, Revelation Roots, Town of Cats, Electric Spank, Red Cups… the list goes on!

Ex-Tunes Sundays have become a staple, offering a stage for talented student performers for the community of music lovers.

Free entry

In keeping with The Old Firehouse’s inclusive spirit, entry to its live music nights is always free, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the joy of music without barriers.

Beyond the music, The Old Firehouse offers a warm, inviting space for over 300 guests.

Its amenities include a bar, a dancefloor, an outdoor beer garden, and more seating on the second level.

Close-up of four delicious pizzas with fresh toppings arranged on a wooden table, accompanied by drinks in a cozy pub setting. — Photo Credit: The Old Firehouse, Exeter

The Old Firehouse is also renowned for its culinary delights, mainly its legendary 14″ pizzas and Sunday roasts. With vegetarian, vegan, and GF options, there’s something for everyone to savour.

Their famous 14″ pizzas make a great meal or a real crowd-pleaser for sharing!

Pizzas are fully customisable, with a range of extra toppings to choose from. Paired with their selection of the best and local cider, ales and beers on barrel, the Old Firehouse is the perfect venue to lock in for the night.

Ideally located a few minutes’ walk from Exeter Central train station and close to various accommodations like the Leonardo Hotel and the Queens Court Hotel, The Old Firehouse is an ideal starting point for exploring Exeter’s attractions.

From the cosy corners of Gandy Street to the tranquil beauty of the Quayside, there’s much to discover.

Check out our article for the top spots in Exeter to visit.

Click Here

Photo Credit: The Old Firehouse, Exeter
Photo Credit: The Old Firehouse, Exeter
Photo Credit: The Old Firehouse, Exeter
Photo Credit: The Old Firehouse, Exeter

Between the mid-1800s and the early 1930s, it was a working fire station before the fire service moved its operation to the nearby Danes Castle. In fact, one of its original fire lamps now stands outside Danes Castle.

During the Second World War it was a military recruitment office, and in the 60s and 70s it was used as a warehouse for railway supplies before becoming derelict.

It opened as The Old Fire House in 1986. The rest, they say, is history.

As The Old Firehouse continues to light up Exeter’s music scene, it invites everyone to become a part of its story.

Whether the allure of live music draws you, the taste of a heavenly pizza, or the charm of a historic city, The Old Firehouse welcomes locals, visitors, and tourists to make memories that echo well beyond its walls.

For more information on upcoming events, follow them on social media.

The Old Firehouse, Exeter

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Best booking so far for 2024? – “Cantaloop had a Beatles moment when they played in February – a packed crowd to watch their gig and lots of screaming/giggling students. We also had a fun Irish dance off on St Paddy’s weekend with The Dilly Boys playing Celtic style pop classics.”

Describe the venue in three words? “Vibin’, quirky, lively.”

If the venue was a season, what would it be? ”Autumn – cosy, heart-warming, homey, where you wanna be all year round. ❤️”

Capacity: During live music, we remove the tables from the downstairs bar area to make space for a dancefloor. The downstairs area where live music is performed has a max capacity of around 90 guests standing. Entire building has a capacity for 300 guests (standing/seated combined)

Cloakroom: We don’t have a cloakroom unfortunately.

Seating Area: Bar, outdoor beer garden with seating, more seating on second floor.

Access: Limited access, but the ground floor is accessible from the street (i.e. there are no steps or stairs to get from the street entrance to the bar.

Admission: Free

Can you think of any hotels/places to stay close to the venue? For example, if a visitor were to ask for a recommendation: our sister pub in Exeter, The Turks Head, has 6 lovely rooms available (a 10-minute walk from us on the High Street). The Mercure Exeter Rougemont Hotel is also close by.

Are you a musician, venue, or music-related business in Exeter? Reach out to the team to be featured on the Involving Music website.

– Chelsea Branch

Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track 'Rudy's in Love' (and the frontman, Preston). After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene—a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul's Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.

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