Exeter’s independent food scene has a new star in the form of The Sunset Society. This chilled-out cafe by day and live music bar and pizza joint by night is going to be a firm favourite of mine. It just so happens to be on my route to and from the city centre so you can expect to find me there a lot!
Owner Howard Parker opened The Sunset Society on the back of its sister venue, Pura Vida’s success. Pura Vida opened in 2020 between lockdowns and it was always a dream of his to progress. Growing up and working in cafes in Topsham is where his passion for owning his own business came from. He catered his studies to this dream at the University of Gloucester and graduated in hospitality giving him the perfect foundation for both businesses.
He tells me he “wants to approach The Sunset Society with a new outlook”. With Pura Vida’s customers being almost entirely students he wanted to bring something else to the table with The Sunset Society. He is adamant that he wants his new venture to be for everybody and judging from the mixed clientele I see every time I walk past I would say he seems to be hitting that balance.
It’s only been open a few short weeks and already it is a hub for the local community of St James. People of all ages come for a great cup of locally roasted coffee, wholesome food by day and a local beer or glass of wine with one of their homemade stone-based pizzas by night.
The daytime menu is inspired by the kind of dishes that Howard likes to eat. Breakfast and brunch dishes feature quite heavily. Be tempted with croissant French toast topped with fruit and syrup, creamy garlic mushrooms or peanut butter baked beans on ciabatta toast. Fancy something a bit more on the lunch side of things? May I recommend the Tadka Dal topped with toasted seeds or one of their loaded flatbreads. If you don’t want a complete meal then there is a selection of cakes for you to enjoy alongside your coffee. Most of the dishes have the option to be made vegan too. Great for those following that diet or those wanting to cut down on their meat intake.
Howard wants the evenings to be relaxed and social with live music every Thursday. He feels lucky to have resident songstress Liang Lawrence who had her very first gig at Pura Vida whilst she was studying at Exeter University to serenade you as you tuck into a pizza off their evening menu. He is hoping to have pop-up nights with different culinary themes too, the first being a curry night inspired by chef Jemma’s Indian routes, so watch this space.
When the weather is good, take advantage of their cosy courtyard at the back or their large picnic table at the front.
You can find The Sunset Society on the corner of St James Road and Old Tiverton Road.
Opening times are;
Mon-Wed 8.30am-5pm
Thur-Fri 8.30am-10pm
Sat 9am-5pm
Sun 10am-3pm
Disclaimer: I was not paid to write this post but did get a free lunch when I visited. All views are my own as always.