Welcome to The Showman!

You can find this great little pub half way down Cowick Street just next to St Thomas the Apostle church, only a few minutes walk from Exeter St Thomas railway station. Beautifully refurbished, the pub features a light & bright bar where you can relax in the safe and friendly atmosphere that is fast becoming the trademark of your hosts Paul & Debbie Andrew.

Opening hours are from 11am to 11pm Monday to Wednesday, 11am to midnight Thursday to Friday, 12noon to midnight on Saturday and 12noon to 6pm Sunday.

As well as the front bar there is also
The Carousel Suite - the fabulous fairground themed function room which is used for some of the more sizeable events held at The Showman as well as being available for bookings for private parties with disco and buffet services available.

The Showman of Exeter really is so much more than just another pub. It has everything a normal pub has but that little bit more too. We believe in tradition, and not only does this pub represent a traditional pub but also represents another true British tradition, the travelling fun fair.
So, alongside real ales, dart boards & a roaring open fire, we also have a wide selection of fairground memorabilia on display: historical pictures, displays, various pieces of real fairground rides and a gigantic cockerel.. The list goes on and on, not forgetting our lovingly restored centrepiece; the waltzer car - click the link to find out more.

All these things are on top of everything you would expect from a traditional pub such as a great selection of beers wines & spirits, a full & delicious menu, pub games, teams, live music, karaoke, charity events, disco’s and above all a warm friendly atmosphere.

It has a history too - check out Paul's article below.

Check out our guide to what goes on at The Showman by clicking the links on the left of the page.

See you soon!

History

After looking up various information at the Devon Records Office, we have discovered that there has been a pub here since at least the 17 hundreds! On the Tythe map (really big & old map!) at Devon Records, there is a pub here in 1836 described in text as “two cottages & a skittle alley". Back then all that existed this side of the Exe bridge was Cowick Street & Alphington Road.

The common belief is that this pub was built to house the workers who were working on the Church right next door and at that time it would have been a beer house - something less posh than an inn or pub.

Previous names that have been dubbed to this great pub are, The Saddlers Arms, The Lamb & Flag, The Lamb & Lion, The Prince Albert & The Roadhouse.

Of course the name now is the Showman & there are many reasons for this new moniker. I have a history myself with showlife and travelled for over 10 years with the famous west country funfair Anderton & Rowlands. During this time I took literally thousands of pictures, some of which can be seen on the walls of the main bar and the Carousel Suite.

Also, right across the road was a place called Fishers Court, a winter quarters for the travelling firm of
T Whiteleggs & Sons funfair for over 100 years.. The area is now called Carousel Court.

The pub must have seen hundreds of showfolk pass though its doors over the years. We thought the name of the Showman would give this place a little of our character & of course mark the local connection with the showpeople of West Country. The added bonus of course is that there is something a little more interesting to look at here than horse brasses & pictures of people nobody can relate to. I can explain a story to each & every picture here & offer an insight in to each antique displayed. Just ask me when you see me.

Paul Andrew.
Landlord.