The Blue Ball Inn is situated on the outskirts of Exeter city centre, so close to the rugby ground that you could score a conversion from the car park, and yet with its thatched roof, charming gardens with an outside bar and comfortable seating, and laid-back atmosphere, the inn could be in the middle of the countryside. Dating back to the 16th century, the Blue Ball has been updated in a relaxed, traditional style, with restaurant areas extending off the animated and inviting lounge bar. The inn also offers four contemporary double, twin and family bedrooms for those travelling or on business.
The inn is popular with rugby fans and boasts a great range of real ales, along with a comprehensive wine list and locally produced soft drinks. To begin our meal, we chose whole baked Camembert stuffed with rosemary, and creamy garlic mushrooms served on toasted ciabatta with pea shoots. The oozing cheese was comforting and the mushrooms were sublime. For mains, it had to be Kenniford Farm sausages on buttered mash with onion gravy and seasonal veg, along with a falafel burger served in a brioche bun with a feast of hummus, yoghurt, mint and cucumber dip, red cabbage slaw and sweet potato fries.
Desserts looked and sounded really tempting, but we were already amply satisfied. I’d highly recommend this charming and lively inn so, in rugby terms, scrum down, be converted and give it a try.