Courtenay Room Café
Just a year old in its latest incarnation, the Institution's Courtenay Room Café, run by Charlotte Cooper, has already become something of an, ahem, institution.
Come on in!
Open from 11am–3pm, Tuesday to Friday, and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, the Café serves up a wide range of delicious homemade lunches, light meals, and snacks. The menu changes every season, with hearty soups throughout the winter and fresh salads in the summer, as well as legendary sweet treats. Download a sample menu here.
The Café is housed in the Institution’s Courtenay Room, which gives it its name. Boasting one of the oldest ceilings in Exeter, an impressive fireplace, complete with coats of arms, and a beautiful window that looks out over the courtyard garden, it is a unique place in which to socialise and relax. The popular and ever-expanding Talking Point table is perfect if you’re new to the Institution and would like meet some friendly faces.
“The friendship and camaraderie is fantastic. I learn so much and it’s the best group of people ever. The food is phenomenal. Setting up the talking table is the best thing ever.”
The Courtenay Room is a ‘no laptop’ zone, but members are welcome to bring newspapers and journals through from the Outer Library to read with a cup of tea. It’s also home to our Second-hand Book Trolley, where you can pick up quality hardbacks and paperbacks for just £3 and £2 respectively.
Reservations
Walk-ins of fewer than 6 people are welcome. If you wish to bring a party of 6 or more people, though, please contact Charlotte directly to book. Follow the Café on Instagram @the_courtenayroomdei to find out what’s cooking!
“Since I have joined the DEI (last year) I have enjoyed talking to people I the Courtenay Room; I really like the ‘talking table’. I particularly like Charlotte’s pancakes and cakes.”
Our Guest and Visitor Policy
We love it when our members introduce their friends, family, and colleagues to the DEI by bringing them in to show them our beautiful spaces or treat them to lunch in the Courtenay Room. This is just a polite reminder that, should your guests wish to stay longer, use the library, or study in our spaces, then temporary day- or week-long memberships are available.
And if you’re planning to host a business meeting or use one of our rooms for extended purposes, please note that venue hire charges apply. As a charity, we rely on membership fees and venue hire income to continue flourishing. Thank you for your understanding and support in this.
Supper Clubs
Charlotte also hosts a monthly Supper Club for members and their guests. Each Supper Club has a theme and comprises a carefully curated three-course meal, complete with a glass of wine, coffee, and petit fours, with vegetarian and vegan options available. Tickets are just £30 per head.
Depending on the time of year and the weather, Supper Clubs take place either in the Courtenay Room or outside in our beautiful courtyard garden tucked away at the back of the Institution. Numbers are strictly limited, so you can expect a gorgeously intimate evening of company and conversation – a chance to meet new friends and get to old acquaintances better.
Keep an eye on our What’s On page for upcoming dates, and contact Charlotte direct to book your place.
Non-members
Non-members are welcome to visit the Café if you are at the Institution to attend a workshop or event, such as our popular quarterly Second-hand Book Sale, when there’s often a special menu available, e.g. pie and mash, or quiche and salad. Keep an eye on our What’s On page for Book Sale dates.
